'Speaking in Tongues', true vs false.

[reddogs]

We find that the scripture shows us that it did occur, but how can a Christian tell if 'Speaking in Tongues' is being given by the Holy Spirit or it has come by a false spirit. Just because a person starts to mutter, mumble or shout unknown 'words' doesn't necessarily mean that they are being given them by the Holy Spirit. People with dementia, or drunks and the insane mumble and shout unknown words, are they being given spiritual gifts of speaking in tongues. Of course not, so how can one tell if the source is from the Holy Spirit, or from another origin.

There are many references to speaking in tongues in the Bible, and we find the most about tongues are Acts 2 and I Corinthians 12-14. Now, you have to understand that at the time there were Jews and non-Jews who came to Jerusalem and from nearby regions who spoke another languages. To communicate with others with different languages, the early Christians needed to have been given a gift so they could understand the Gospel, and the scripture clearly shows that happening. There are many times being able to speak to others in their own tongue or language was very important as we see in the instance when Paul addressed the Jews to give them a understanding of who he was.

Acts 22
1 Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.
2 (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)
3 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

Now in Acts 2 when the Apostles speak in tongues it makes if very clear why and what they were speaking.

Acts 2
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

The key part here is there were coming to Jerusalem, 'Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.' We clearly see the purpose and the actual use of speaking in tongues, it was not just babbling or muttering of foolish nonsense, it had a specific purpose and directed for the understanding of those from other languages and lands, as they heard 'speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.'

6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

So speaking nonsensical words and utterances with no one to understand or for no practical reason, is it spiritually the same as the speaking in tongues given to the apostles and the early church.

Keep in mind it happened in the early church, the deception of Montanism known by its adherents as the 'New Prophecy', and its followers claimed the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. They spoke in ecstatic visions and utterances and claimed they received the prophetic gift from the prophets. It originated in Phrygia, and spread rapidly to other regions in the Roman Empire and persisted in some isolated places into the 6th century. It was a false speaking in tongues, and was recognized as such, yet spread everywhere and fooled many Christians till it was stamped out.

 

[leov]

We find that the scripture shows us that it did occur, but how can a Christian tell if 'Speaking in Tongues' is being given by the Holy Spirit or it has come by a false spirit. Just because a person starts to mutter, mumble or shout unknown 'words' doesn't necessarily mean that they are being given them by the Holy Spirit. People with dementia, or drunks and the insane mumble and shout unknown words, are they being given spiritual gifts of speaking in tongues. Of course not, so how can one tell if the source is from the Holy Spirit, or from another origin.

There are many references to speaking in tongues in the Bible, and we find the most about tongues are Acts 2 and I Corinthians 12-14. Now, you have to understand that at the time there were Jews and non-Jews who came to Jerusalem and from nearby regions who spoke another languages. To communicate with others with different languages, the early Christians needed to have been given a gift so they could understand the Gospel, and the scripture clearly shows that happening. There are many times being able to speak to others in their own tongue or language was very important as we see in the instance when Paul addressed the Jews to give them a understanding of who he was.

Acts 22
1 Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.
2 (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)
3 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

Now in Acts 2 when the Apostles speak in tongues it makes if very clear why and what they were speaking.

Acts 2
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

The key part here is there were coming to Jerusalem, 'Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.' We clearly see the purpose and the actual use of speaking in tongues, it was not just babbling or muttering of foolish nonsense, it had a specific purpose and directed for the understanding of those from other languages and lands, as they heard 'speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.'

6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

So speaking nonsensical words and utterances with no one to understand or for no practical reason, is it spiritually the same as the speaking in tongues given to the apostles and the early church.

Keep in mind it happened in the early church, the deception of Montanism known by its adherents as the 'New Prophecy', and its followers claimed the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. They spoke in ecstatic visions and utterances and claimed they received the prophetic gift from the prophets. It originated in Phrygia, and spread rapidly to other regions in the Roman Empire and persisted in some isolated places into the 6th century. It was a false speaking in tongues, and was recognized as such, yet spread everywhere and fooled many Christians till it was stamped out.

1"If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels,"

Humans have designed \ built in spiritual perception organs. Speaking with tongues (vs speaking foreign languages) is kind of like mirror reflecting light, pure mechanically,

 

[Enoch07]

My understanding is speaking in tongues is like speaking a universal language everyone can understand. So if you was blessed with the gift, and spoke to a room with 10 people all fluent in different languages. All 10 would understand you at the same time. Personally I don't think it has anything to do with your physical voice, or the actual words coming out of your mouth.

Take me for instance I only speak English, and a tiny bit of German and Spanish. So if I had the gift, and spoke to a room of people who didn't understand English. The words coming out of my mouth would be English, but they would understand anyways. Like God was translating the words or meanings in between myself and the listeners. Something along those lines.

 

[reddogs]

1"If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels,"

Humans have designed \ built in spiritual perception organs. Speaking with tongues is kind of like mirror reflecting light, pure mechanically,

So if I say, "I speaking in tongues, you have permission to steal that car", am I just 'reflecting light' or something else. That is the problem with saying its purely 'mechanical' as it opens the way for false teachers and charlatans whose only light is not from God, more from evil itself.

 

[reddogs]

My understanding is speaking in tongues is like speaking a universal language everyone can understand. So if you was blessed with the gift, and spoke to a room with 10 people all fluent in different languages. All 10 would understand you at the same time. Personally I don't think it has anything to do with your physical voice, or the actual words coming out of your mouth.

Take me for instance I only speak English, and a tiny bit of German and Spanish. So if I had the gift, and spoke to a room of people who didn't understand English. The words coming out of my mouth would be English, but they would understand anyways. Like God was translating the words or meanings in between myself and the listeners. Something along those lines.

You are hitting the nail on the head, it was to spread the Gospel to all the people of the world.

Act 2:4-11 KJV And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (5) And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. (6) Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. (7) And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? (8) And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? (9) Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, (10) Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, (11) Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. (12) And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

These tongues were the languages of the people on earth.

 

[leov]

So if I say, "I speaking in tongues, you have permission to steal that car", am I just 'reflecting light' or something else. That is the problem with saying its purely 'mechanical' as it opens the way for false teachers and charlatans whose only light is not from God, more from evil itself.

It is mechanical since they do not understand what they say. False teachers are those who took over church since after Paul and Christ Jesus.

 

[David1967]

The twitching, jerking, flopping around on the floor jabbering incoherently that passes as , "speaking in tongues" today is unbiblical and silly. Can you imagine Jesus or his disciples behaving so ridiculously? At pentacost everyone understood what was being said regardless of whether or not they spoke that language. Paul forbid speaking publicly in so called tongues that no one understood. I recall that he likened it to clanging brass. Otherwise just a bunch of noise.

 

[74x12]

We find that the scripture shows us that it did occur, but how can a Christian tell if 'Speaking in Tongues' is being given by the Holy Spirit or it has come by a false spirit. Just because a person starts to mutter, mumble or shout unknown 'words' doesn't necessarily mean that they are being given them by the Holy Spirit. People with dementia, or drunks and the insane mumble and shout unknown words, are they being given spiritual gifts of speaking in tongues. Of course not, so how can one tell if the source is from the Holy Spirit, or from another origin.

There are many references to speaking in tongues in the Bible, and we find the most about tongues are Acts 2 and I Corinthians 12-14. Now, you have to understand that at the time there were Jews and non-Jews who came to Jerusalem and from nearby regions who spoke another languages. To communicate with others with different languages, the early Christians needed to have been given a gift so they could understand the Gospel, and the scripture clearly shows that happening. There are many times being able to speak to others in their own tongue or language was very important as we see in the instance when Paul addressed the Jews to give them a understanding of who he was.

Acts 22
1 Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.
2 (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)
3 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

Now in Acts 2 when the Apostles speak in tongues it makes if very clear why and what they were speaking.

Acts 2
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

The key part here is there were coming to Jerusalem, 'Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.' We clearly see the purpose and the actual use of speaking in tongues, it was not just babbling or muttering of foolish nonsense, it had a specific purpose and directed for the understanding of those from other languages and lands, as they heard 'speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.'

6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

So speaking nonsensical words and utterances with no one to understand or for no practical reason, is it spiritually the same as the speaking in tongues given to the apostles and the early church.

Keep in mind it happened in the early church, the deception of Montanism known by its adherents as the 'New Prophecy', and its followers claimed the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. They spoke in ecstatic visions and utterances and claimed they received the prophetic gift from the prophets. It originated in Phrygia, and spread rapidly to other regions in the Roman Empire and persisted in some isolated places into the 6th century. It was a false speaking in tongues, and was recognized as such, yet spread everywhere and fooled many Christians till it was stamped out.

You need the gift of the discernment to know the difference. (1 Corinthians 12:10) Basically, the holy Spirit can show you who is faking tongues or who is actually speaking in demonic tongues rather than by the holy Spirit. Unfortunately many Christians are easily fooled because they lack discernment or they don't listen to the holy Spirit. Because there are demonic tongues and there are people who unfortunately fake speaking in tongues.

But that doesn't mean all tongues are fake. I personally know people who have spoken in tongues they don't know and people who listened and did know that language understood what they were saying. Someone I know was praying in Spanish recently and they don't know Spanish.

You'll easily know yourself if it's from God when you do it. By testing the fruit of the Spirit. So, good and pure things come from God. Whereas confusion, evil or sensuality etc. are from the enemy.

Just as you can "feel" things with your sense of touch in this physical realm. You can also "feel" spirits with your spiritual sense. This allows you to know the difference between good and evil. However it's not normally learned over night which is how people come into confusion and mistake evil for good or vice versa. Paying careful attention to the scriptures and faithful teaching of the apostles and Jesus Himself will allow you to discern between good and evil.

 

[74x12]

Paul forbid speaking publicly in so called tongues that no one understood.

That's incorrect David. Otherwise Paul wouldn't mention speaking in the tongues of "angels". (1 Corinthians 13:1)

 

[74x12]

You are hitting the nail on the head, it was to spread the Gospel to all the people of the world.

Act 2:4-11 KJV And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (5) And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. (6) Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. (7) And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? (8) And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? (9) Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, (10) Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, (11) Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. (12) And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

These tongues were the languages of the people on earth.

That's not really accurate. They didn't use speaking in tongues to preach to people. That was a sign of the holy Spirit being poured out as Peter explains in Acts chapter 2. This was fulfillment of various prophecies.

• First of all the prophecy of Joel that God would pour out His Spirit on all flesh. This meant of course that not just Jews would receive this gift. So God chose the manifestation of tongues to show how all nations would be accepted in the new Covenant as sons and daughters of God.
• Second important prophecy to understand is Zephaniah 3:9, many people erroneously believe this is speaking of how Hebrew is restored and being spoken in Israel. But that's not really God's way of thinking. God is a Spirit and He speaks of spiritual things. The "pure language" God wants people to speak is the language of the holy Spirit. We know this from when Jesus says "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him." So for God, the pure and the true language is to pray and to worship God through the holy Spirit and speaking in tongues by the holy Spirit is one of the most obvious examples of doing so.
  
• Third, It was God that confused the languages at the tower of Babel. He did this because of their sins and presumption. But, it pleased God to "confuse their tongues" again this time on the day of Pentecost. This time it was a good thing.
• Isaiah 28:11-12 here God shows that tongues is a sign for unbelievers to believe. The holy Spirit gives people rest through the gift of tongues.

Now, the initial sign of speaking in other tongues as they did on the day of Pentecost is not to be confused with the "gift of tongues" which is different. This is a gift of the holy Spirit and not everyone who receives the holy Spirit has the same gifts. Not all people have the gift of tongues. But for the people who do it is a personal prayer language to edifies ones own spirit by the holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:14-19) and it is used to deliver prophetic messages which can be interpreted. (1 Corinthians 14:13)

 

[David1967]

That's incorrect David. Otherwise Paul wouldn't mention speaking in the tongues of "angels". (1 Corinthians 13:1)[/QUOTE

I respectfully disagree. Paul spoke against speaking in tongues without someone to interpret what was being said.

 

[74x12]

David, if you look carefully at everything Paul is saying in 1 Corinthians chapter 14, you see that Paul is saying they should not pray in tongues in the assembly unless they interpret. But in private Paul says he speaks in tongues more than all of them. (1 Corinthians 14:18) Meaning, he is using this gift frequently in his private prayers. That is a way for his spirit to be edified by the holy Spirit. As it says in 1 Corinthians 14:4, whoever speaks in tongues edifies themselves. And Isaiah 28:11-12 calls speaking in tongues the "rest" and the "refreshing".

Besides, all of Paul's admonishments in 1 Cor. 14, to not speak in tongues in the assembly without an interpreter are pointless if they could not speak in tongues a lot. So, tongues is a gift of the Spirit and people with this gift can basically do it often. I know some people who can do it almost at will when they start praying.

So, I encourage you to look into 1 Corinthians 14 and study it without preconceived opinions. Christians can even seek for gifts from God. If they want the gift of tongues; God can give it to them.

 

[David1967]

David, if you look carefully at everything Paul is saying in 1 Corinthians chapter 14, you see that Paul is saying they should not pray in tongues in the assembly unless they interpret. But in private Paul says he speaks in tongues more than all of them. (1 Corinthians 14:18) Meaning, he is using this gift frequently in his private prayers. That is a way for his spirit to be edified by the holy Spirit. As it says in 1 Corinthians 14:4, whoever speaks in tongues edifies themselves. And Isaiah 28:11-12 calls speaking in tongues the "rest" and the "refreshing".

Besides, all of Paul's admonishments in 1 Cor. 14, to not speak in tongues in the assembly without an interpreter are pointless if they could not speak in tongues a lot. So, tongues is a gift of the Spirit and people with this gift can basically do it often. I know some people who can do it almost at will when they start praying.

So, I encourage you to look into 1 Corinthians 14 and study it without preconceived opinions. Christians can even seek for gifts from God. If they want the gift of tongues; God can give it to them.

Thank you for your friendly response. Yes Paul did speak in tongues in private. In assembly without interpretation he compared it to noise. I do believe that gift was in the time of the apostles. Could I be wrong? Sure, but I don't believe what I have personally witnessed in some churches regarding this is anything more than an emotional response to a group stimuli. We obviously disagree on this subject. And that's ok. Again thank you for your friendly response.