Speaking in Tongues: A Sign for Nonbelievers

[ozell]

For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. (1 Corinthians 14:2)


Note what Paul states at the end of this verse, "howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries."

Remember, the subject is speaking to someone in a language that’s not known to the individual that is listening.

The word spirit in this verse is the key.

Note Paul states that God understands what’s being said because God changed their language (Gen 11:9).

 

[ozell]

But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. (1 Corinthians 14:3-4)


Paul states in verses two, "he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries."

In the two verses above we have a little more information.

Paul states in the 4th verse, "He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself!"

In other words, if an individual speaks in a foreign language (or tongue) to another individual, the person that is speaking imparts wisdom to him or herself, not the individual who is listening.

Therefore the words uttered are a mystery (something not understood) to the person who is in an earshot.

 

[ozell]

I would that ye all spake with tongues; but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?(1 Corinthians 14:5-6)


Note what Paul says, "I would that ye all spake with tongues; but, rather ye prophesied for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret".

Thus if there is no interpreter, the language spoken will not profit the hearer. Remember, Paul is the Apostle to the Gentiles.

 

[ozell]

So, being that Paul was a Hebrew Israelite and his native tongue (or language) was Hebrew,

he interpreted the word of God in the Corinthian’s natural tongue. Thus he edified the church.

Paul spoke many tongues and he edified the church in there language he did not speak in a unknown tongue to people who did not understand what was being said.

 

[ozell]

example

In the next few verses Paul gives examples of some things that gives clear and unmistakable illustrations, and if the warning is not understood its sound is good for nothing.

And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? For if the trumpets give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? (I Corinthians 14:7-8)

 

[ozell]

PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE NEXT THREE VERSES!


So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. (I Corinthians 14:9-11)

That was extremely clear don’t you think? Thus far we have seen that Paul reiterates that if a word is spoken in the church, all should understand what is being said.

And if one speaks in a foreign language, have another to interpret or it will not profit the assembly.

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. 1 Corinthians 14: 33)


go to the tongue church and you will see confusion, many people speaking all at once in a unknown tongue without a interpreter.
to the visitor it is barbarianism

 

[jiggyfly]

In conclusion Paul says;
39 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and don’t forbid speaking in tongues.40 But be sure that everything is done properly and in order.
1 Cor 14:39-40 (NLT)

Enough said nothing else need be added.