Gift of Tongues (Wednesday Study 4/20/11

Tongues mentioned-

Mark 16 (prophesied)
Acts 2 (Day of Pentecost), Acts 10 (Cornelius’ house), Acts 19 (Ephesus)
1 Corinthians 12-14 (14 times in 12 verses)

We will focus our attention on Paul’s teachings in 1 Corinthians concerning Tongues

Not everyone has the gift of tongues. (ch. 12:30)
Tongues without love are worthless. (ch. 13:1) (side note- ch. 13:1 does not teach that tongues are an angelic language.)
Tongues will cease, when the perfect comes. (ch. 13:8-10)
One speaking in tongues speaks to God. (ch. 14:2)
Tongues is self-edifying, whereas prophecy edifies the church. (ch. 14:4)
Tongues with interpretation is roughly equivalent to prophecy. (ch. 14:5,13)
Paul wished they all could speak in tongues. (ch. 14:5)
Prophecy is better for the church than tongues. (ch. 14:5ff.)
Speaking in tongues doesn’t benefit the body, because it makes no sense. (ch. 14:6-17)
It is not either/or. It is both/and. (ch. 14:15)
Paul wouldn’t speak in tongues in church. (ch. 14:19)
People who misuse tongues need to grow up. (ch. 14:20-21)
Tongues are a sign for unbelievers, not believers. (ch. 14:22) (Implies hearing their native tongue.)
Consider the effect of tongues and prophecy on unbelievers. (ch. 14:23-25)
Every use of all gifts in the church, including tongues, is for edification. (ch. 14:26)
When tongues are used in church, only two or three, in turn, and only with interpretation. (ch. 14:27-28)
The gift is under the control and discipline of the person using it. (ch. 14:30-33)
Women should keep silent in the church. (Context of prophecy and tongues.) (ch. 14:34-35)
Don’t forbid to speak with tongues. (ch. 14:39)

Summary- Three distinct uses of the gift of tongues. 1) Speaking a foreign language so an unbeliever hears it in his native tongue. 2) Speaking in tongues, then interpreting, as a substitute for prophecy. 3) Praying in tongues in private, to communicate with God, and edify yourself. The first use was only seen once, in Acts 2, but was perhaps used in the early evangelistic efforts, and any modern usage would be very rare, if real. The second use could perhaps be useful, if Biblical guidelines are adhered to, in cases where there are not people with the gift of prophecy. Obviously these uses are also rare, if they exist at all today. The third use is how Paul used the gift of tongues, and he did it more than anyone. As long as we have the need to communicate with God, and to be edified personally by Him, this should be a consideration for us. But we shouldn’t forget everything else he tells us about the gifts, and the need for humility and diversity.