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NASB | 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one [Holy] Spirit we were all baptized into one body, [spiritually transformed--united together] whether Jews or Greeks (Gentiles), slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one [Holy] Spirit [since the same Holy Spirit fills each life]. [Rom 3:22; Gal 3:28] |
Subject: speaking in tongues 1cor.12:1coming |
Bible Note: Prayon, 1 Corinthian 12:1 says that believers should not be ignornant of spiritual gifts. It is therefore, good that we are discussing this. Obviously we are of differing opinions. Let me share with you why I believe the way I do about tongues. Taking our guidance from the Word of God I direct you to 1 Corinthians 12. The topic of this chapter is spiritual gifts. Paul's desire is made known in verse two, where he states that he doesn't want us to be led astray. That is good because we want to understand clearly. Read this chapter carefully and you will see that there are a variety of gifts but the same Spirit. (vs. 4) As you read you will notice in verse seven it says, "To each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit". Why is it given? As the rest of the verse says, for the common good. Reading down to verse 11, you will see that many different manifestations of the Spirit are given to believers. Among these manifestations is the gift of tongues. Notice that verse 11 says, that the one and the same Spirit distributes all these things to each one as HE WILLS IT. So who is giving the gifts? God does. Who receives the gifts? All believers (7). Are all believers given the same gifts? NO. Look at verses 28-30 and you will see that in order for the body of Christ to grow we all cannot have the same gift. It would not benefit us as a church body. Are some gifts better than others? No. Clearly this chapter points that out. We are all valuable to the body of Christ. As to the example you have given you must keep it in context. First of all you will remember that this chapter involved Simon the Magician. All the people were following him because of the signs and wonders he was performing, until Philip came and did signs and wonders in Jesus name. When the people saw what Philip could do, in Jesus name, they quickly changed sides. The people were only baptized in the name of Jesus. Notice the word ONLY. They had not yet repented of their sins as is clear when Simon later tries to buy the gift of the Holy Spirit from Peter and John (18-23). Yes, tongues is an evidence of the Holy Spirit's dwelling, but so is prophecy, teaching, interpretation of tongues, etc. these are all gifts of the Holy Spirit manifested in us as a sign from God that He is with us, again I point you to 1 Cor. 12. All these gifts are given to us for God's glory and to build up and unite the body of Christ. Can we ask for gifts? No. For again scripture clearly states that the Holy Spirit gives the gifts as He wills it. 1 Cor.12:11. We must also try to remember that tongues are a sign for unbelievers. (1 cor. 14:22) As evidenced by the many who heard the Apostles speak in their own languages on Pentecost and many were saved. Tongues was obviously a gift needed to reach the masses. Today the gift of tongues has unfortunately been elevated by some Christians as THE gift. That only people with the gift of tongues are saved. As Scripture clearly points out, that is simply not true. Which is why Paul wrote to the Corinthians in the first place, because people back then were also trying to make tongues more important than any of the other gifts. For someone to say that the Holy Spirit only gives the manifestation of tongues at our rebirth, would be a contradiction of scripture. Blessings, Songbirdca |