I apologize for the delay in my response; unfortunately this blog has not been maintained in quite some time. I am working hard to remedy that, and for the sake of those reading in the future (and the original posters if they are willing to forgive the delay) I will still post the answers to the questions that you asked.

Please pray for this ministry so that it can continue to grow in spite of obstacles

I visited your site again to read up on your other articles. If I can, I would like to speak on the topic of speaking in tongues.

Firstly, to throw out a few definitions, the Greek word for tongue is “glossa” and its meaning refers to the language or dialect used by a particular people distinct from that of other nations.

Secondly, the “gift” of the Holy Ghost spoken of in Acts 2:38 comes from the Greek word “dorea” which means “a gift”. The spiritual “gifts” spoken of in 1 Corinthians 12 comes from the Greek word “charisma” which has to do with the operation of the Holy Ghost.

On the day of Pentecost, spoken of in Acts 2, those that received the gift of the Holy Ghost spoke in languages known by the Jews present that were from “out of every nation under heaven”, although those that spoke in tongues did not know the language spoken. (Acts 2:6) This suggests that when a person is filled with the Holy Ghost, although the language is new to them because they have not been taught the language, it is a known language by someone on the earth.

Acts 2 does not refer to the spiritual gift of speaking in kinds of tongues taught by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12-14.

Before I go to my next point, I would like to point out that only a person that is filled with the gift (dorea) of the Holy Ghost can operate under the gift (charisma) of divers tongues. And of course, not every Holy Ghost believer operates under the gift of tongues, but there are many gifts and God distributes them throughout His body, as He sees fit. (1 Cor. 12:11)

Again, the spiritual gift of tongues was given by God to benefit the body of Christ. In Acts 2, those that heard their language being spoken were unbelievers. The outpouring of the Holy Ghost to the 120, evidenced by speaking in tongues, was a sign to the unbelievers. It wasn’t an operation of the Holy Ghost to edify the body or convey a message to the church. If that were the case, there would have been a Holy Ghost filled believer operating under the gift of interpretation of the tongues. Speaking in tongues, as evidence of the Holy Ghost, requires no interpretation. It for personal edification versus edification for the body of Christ, and, again is a sign to unbelievers.

Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying [serveth] not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. (1 Corinthians 14:22)

This type of prophesy comes forth when a Holy Ghost believer speaks in tongues (the spritual gift) and the interpretation of the tongues (also a spiritual gift) is given by another Holy Ghost filled believer, which then gives understanding to the body. The unbelieving Jews that heard their language spoken, although they could interpret what was being said by the newly saved disciples, could not be benefited by the prophesy or sense of what was being said, like the believing body of Christ. Again, that was because this was a sign unto them.

Lastly, I would like to state that the word “unknown” in 1 Corinthians 14 was added by the translator into the text. It is not in the original text of God’s Word. When the translator included the word “unknown” it gives the sense that the language spoken is not known in the earth and takes away from the original thought. But through study, we discover again that the meaning of the word tongue refers to the language or dialect used by a particular people distinct from that of other nations.

On another note, continue studying like you are doing. I’m sure there are countless souls you have blessed from your studying and then expounding in writing, whether they knew it or not. Be blessed!

First, I gather that you believe speaking in tongues is something which is done consistently today in the Lords church. Is this a true statement you believe people still speak in the ‘new tongues’ as you describe them??

Secondly, if you answer yes to my first question, I question why you spoke nothing of the 13th chapter in first Corinthians regarding verses 8-12. Much debate resides upon what “that which is perfect” truly is. And Paul specifically states that when it comes, prophecies will have ceased, tongues will cease as well, and we will no longer know I’m part, but as a whole. Is he not referring to the Bible in this context and that when the bible had come, It being the “perfect will of God” would have caused no longer need for the prophecy or tongues to exist because they had served their purpose??? Just wondering, because it seems this could be the only conclusion considering the only other ‘perfect’ things we know of are heaven and Christ. It couldn’t be heaven because when we r there, what would be the point in Paul talking of love and faith and hope as well as a need for ceasing of the gifts? And it can’t be Christ because when he comes back, we r all going “home” for judgement.

Just wanted tour insight on this matter. Thank you kindly. May God bring peace to you for your willingness to devote so much time and study in His text.

Sorry about the inconvenience