Are there different types of "speaking in tongues"?
There is
only one gift of speaking a known
language, which the user does not
know.
This is often referred
to as the gift of "tongues." Some
argue that there is a second
gift of "tongues" used in
private prayer (Romans 8.26). The
passage says the Holy Spirit
prays for us when we do not know how
to pray, but His intercessory
prayer is not audible. Instead
it is made "with groanings
too deep for words."
Still others
claim 1 Corinthians 14.2 refers to a
special prayer language. Paul was
commenting on the gift
of speaking a known language, which
one does not know. When a
person uses that gift no one but the
person(s) who knows that language is
edified with knowledge. The
person using the gift is edified by
the use, but the other
believers who do not speak that
language are not edified. He went on
to explain that it is far more
beneficial for everyone to prophecy
(teach Scripture) rather than speak
in "tongues" (1 Corinthians
14.2-5). He was not talking about a
special prayer "tongue" that
many believers claim they have.
The apostle
Paul went on to explain in verses
six through thirteen that it is far
more important to the church
for members to teach Scripture
rather than speak a known
language, which no one
understands. In verse thirteen he
said those who speak in
"tongues" should pray to
be given the gift of interpretation
so they can share with the
congregation what he said. He even
said teaching Scripture is 2,000
times more
important than speaking in "tongues"
(verse 19). Christians who speak in
"tongues" should only do so if
someone can interpret it andif no
one can, he is to remain silent
(1 Corinthians 14.27-28).
Another
argument for a special prayer
"tongue" comes from the statement by
Paul, "I shall pray with the
spirit and I shall pray with the
mind also" (1 Corinthians
14.15). Paul simply reiterated
what he had written a few verses
earlier that those who speak in
"tongues" should pray to interpret
so the entire congregation can be
edified (verse 13). He was not
making a doctrinal statement that
there is a special "prayer
tongue."
The main
purpose of the gift of "tongues" was
to be a sign to unbelievers (1
Corinthians 14.22) --
specifically Jewish unbelievers.
Each time people spoke in
"tongues" Jewish unbelievers
were present (Acts 2.4-13; 10.44-48;
19.1-10). It was a fulfillment
of what Isaiah prophesied of
(28.11). Christians who speak in
"tongues" in church services
should always use the rulethat the
Holy Spirit set down:
"If
anyone
speaks
in a
tongue,
it should be by
two
or
at the
most
three,
and each in
turn,
and
one
must
interpret;
but
if
there is
no
interpreter,
he must
keep
silent
in the
church;
and let him
speak
to
himself
and to
God."
(1 Corinthians 14.27-28)
Any church
that does not follow these rules is
not in obedience to the Holy Spirit.
Their motives for misusing the
gift must be questioned. Are they
using the gift to edify each
other by imparting spiritual
knowledge or are they using it for
entertainment or to get an
emotional high?
It should also be noted that the
belief of speaking in "tongues" is
evidence of the indwelling of
the Holy Spirit is not biblical.
Paul said not every believer has the
gift of "tongues" (1
Corinthians 12.30). Speaking in
"tongues" is also not evidence of a
second blessing or empowerment.
It is solely a spiritual gift that
only some believers are given
and it is the least of all of the
gifts (1 Corinthians 14.28). Those
who are given that gift should
"earnestly desire the greater gifts"
(1 Corinthians 12.31).
Christians
who do not understand the purpose of
the gifts of the Holy Spirit should
study chapters 12-14 of 1
Corinthians until they do.
