The gift of tongues and interpretation of tongues is perhaps the least understood and yet, in Charismatic circles, one of the most predominant gifts. So, let us do a deeper dive into them.
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.”
1 Corinthians 12: 7- 11
Once again, let’s clear up key differences between the prayer language of tongues and the gift of tongues:
The prayer language:
- In the prayer language, we speak mysteries in our spirit to God (It flows upward from our spirit by the Holy Spirit to the Lord God)
- It is for every individual, and it is a prayer language.
- There is no need for interpretation of tongues.
- The gift flows from our spirit upwards to God
- All Spirit-filled believers are given a prayer language.
The gift of tongues:
- It is a downward flow from the Father by the Holy Spirit through a human vessel to His Church
- The gift requires the gift of interpretation.
- It is for the Body of Christ
- This gift is where God downloads a message by His Spirit through a human vessel to bring a message to the Body.
- The gift is given as the Holy Spirit and is not a permanent thing.
Let’s start by noting in verse 10, it says “different,” and this word is italicized, meaning the translators of the Bible added it. The word “kinds” means to be of the same stock. So we have different kinds of tongues, but they are of the same stock; that is they are divine in origin. Tongues are a power gift that opens the door to the supernatural.
Understanding Why Tongues Are Important At a High Level
Firstly, they are the initial evidence and ongoing evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. It is a personal witness and powerful testament to us of His indwelling and swallowing us up in Himself. Further, it constantly builds in us a consciousness of His ongoing abiding and our need for daily fellowship with Him.
Secondly, tongues are perhaps the prominent gift seen manifested in a Spirit-filled Church that allows the Spirit freedom to move. Sadly, many Charismatic churches today have settled for the form and lost sight of the wonder, awe, and power of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. The early Pentecostals recognized how the Baptism changed everything and brought great power and life to their services. Tongues were sought after and a blessing to them.
This brings me to my third point, which is that tongues are the only gift unique to the Church Age. Even in the ministry of Jesus, we see all the gifts except for tongues.
Tongues are A Supernatural Sign
So, let’s begin looking at tongues to understand why God gave us the gift of tongues.
“And these signs will follow those who believe: in My Name they will cast our demons; they will speak with new tongues.”
Mark 16: 17
In the Old Testament, the word demon is often used regarding false gods and idols, and we know in the New Testament they are demonic spirits. The believer is given authority not just over these demonic spirits or false gods but to cast them out. It is important also to understand that these false gods or demonic spirits have a voice and seek to deceive. In the context of this, the Master tells us we will speak with new tongues. Many want to make tongues as something demonic, yet Jesus separates the two.
Jesus is explaining that tongues is the right of every believer and we know they are the result of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. And it is a sign that follows a believer.
Tongues is Unique to the Church Age
In different dispensations, God has operated through different delegated authorities. For example, we saw judges, prophets, and kings. The Lord anointed these people, and they became His representative on the earth to His people. He spoke to the people through the prophets or judges.
In the Church Age, the Holy Spirit has not just anointed a few people, but He has come and anointed all believers and all who receive Him, He has swallowed them up at the Baptism. We must understand that born-again believers are unique in that we are NEW CREATIONS. Further, we are intimately connected to the Lord.
Listen to what Jesus said:
“Assuredly, I say to you among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of Heaven is greater than he.”
John 11: 11
John was declared as the greatest of the prophets, but yet he is the least is the kingdom!
Tongues are the Evidence of the Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
We have seen the gift belongs to the Church Age and that the Church Age is unique from all other dispensations. Tongues are the initial evidence of the indwelling and confirmation of His ongoing indwelling.
If we look at the Word, we see the proof that tongues are the evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
- Acts 2: 1-4 The Day of Pentecost
“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
Acts 2: 1-4
As we continue reading, we are told those who came to Jerusalem heard the people speaking in different languages. The individuals speaking at no clue what they were saying, they were simply glorifying God. We don’t see the gift with interpretation. Every believer speaks in different languages, which the Lord used as a sign to the unbeliever.
- Acts 8: 5-17 The Preaching of Philip in Samaria
In Acts chapter eight, we see the disciples scattered due to persecution, and Philip goes to Samaria. He is an evangelist, so preaches the Gospel, and of course, we see mighty signs. The apostles hearing of the revival, came to Samaria and prayed that the people would receive Baptism in the Holy Spirit. They laid hands on the people, and we are told Simon, a sorcerer, who was watching SAW that through the laying on of hands, the people received the Holy Spirit. What did he SEE? Did He see them speak in tongues?
- Acts 9: 3-18 Pauls’ Baptism
In these verses, Paul is baptized in the Holy Spirit, and we know he stated later, “I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than you all (1 Cor. 14: 18)
- Acts 10: 44-46 Conversion of Cornelius’ Household
Peter is sent to preach at the house of a Gentile, and the whole house received the Lord.
“And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.”
Act 10: 45
So, how did they know that they had received the Baptism?
“For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.”
Acts 10: 46
The people were speaking in tongues. We have no evidence that they were speaking in different languages, but we do know each one of them was glorifying God. So, this was not the gift of tongues and therefore there is no interpretation. They were all worshipping and speaking to God.
- Acts 19: 1-7 Paul Comes to Ephesus
When Paul came to Ephesus, he met a group of John the Baptist disciples, and he asked them into which baptism they were baptized. Making the story shorter, Paul leads them into the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
“And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.”
Acts 19: 6
What was the evidence of the baptism? They began speaking in tongues. Again, we have no evidence they were speaking different languages, but we see no interpretation, so it means they were speaking to the Lord.
Speaking Mysteries to God
In First Corinthians twelve and fourteen, we see Paul speaking about the prayer language of tongues and the gift. Remember, as believers who had received the Holy Spirit, they knew about speaking in tongues or the prayer language. But what they were ignorant of was the gift of tongues.
“For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the Spirit he speaks mysteries.”
1 Corinthians 14: 2
Paul explains that when one is speaking in tongues, he is speaking mysteries to God. Here we see the person is speaking to God. The gift, however, is God speaking through a human vessel to men.
Tongues are a supernatural language in which we can enjoy intimate fellowship with the Lord God. Our spirit, led by the Holy Spirit, prays and worships the Lord. We saw in the case of Cornelius’ household that they began speaking in tongues, and they were magnifying the Lord. Remember, Jesus explained the Father is Spirit, and He is seeking worshipers who worship Him in spirit and truth. So, our prayer language is a powerful tool in praying and worshiping in the Spirit using a supernatural spiritual language.
Praying in the Spirit
We see several examples in the New Testament regarding praying in the Spirit, including:
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6: 18
Paul in this verse, instructs us to pray in the Spirit. What is the highest form of praying in the Spirit? Praying in tongues!
If we look at the early Church, we see that once they received Jesus, they were led in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with evidence of speaking in tongues. Speaking in tongues was normal and expected.
“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in spiritual psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord., giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5: 18-20
Paul explains that as believers, we should seek. To always be filled with the Holy Spirit and to abide in the place where He imparts to our spirit, spiritual songs, and hymns.
“…I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
Revelation 19: 10
Remember, the Holy Spirit comes to reveal Jesus and declare what He did and who He is. The Holy Spirit comes and imparts the spirit of prophecy, in which we testify and glorify Jesus. Therefore, there are songs and hymns we may sing with interpretation that come from the spirit of prophecy.
“For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with my understanding.”
1 Corinthians 14: 14-15
Here, Paul explains we can pray and we can sing in the Spirit or tongues. When we do so, we are doing with our spirit, and our understanding is unfruitful.
Again, we see this in Romans chapter eight, verse twenty-six.
The Gift of Tongues
“Do we all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?”
1 Corinthians 12:30
Here, we need to underline the fact Paul adds interpretation! The prayer language doesn’t require interpretation, but the gift does. Notice also regarding the gifts:
“But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as he wills.”
1 Corinthians 12: 11
The Holy Spirit gives the gifts as He wills when He wants. The gifts are not permanent, but the Holy Spirit gives the gifts to bless the Body. We are told to covet the best gifts. The gifts are not for us to build our ministry or make us look good, but they are for the Body. The gifts are to bless and build up the Body. We must not misinterpret what Paul said to suggest that prayer language is not for everyone. Again, these were Spirit-filled believers and it was expected that as a result, they would speak in tongues. Be careful not to take the verse out of context and suggest speaking in tongues is not for everyone.
“And God has appointed these in the Church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.”
1 Corinthians 12: 28-31
Many suggest that reading these verses, not all speak with tongues. However, again, Paul is talking about the gift of tongues as he refers to the gift of interpretation.
Stay Silent in Church
“How is it, then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge.”
1 Corinthians 14: 26-29
Please note and underline Paul is talking about the gift of tongues with the gift of interpretation. Regarding someone speaking in tongues and someone interpreting it, Paul explains to keep order in the church, this should be limited to two or, at the most, three.
“Let all things be done decently and in order.”
1 Corinthians 15: 40
Tongues and Prophecy
“But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the Church may receive edification.”
1 Corinthians 14: 3-5
Again, Paul is talking about the gift as he mentions interpretation. So, Paul explains that in a church service, if someone speaks in tongues without interpretation, then the one who prophesies is better. But this is not the case if there is an interpretation.
“I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.”
1 Corinthians 14: 18-19
Remember on the Day of Pentecost and in fact at the other accounts of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of tongues, there is no interpretation. On the Day of Pentecost, some unbelievers translated what was said but no interpretation. There was no preaching going on, but rather, they were in a worship mode. Otherwise, they violated what Paul was saying, and there was disorder. But in times of worship, there may be singing or praying in the Spirit.
But what Paul is talking about is someone giving a word in tongues by way of the gift, then there must be interpretation. Paul explained that he prayed in tongues more than they all did but when it came to a church service (yet in the church) he understood we need to hear the Word being preached.
We must never seek to operate in a gift, including tongues, except under the anointing or unction of the Holy Spirit.
