Studies in1 Corinthians (46)

Concerning tongues and prophecy

1 Cor. 14:1-25

Tongues in scriptures

From Greek, γλώσσῃ (Glossa)•Organ in mouth – Jas. 3:5-8•Conversation – 1 Pet. 3:10•Languages of men – Rev. 10:11•Language of angels – 1 Cor. 13:1

Tongues in scripturesFrom Greek, γλώσσῃ (Glossa)A language spoken by someone that the one who communicated it had never learned, but through the Spirit he was able to communicated the message of God to those who did understand the language – Language of our text

Tongues in scriptures

From Greek, γλώσσῃ (Glossa)1 Cor. 14:2The term used 11 times in this chapter – miraculous!Best description – a foreign language of men!

Tongues in scriptures

A foreign languageActs 2:1-4 – on Pentecost, - apostles spoke in tonguesAc. 2:6, “everyone heard them speak in his own language

Tongues in scriptures

A foreign languageActs 2:8, “we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?”Vs. 11 – “we hear them speak in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.”

Tongues in scriptures

What about tongues of angels?1 Cor. 13:1, whatever it is, the message was emphasizing love – IF we spoke in that language. ALSO note that angels did speak languages of men – but perfectly delivered! Gen. 16:7, 19:1

Tongues in scripturesHave miraculous gifts of tongues ceased?1 Cor. 13:8- specifically mentions tongues among the “gifts” that will fail. Among gifts apostles bestowed – Acts 19:6NOTE: Even if an unintelligible language, these texts tell us they are not spoken today

Tongues – 1 Cor. 14

1 Cor. 14:1 – desire gifts, especially that you prophecy

14:2 – the “tongue” not understandable to the one speaking”

Could this be a foreign language?

Tongues – 1 Cor. 14

1 Cor. 14:3-4 – Prophecy edifies men(the church), while tongues only edify the one speaking them14:5 – tongues only beneficial IF one there who can interpret

Could this be a foreign language?

Tongues – 1 Cor. 14

1 Cor. 14:6-9 – Paul speaking in tongues ONLY profitable if it results in revelation, knowledge, prophesying, or teaching – all indicating intelligible language!Even instruments make a distinct sound!Could this be a foreign language?

Tongues – 1 Cor. 14

1 Cor. 14:10 – There are many different kinds of languages in world – all significant14:11– without meaning one is a foreigner (barbarian)(e.g. bilingual services)

Could this be a foreign language?

Tongues – 1 Cor. 14

1 Cor. 14:12 – If zealous for gifts, let it be for edification of the church – i.e. to inform!14:13-14 – if the one who speaks in a tongue also interprets, he can benefit himself

Could this be a foreign language?

Tongues – 1 Cor. 14

1 Cor. 14:15– Sing and pray with spirit and understanding

14:16-17 – Concerning the uninformed, how can he say, “Amen” if he doesn’t understand what you pray?

Could this be a foreign language?

Tongues – 1 Cor. 14

1 Cor. 14:18-19 – Paul spoke in tongues, BUT in the church he would rather speak 5 words with understanding that 10,000 in a tongue. He implies that tongues are best beneficial OUTSIDE the church!Could this be a foreign language?

Tongues – 1 Cor. 14

1 Cor. 14:20 – a challenge to be mature in understanding and “babes” in malice (evil)14:21 – IT is written in the Law… see Isa.28:11-12 – a text pointing to the foreign language of AssyriaCould this be a foreign language?

Tongues – 1 Cor. 14

1 Cor. 14:22 – tongues are a sign for UNBELIEVERS, prophesying for believers

14:23 – How will “uninformed or unbelievers” act if they observes “tongues” with no interpreter?

Could this be a foreign language?

Tongues – 1 Cor. 14

1 Cor. 14:24-25 – BUT if all prophecy, even the unbeliever learns – is convicted and convinced. His heart is revealed and he submits to GodThe unbeliever BENEFITS from an orderly service!Could this be a foreign language?

Tongues – 1 Cor. 14

1 Cor. 14:1-25 – these details about the tongues of the text are MORE clearly understood if they refer to a foreign language of men

Vs. 26-30 – further regulate tongues in the assembly

Tongues today

NOT for teaching outsiders NOT used to confirm the

truth NOT used for teaching

others A form of “entertainment”

Tongues today

A manifestation that one has been saved and then receives the Holy Spirit

WARNING: If an interpreter is present, how can you know he speaks the truth?

May we seek to teach others with words and deeds that they can fully

understand – not some emotional

show!