This prophecy was first fulfilled in the Apostles' time.
Tongues in the Renewed Covenant
The Renewed Covenant mentions a gift called 'speaking in tongues' in
five different places. There are four inspired (genuine) passages in the
Renewed Covenant, which are:
1. Acts Chapter Two;
2. Acts Chapter Ten;
3. Acts Chapter Nineteen; and
4. First Corinthians Twelve through Fourteen
And finally, there is one uninspired scribal addition:
5. Mark Chapter Sixteen (not in the oldest Texts);
The passage in Mark Sixteen is problematic, in that most scholars have
identified it as a later addition to the Text. This passage does not appear in any of the oldest Greek
manuscripts, in the Peshitta Aramaic, in the Old Latin Codex or in any of the
other most-ancient manuscripts. Moreover, as we will see at the very end
of this study, the content of
this passage in Mark Sixteen conflicts with the writings of the Apostle Shaul
in First Corinthians Twelve through Fourteen (point number four, above).
However, the passage in Mark Sixteen notwithstanding, the Books of Acts
and First Corinthians tell us something very profound about the gift of
speaking in tongues. Therefore, in order to understand what YHWH is
trying to tell us about the miraculous gift of speaking in tongues, let us
first discuss the four inspired
passages in chronological order (as YHWH intended them to be studied).
Then, once we understand what speaking in tongues is, we will discuss the (uninspired)
passage at Mark 16, so as to understand what speaking in tongues is not.
Acts Chapter Two: Tongues of Fire
Most believers are familiar with the miracle of speaking in tongues
that occurred in Acts Chapter Two. However, Acts Chapter Two is unique in
all of Scripture, in that the gift of speaking in tongues was also accompanied
by two other special miracles that are not found anywhere else in
Scripture. These two unique, special miracles were:
1. The appearance of unusual 'flames of fire' which alighted on
the speakers' heads, as well as
2. The gift of interpretation
of tongues that was given on a mass scale (which we will discuss in more detail
in the section on First Corinthians, below).
Ma'aseh (Acts) 2:1-13
1 When the Day of Pentecost had 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 the whole house where they were sitting.
3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire,
and one sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Set-apart Spirit and
began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews,
devout men, from every nation under heaven.
6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together,
and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.
7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one
another, "Look, are not all these who speak Galileans?
8 And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in
which we were born?
9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,
10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and
the parts of Libya
adjoining Cyrene,
visitors from Rome, both
Jews and proselytes,
11 Cretans and Arabs -- we hear them speaking in our own
tongues the wonderful works of Elohim."
12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one
another, "Whatever could this mean?"
13 Others mocking said, "They are full of new
wine."
There are four very important things to notice about this unique event:
1. A divided tongue (as of fire) miraculously appeared upon each
of the disciples' heads (verse three);
2. The disciples began to speak in tongues other than their native Hebrew and/or
Aramaic (verse four); and
3. The foreign pilgrims who had come up for the Feast of the
Pentecost were miraculously given the gift of interpretation of tongues on a
mass scale (so that they were able to hear and understand the Good News in
their own native languages); and
4. The purpose of YHWH's giving of the miracle here was primarily
to edify (i.e., to impart a
Scriptural message, such as the Good News).
The reason that YHWH gave the tongues of fire on the heads of the
speakers was to signify that this was a very special prophetic event. The
reason that YHWH gave the gift of interpretation
to the pilgrims was so that they would hear the Good News in their own
languages, and know that this was a message from Elohim.
Had YHWH not given both the flames of fire and the gift of
interpretation of tongues on a mass scale, the pilgrims might not have been
edified as to the Good News.
Acts Chapter Ten: Cornelius and Tongues
The gift of tongues was also given to Cornelius (and those with him) in
Acts Chapter Ten:
Ma'aseh (Acts) 10:44-48
While Kefa (Peter) was still speaking these words, the
Set-apart Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.
45 And those of the Circumcision who believed (i.e.
believing Pharisees) were astonished, as many as came with Kefa, because the
gift of the Set-apart Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles (the
Ephraimites) also.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify
Elohim.
Then Kefa answered, 47 "Can anyone forbid water, that
these should not be immersed who have received the Set-apart Spirit, just as we
have?"
48 And he commanded them to be immersed in the name of YHWH.
Then they asked him to stay a few days.
Acts Chapter Ten passage shows us that:
1. Those who were newly saved
2. spoke in tongues; and they
3. magnified (glorified) Elohim.
However, this incident differs
from the episode in Acts Chapter Two in that:
1. No tongues of fire appeared on anyone's head;
2. The gift of interpretation was not given to anyone (either individually, or en masse); and
3. The purpose of the tongues here was not to edify (i.e., to impart the Good News); but
4. It was a sign of
the converts' having just been saved.
What Acts Chapter Ten shows us, then, is that sometimes those who have
just been saved will speak in tongues even without an interpreter present; and
when they do so, it serves as a sign
that they have just been saved.
But why would it serve as a sign
that someone has just been saved, to speak in an unknown tongue? As we
will see in the next section, it is because when one genuinely speaks in
tongues, it demonstrates that one is attempting to speak according to the Still
Small Voice (more below).
Acts Nineteen: Prophecy and Tongues
In Acts Chapter Nineteen, the Apostle Shaul lays hands on those who are
newly saved. However, this time, those who are newly saved do not just
speak in tongues, but they also go on to the next step (which is prophesying).
Ma'aseh (Acts) 19:5-7
5 When they heard this, they were immersed in the name of
the Master Yeshua.
6 And when Shaul had laid hands on them, the Set-apart
Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.
7 Now the men were about twelve in all.
What is important to notice about this passage is that once the
Set-apart Spirit came upon these new believers, they not only:
1. Spoke in tongues; but they also
2. Prophesied.
As we will see in the section on First Corinthians, the gifts of
speaking in tongues and prophesying are actually inter-related gifts. Speaking
in genuine tongues is the first step toward being able to prophesy, since
prophesying is simply a more-advanced form of speaking in tongues.
First Corinthians Twelve through Fourteen
In First Corinthians Twelve through Fourteen, the Apostle Shaul talks
about spiritual gifts for three whole chapters. Three chapters may seem
like a lot to talk about spiritual gifts, but as we will see, the information
is important, in that it pertains to our ability to hear and obey His Voice.
The Apostle Shaul starts out by telling us that he does not want us to
be ignorant concerning spiritual gifts, because the exercise of spiritual gifts
is very important:
QorintYah Aleph (1st Corinthians) 12:1
1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want
you to be ignorant:
Shaul then tells us plainly that not
everyone will be given the same spiritual gifts; but that there will be diversities of spiritual gifts, even
though it is the same Spirit in all.
4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
As we will show at the end of this booklet, one of the primary reasons
the scribal addition at Mark 16:9-20 cannot possibly be inspired is that contradicts Shaul's writings here.
Mark 16:9-20 suggests that everyone
who is saved will speak in tongues, as a kind of mandatory sign of their
salvation. This plainly contradicts Shaul's writings, which tell us that
while the same Spirit works in everyone, this Spirit gives us all different gifts:
8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit,
to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,
9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of
healings by the same Spirit,
10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy,
to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to
another the interpretation of tongues.
11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things,
distributing to each one individually as He wills.
Although many people do speak in tongues when they get saved, and
although (genuine) tongues is a true sign of being saved, Shaul tells us that
everyone gets different gifts; and that not
everyone will speak in tongues.
Then Shaul tells us that even though we may not all have the same
spiritual gifts, we are all nonetheless members of His Body (even if we do not
speak in tongues).
27 Now you are the body of Messiah, and members
individually.
28 And Elohim has appointed these in the assembly: first
apostles, second prophets, third teachers; after that miracles, then gifts of
healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.
29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are
all workers of miracles?
30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues?
Do all interpret?
The answer to Shaul's many questions in verses 29 and 30 is a
resounding "No." Not everyone is an apostle. Not everyone
is a prophet. Not everyone is a teacher. Not everyone works
miracles. And, not everyone has the gift of healings.
In like fashion, not everyone is given the gift of tongues, and not
everyone is given the gift of interpretation. Some people are given it,
but others do not. This does not make either group any more 'saved' than
the other.
Then, as if he is saying something cryptic, Shaul tells us to earnestly
desire the best gifts. By this, he tells us that some of the gifts are
better (or greater) than the others.
31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I (will)
show you a more excellent way.
Next, in First Corinthians Thirteen, Shaul tells us that Love (KJV:
charity) is the greatest of all of the spiritual gifts. The language here
also seems to suggest that Love is a much greater spiritual gift than speaking
in tongues.
QorintYah Aleph (1st Corinthians) 13
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but
have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.
Shaul then confirms that Love is superior to prophesying, to tongues,
and even to spiritual knowledge.
8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they
will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is
knowledge, it will vanish away.
9 For we know in part, and (thus) we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which
is in part will be done away.
This passage is often misinterpreted as saying that once we begin to
love (i.e., 'once Love has come'), then we will cease to speak in tongues; and
that love puts an end to all prophecy. This, however, cannot possibly be
Shaul's meaning, because the Apostles continued both to speak in tongues and to
prophesy, even though they had love.
But what does Shaul mean, that we 'know' in part, and we prophesy in
part? The language seems to indicate some kind of a special relationship
between spiritual knowledge and prophecy. But what kind of special
relationship could that be?
9 For we know in part, and (thus) we prophesy in part.
As we will see, verse 9 is the key to understanding what speaking in
tongues is really all about.
Tongues: One Step towards Prophesying
In First Corinthians Fourteen, Shaul tells us that even though we have
love, we should still desire the rest of the spiritual gifts. Moreover,
we should desire to prophesy, since it is far better to prophesy than to speak
in tongues.
QorintYah Aleph (1 st Corinthians) 14
1 Pursue love; and desire spiritual gifts, and especially
that you may prophesy;
2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but
to Elohim, for no one understands him; but in the spirit he speaks (only)
mysteries.
Now we can begin to understand why prophesying is so much better than
speaking in tongues: It is because while tongues are a precursor to
prophesying, tongues are only one step towards prophesying.
As we will see, the difference between tongues and prophesying is
simply that prophecy can be understood.
What are Tongues and Prophesying?
In First Corinthians 13:9, we saw that there is a connection between
knowledge, and prophesying.
QorintYah Aleph (1st Corinthians) 13:9
9 For we know in part, and (thus) we prophesy in part.
To prophesy, essentially, is to hear His Voice, and then to give
utterance to what one is hearing. However, there is a very important
distinction to be made here.
Foretelling and Forth-Telling
There are two classes of prophesying. They are:
1. Foretelling (prediction); and
2. Forth-telling (speaking His Words).
Foretelling is the kind of prophesy that most people think of, such as
when the Prophet Eliyahu (Elijah) foretold that the bin of flour and the jar of
oil would not be used up.
Melachim Aleph (1st Kings) 17:13-16
13 And Eliyahu (Elijah) said to her, "Do not fear; go
and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it
to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son.
14 For thus says YHWH, Elohim of Israel: 'The bin of flour
shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day YHWH
sends rain upon the earth.'"
15 So she went away and did according to the word of
Eliyahu; and she and he and her household ate for many days.
16 The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil
run dry, according to the word of YHWH, which He spoke by (or through) Elijah.
The second class of prophesy is forth-telling.
One example of this is when YHWH told Moshe (Moses) just exactly what to say to
Pharaoh (and when).
Shemote (Exodus) 4:21-23
21 And YHWH said to Moshe, "When you go back to Egypt, see
that you do all those wonders before Pharaoh which I have put in your hand. But
I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go.
22 Then you shall say to Pharaoh, 'Thus says YHWH: "Israel is My
son, My firstborn.
23 So I say to you, let My son go that he may serve Me. But
if you refuse to let him go, indeed I (meaning YHWH) will kill your son, your
firstborn."'"
While the Apostle Shaul sometimes fore-told what would happen in the
future (e.g. 2nd Thessalonians 2:1-12), when he describes
prophesying here in First Corinthians, he is talking about forth-telling. That is, he is
talking about giving utterance to the Still Small Voice. In other words,
he is talking about how to speak according to the Spirit.
This is also what Strongs tells us that 'prophesying' is.
OT:5012 naba' (נבא ); a primitive root; to prophesy,
i.e. speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse):
In prophesying, one speaks (or even sings) by inspiration. That
is to say, whether one is predicting the future (fore-telling) or simply
speaking the words that the Still Small Voice tells us to say (forth-telling), we are not speaking our
own words. We are not choosing our own words. Rather, we are listening
intently for the Still Small Voice, and are speaking only what He tells us to
say.
In Hebraic thought, the word prophesy (נבא ) generally carries connotations of
sprouting (as a living thing buds forth), or 'springing forth,' as a fountain
gushes forth water. The poetic allusion is to the uninhibited growth of a
fresh shoot, or of a spring of water that gushes forth the things of the
Spirit, letting them flow naturally, like water.
When one prophesies, the
things of the Spirit come forth freely. However, when the flow is not
free, one speaks with stammering lips; and the result is 'tongues.'
This is also one reason why the Apostle Shaul tells us that it is
superior to prophesy, than to speak in a tongue: it is because when one
prophesies, the things of the Spirit come forth freely (whereas when one speaks
in a tongue, the result is stammering, and is not intelligible).
There are also other varieties of tongues. However, as we will
read below, the Apostle Shaul tells us that unless there is someone around to
interpret them for those who do not understand them, they do not edify the
Body.
Bringing forth Things from the Spirit
As we saw when we looked at Acts Chapter Two (above), the first time
YHWH gave the gift of speaking in tongues, He also gave the gift of
interpretation en masse.
Ma'aseh (Acts) 2:6-11
6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together,
and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.
7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one
another, "Look, are not all these who speak Galileans?
8 And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in
which we were born?
9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in
Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,
10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya
adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,
11 Cretans and Arabs -- we hear them speaking in our own
tongues the wonderful works of Elohim."
However, we already saw that the Apostle Shaul tells us that not
everyone is given the same gifts; but that only some of us will be given the gift of interpretation:
QorintYah Aleph (1st Corinthians) 12:8-11
8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit,
to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,
9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of
healings by the same Spirit,
10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy,
to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to
another the interpretation of tongues.
11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things,
distributing to each one individually as He wills.
We also saw that the Apostle Shaul tells us it is better to prophesy
than to speak in tongues, since tongues are not intelligible (and therefore
they do not edify the Body).
QorintYah Aleph (1st Corinthians) 14
1 Pursue love; and desire spiritual gifts, but especially
that you may prophesy;
2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but
to Elohim, for no one understands him; but in the spirit he speaks (only)
mysteries.
We should not speak in a tongue unless an interpreter is present:
because unless the people understand what was said, nothing beneficial has been
accomplished.
In contrast, when one prophesies,
one also utters the things of the Spirit (i.e., one speaks according to the
Still Small Voice), but the speech can be understood. Instead of the Word
of the Spirit coming out unintelligibly (with stammering lips and another
tongue), the Word of the Spirit comes out in smooth, flowing speech (like a
spring).
Prophesy: Tongues plus Interpretation
When the Apostle Shaul writes of prophesying (of the forth-telling kind), he appears to be
indicating an action in which one both simultaneously speaks in a tongue, and
translates this tongue into a language that human beings can understand. Prophesy indicates both actions.
In other words, when Shaul speaks of prophesying (i.e., speaking
according to the inspiration of the Spirit), he is describing the act of
speaking what the Still Small Voice says to say; but instead of it coming out
unintelligibly (i.e., in a tongue), it comes out clearly (and it is therefore
edifying). Shaul tells us that this is vastly superior.
Shaul even tells us that the whole purpose of speaking in an assembly
is to edify the assembly. Since tongues do not edify the assembly unless
someone is able to interpret, Shaul tells us that it is far better to prophesy,
than to speak in a tongue (since prophesying seems to be a 'two-in-one' kind of
gift).
QorintYah Aleph (1st Corinthians) 14
3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation
and comfort to men.
4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who
prophesies edifies the assembly.
5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you
prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues,
unless indeed he interprets; that the assembly may receive edification.
If you will, consider the following analogy:
Tongues are to prophesying as crawling is to walking, or as baby-talk
is to mature speech. The reason tongues are a sign of salvation is that
they show a connection to the Spirit, in that a believer is learning how to
bring forth the things of the Spirit. For this reason, we need to rejoice
whenever a brother or a sister is given the gift of tongues (because it
indicates a spiritual connection).
However, in terms of edifying the assembly, tongues do little to help
(unless there is an interpreter present). Tongues, then, are really
just a beginner's-level gift; and just as someone with a gift for learning
foreign languages must work to develop that ability, so also must a person who
is given the gift of spiritual
tongues work to develop that gift, so that they may ultimately prophesy.
QorintYah Aleph (1st Corinthians) 14
6 But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues,
what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by
knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching?
7 Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they
make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be
known what is piped or played?
8 For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will
prepare for battle?
9 So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy
to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking
into the air.
The whole point of speaking in an assembly is to edify the
assembly. Unless one is edifying the assembly, then one should basically
keep quiet. Again, that is why the gift of prophesying is far superior to
the gift of tongues, is that by prophesying, one can edify the assembly.
Likewise, unless an interpreter is present, one who speaks in a tongue
does nothing to edify the assembly.
QorintYah Aleph (1st Corinthians) 14
10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the
world, and none of them is without significance.
11 Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language,
I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner
to me.
12 Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts,
let it be for the edification of the assembly that you seek to excel.
13 Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may
(also) interpret.
14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my
understanding is unfruitful.
While it may partially edify the speaker of a tongue to speak in a
tongue (even if he does not know what he said) it does nothing to edify the
Body.
15 What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit,
and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I
will also sing with the understanding.
16 Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who
occupies the place of the uninformed say "Amein" at your giving of
thanks, since he does not understand what you say?
17 For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not
edified.
There are different varieties of tongues, and not everyone is given the
gift of tongues. However, if one has been blessed with this gift, one
should be exceedingly glad, because it indicates that one is hearing something
in the Spirit. This ability to hear in the Spirit is the fundamental
prerequisite for prophesying, and to have been given this gift is an extreme
blessing.
The main thing that those who speak in tongues (of the stammering-lip
variety) should do to continue onward towards prophesying is to focus on
putting aside their own thoughts, so as to be able to hear the Still Small
Voice more clearly. This is difficult to do, and the practice is
different for each person, but happily, it gets better as one continues to
practice.
The Apostle Shaul tells us that he thanked Elohim for the ability to
speak in tongues; and yet he encouraged others to continue onward, to develop
the gift of prophecy.
QorintYah Aleph (1st Corinthians) 14
18 I thank my Elohim I speak with tongues more than you all;
19 yet in the assembly I would rather speak five words with
my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a
tongue.
The reason why is that it was only by being able to speak with his
understanding that Shaul could edify the Body.
Tongues: A Sign for Unbelievers
We already saw how, in Acts Chapter Ten, that speaking in tongues was
used as a sign to show the believing Pharisees that Cornelius and his household
had been given the gift of salvation.
Ma'aseh (Acts) 10:44-48
While Kefa (Peter) was still speaking these words, the
Set-apart Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.
45 And those of the Circumcision who believed (i.e.
believing Pharisees) were astonished, as many as came with Kefa, because the
gift of the Set-apart Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles (the
Ephraimites) also.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify
Elohim.
Then Kefa answered, 47 "Can anyone forbid water, that
these should not be immersed who have received the Set-apart Spirit, just as we
have?"
48 And he commanded them to be immersed in the name of YHWH.
Then they asked him to stay a few days.
Not surprisingly, in just the same way, the Apostle Shaul tells us that
tongues can function as a sign to unbelievers as well. However, the
language here is tricky, and it is easily misunderstood (or
misinterpreted). That is why we must be adults about this, and not be
children in our understanding of how to apply this passage.
QorintYah Aleph (1st Cor.) 14:20-25
20 Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however,
in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.
21 In the Torah it is written:
"With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak
to this people; and yet, for all that, they will not hear Me," says YHWH.
22 Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who
believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for
those who believe.
It cannot possibly be Shaul's meaning that tongues are not intended to
show those who believe that someone has been saved, for that is clearly how it
was used in Acts Chapter Ten (see above).
What Shaul means here, then, is probably that tongues can serve as a
sign to those who did not believe before, but who have just now been saved.
23 Therefore if the whole assembly comes together in one
place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed
or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind?
24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed
person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. 25 And thus
the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he
will worship Elohim and report that Elohim is truly among you.
Problem: It is common for Ephraimites to focus on one particular aspect
of salvation, to the exclusion of all else. This is why we have Baptists
(who focus on immersion), Seventh Day Adventists (who focus on the seventh
day), and Pentecostals (who focus on the gift of tongues).
However, remembering that tongues is to prophesying as crawling is to
walking (and baby-talk is to mature speech), consider what happens when His
people focus over-much on the gift of tongues.
In human families, parents want their children to learn how to talk in
mature language by listening to their voice, and then speaking in kind.
Nonetheless, when their baby first begins to talk, the parents are thrilled,
even though it is baby-talk (i.e., tongues). However, if a visitor comes
to the house, while the parents will probably understand what their baby is
saying, the visitor will not understand. That is why the visitor needs
the parents to interpret.
What happens in some assemblies is that the whole household talks in
baby-talk, in celebration of the fact that their baby talks baby-talk.
Or, to use another analogy, they all drop down onto the ground and crawl around
on all fours, in celebration that their baby crawls. However, when a
visitor comes to that household, will he not think that that family has lost
their minds? And will he not feel (rightly) extremely uncomfortable?
Similarly, we are our Father's children, and He is thrilled when we
first learn how to speak according to His Voice. However, will He be
happy if we continue to speak as children? Or will He not rather be
happier if we continue to progress onwards towards mature speech (prophecy)?
And is this not also Shaul's meaning in First Corinthians?
QorintYah Aleph (1st Corinthians) 13:11
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a
child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish
things.
While we should be glad whenever someone first learns how to speak in
tongues, we should also encourage them to continue onward and develop their
gift, so as to learn how to prophesy. This is because unless they speak
in an intelligible fashion, the Body cannot be edified by their connection to
His Voice; and the world will not be impressed if they visit our assembly
halls, and find us reveling in our ability to talk as babies do.
Interpreting Tongues in an Orderly Way
While we should never prohibit anyone from speaking in a tongue
whenever an interpreter is present (as that would be the equivalent of
forbidding prophecy), we are also told that speaking in tongues must be done in
an orderly way:
QorintYah Aleph (1st Cor.) 14:26-28
26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together,
each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an
interpretation (i.e. Elohim gives you something to share).
Let all things be done for edification!
27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the
most three, each in turn, and let one interpret.
28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in
the assembly, and let him speak to himself and to Elohim.
Since not everyone is able to understand other peoples' tongues, Shaul
tells us that if no one is present who can interpret another's tongue, then it
would be better for the assembly as a whole if that one should remain silent at
that moment in time.
It would be difficult to overemphasize that the whole purpose behind
speaking in the assembly is to bring edification to others. If there is
no interpreter, there will be no edification; and if there is no edification,
then it would be better for the Body if one does not take up precious assembly
time speaking something unintelligible.
Human Beings are Subject
Even when one prophesies (both speaks from the Spirit, and puts the
words into intelligible human language) things must still be done in an orderly
way. Israel is the Army of the Living Elohim; and in an army, all things
must be done in decently, and in order.
Speaking to this, Shaul tells that those who are sharing for the
benefit of all must control themselves.
QorintYah Aleph (1st Corinthians) 14
29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others
judge;
30 But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let
the first keep silent.
31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn,
and all may be encouraged.
Since the purpose of speaking in the assembly is to edify the Body, and
since orderliness is important, it is good that even those who prophesy should
take turns. Further, if someone is prophesying and another is given a
quick revelation, then all present should honor the movement of the Spirit by
being quiet, allowing the one who has been given the revelation enough time to
speak what the Spirit has just re