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NASB | 1 Corinthians 14:22 So then tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophecy is for a sign, not to unbelievers but to those who believe. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 14:22 Therefore, [unknown] tongues are [meant] for a [supernatural] sign, not to believers but to unbelievers [who might be receptive]; while prophecy [foretelling the future, speaking a new message from God to the people] is not for unbelievers but for believers. |
Bible Question: After reading at great lengths the many post regarding speaking in tongues, I find myself a bit confused. Having spoken to a friend of mine, who shortly after being Baptised, was being pursuaded by a fellow Christian to speak in tongues. I am now left with questions. First, was speaking in tongues meant for the people of that time? Does tongues mean, "speaking in a language other than your own?" Or is tongues a heavenly language? From the posts I read, it is my understanding that tongues are for believers and non-believers. Can the speaking of tongues be taught to other Christians? And if so, how would one know if what they are being taught or hearing is the true "tongues"? It would make more sense to me, for one to be given the "Gift" to speak in other languages other than their own. Having such a gift would perhaps enable a Christian to speak the word of God to those who speak, Spanish, French, etc. In doing so, both believers and non believer would hear the word. In the learning that I am doing, I am finding that a great deal of what is written is somewhat difficult to apply fulling in this time. Maybe I am wrong. But that is another post for a later time. Please keep in mind that I feel that all of you are my teachers and I welcome everyones views and opinions. God Bless you all. |
Bible Answer: '8. The Initial Physical Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Ghost 'The baptism of believers in the Holy Ghost is witnessed by the initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives them utterance. 'Acts 2:4 [KJV/NIV] The speaking in tongues in this instance is the same in essence as the gift of tongues, but is different in purpose and use. '1 Corinthians 12:4-10 [KJV/NIV] 1 Corinthians 12:28 [KJV/NIV]' From "Assemblies of God Beliefs" (http://www.ag.org/top/beliefs/truths.cfm#8) - - - - - - - - - - 'Can a person be filled with the Holy Spirit without speaking in tongues? 'First let us examine the Scriptures. On the Day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit fell upon the assembled believers and "all of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues" (Acts 2:4). Later, as Peter was preaching at the house of Cornelius, "the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message" and they were "speaking in tongues and praising God" (Acts 10:44, 46). Again, as the apostle Paul was ministering to the Ephesian disciples, "the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied" (Acts 19:6). It is evident also that Paul himself was filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17) and spoke in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:18). These Scriptures clearly show that speaking in tongues is the initial physical evidence of being baptized in the Holy Spirit. 'When the early believers were filled, they spoke in other tongues, and the same holds true today. Millions of believers worldwide share the exact testimony: when they initially were baptized in the Holy Spirit they spoke in unknown tongues. This is the truth which Pentecostals consistently affirm. The prophecy of Joel 2:28, 29, cited by Peter in Acts 2:16, 17, links today's Spirit-filled believers with those who were filled with the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. The Spirit's fullness, evidenced initially by the phenomenon of speaking in other tongues, is the common experience all celebrate with joy. 'There are those who give testimony to a dynamic and life-changing encounter with the Holy Spirit who have never spoken in tongues. Nevertheless it cannot be said that they are filled with the Spirit in the New Testament sense of the term. There is an essential link between that experience and speaking in other tongues, as pointed out above. 'We affirm and teach these truths because they are based upon the pattern from God's Word. We do not look upon speaking in tongues as a proof of superior spirituality. It simply is a precious promise written in God's Word and fulfilled in our lives. To ignore it is to miss a great blessing and come short of the New Testament pattern. 'All who are hungry for the "filling" should be encouraged to trust the Lord for the overflowing evidence of that "filling"; namely, speaking in other tongues.' (http://www.ag.org/top/beliefs/baptism_hs/baptmhs_09_filledwotongues.cfm) |