Bible Question:
What is tongues. Please explain this to me in plain English, and give me some passages from the new testament. God has not taught me this yet, but I am curious about it. Enlighten me in this so I won't be afraid next time someones says the word "Tongues" |
Bible Answer: "Tongue" means "language." The word used for "tongue" that people are talking about is from the Greek "glossa" meaning a naturally unacquired language, or one that you don't know from learning it in school or home. Having said that, I'd like to point out that nowhere in the Bible does it say that you must speak in a different language to show that you have the Holy Spirit. It is FAR more important to just follow Jesus' example and help others to do the same, agreed? Also note 1Cor 13:1 and 13:8, which explain that without love all this is useless, and that speaking in tongues is going to cease. Someone said, "First of all, tongues is nothing to be afraid of. 1Cor. 14 gives a good description of the use of tongues." I'd like to comment. Note 14:6. What good is it to speak without being understood by people? In vv. 2-3, it explains that when you speak in tongues you're building yourself up, not others. There is nothing wrong with feeling God's power by whatever means you can really do that, but let's not neglect the fellowship with each other either. Let's make it more of a point to help each other get to heaven by teaching the Scriptures. 1Cor 14:14 "For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful." (NIV) Also see v.19: "...I would rather speak 5 intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue." Finally, and most importantly, read it for yourself. I am not the final authority. Please, take nobody's word for what the Bible says or how to understand it except God's! Your loving friend in Christ, J. P. |