The first time tongues are mentioned in the NT they refer to known languages, Acts 2:4, 6, as they do when last mentioned, Rev. 17:15. Many believe tongues were sometimes ecstatic utterances, unintelligible until interpreted, the least of several gifts of the Spirit, 1 Cor. 12:28, 31; 14:5. Several principles for their proper control are given in 1 Cor. 14, which spiritual believers must acknowledge to be the commandments of the Lord, v.37.
1. Five words which can be understood are better than 10,000 in a tongue, v.19.
2. Two or three persons at the most are to speak at any one meeting, v.27.
3. These are to speak one at a time, v.27.
4. No one is to speak in tongues unless an interpreter is present, v.28.
5. Each speaker is to exercise control over himself to avoid confusion, vv. 32, 33.
6. Women are to keep silent in the church, vv. 34, 35. The word “unknown” found in the AV is not in the original text.
It is implied in 1 Cor. 13:11; 14:20 that prophecy is more suited to mature Christians than are tongues. Prophecy is defined as speaking to men to edify, exhort, and comfort them, 14:3. Inasmuch as tongues are associated by some with the baptism or outpouring of the Holy Spirit, it is a notable fact that when the Spirit is poured out after the Lord’s return it leads to prophecy, not tongues, Joel 2:28,2
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PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
EVERLASTING SALVATION CHURCH OF GOD MINISTRIES
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