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NASB | 1 Corinthians 14:23 Therefore if the whole church assembles together and all speak in tongues, and ungifted men or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are mad? |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 14:23 So then, if the whole church gathers together and all of you speak in [unknown] tongues, and outsiders or those who are not gifted [in spiritual matters] or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? |
Subject: should all we be speaking tongues aloud |
Bible Note: Greetings Hank! I have heard John MacArthur's 'singular/plural' argument before, but there is a major problem with it. :-) Here are some comments that I made previously about this issue! *********************************************** It is not often that I disagree with Dr. MacArthur, but I do disagree with his view of 1 Cor. 14:14-17. If the singular "tongue" refers to a conterfeit gift, then why in 1 Cor. 14:27 does Paul give instruction about when and how to speak in a "tongue?" Was Paul saying that it was okay to engage in conterfeit gifts under certain conditions? The most likely explanation seems to be that when Paul is speaking of the gift in general, he uses the plural. However, when he is speaking of a particular utterance or manifestation of the gift, he uses the singular. It would be similar to us saying, "I speak languages" in general, but "I speak French" in particular. I do agree with MacArthur on this point though: The goal of all the gifts is to edify the Church. Uninterpreted tongues does not edify the Chruch; therefore, there are restrictions placed upon it. ********************************************** Simply put, there is not a single Scripture which says that a "tongue" is conterfeit while 'tongues' are genuine. This is simply an opinion presented as a fact. The Scriptural facts are found in what the Bible actually says about a 'tongue'. 1 Cor. 14:2 says that 'he who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God...'. 1 Cor. 14:4 says that 'he who speaks in a tongue edifies himself...'. The term 'edify' is also in 1 Cor. to refer to something which is beneficial and not harmful. 1 Cor. 14:13 says that 'Thefore, he who speaks in a tongue must pray that he may interpret'. I could go on, but there simply isn't any negative comment about about the use of a tongue other than it's misuse. Further, the context makes it clear that 'tongue' and 'tongues' are interchangable. Consider the following: 1) A 'tongue' and 'prophecy' are contrasted in 1 Cor. 14:4. 2) However, in the rest of the verses following, it is 'tongues' and 'prophecy' which are contrasted. 3) The point make about both a 'tongue' and 'tongues' is that uninterpreted they do not edify the body of Christ, whereas propehcy does. So, prophecy is to be preferred. 4) The command of 1 Cor. 14:13 is based upon this distinction between tongue/tongues and prophesy. 5) In this understanding, v. 27 is not an exception, but simply a continuation of the context. A 'tongue' refers to a speak spoken language, whereas 'tongues' refers to the spiritual gift in general. Is 'tongues' the greatest gift? No! Can it be abused? Yes! Can it be faked? Yes! But, every gift of God can be abused and/or faked! ******************** You are certainly correct my friend that too many put too much emphasis upon one gift. However, I am also hesitant to criticize or ignore one of God's gifts either. :-) Simply put, it is one of many of His gifts and has a part to play in the church, or He would not have given it. :-) Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |