Subject: how do you speak in tongues? |
Bible Note: The word "charisma" ("gift")is not used in verse 1...you are correct. However, it is used in its plural form 5 times in 1 Corinthians 12 (verses 4, 9, 28, 30, 31), and context clearly shows that the word is applied to tongues as part of a larger list of gifts. It makes no sense whatsoever to remove tongues and tongues alone out of the list of things identified collectively as gifts. The whole chapter is about gifts, and that is why the word is added by most translators to verse 1. And, once again, by looking at 1 Corinthians 12:28-30, we see that God has appointed different roles to different people. He explicitly states that all do not speak in a tongue, due to God's appointment, just like all do not have gifts of healing or teaching or administration or miracles. Just out of curiosity, why don't you try "receiving" those other things on Paul's list? Try receiving the ability to perform miracles. A good resurrection or giving an amputee his legs back would convince us all that you are right about "the holy spirit field." The entire chapter of 1 Corinthians 12 is Paul's description of the division of gifts and labor within the body of Christ. Tongues was placed clearly on the list of things that some had and others did not. Only someone trying to proof-text a cherished false teaching would misinterpret Paul's epistle the way you have done. --Joe! |