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In this study we will look at both of these Gifts as they are somewhat interdependent on each other. Simply put, the Gift of Interpretation of Tongues wouldn't exist if the Gift of Tongues didn't exist. It is interesting to note that of all the nine Gifts of the Spirit, these two are the only ones not found in the Old Testament!
Speaking in Tongues, as it is commonly called is a supernatural ability to speak in an unknown language by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is important that we understand that these unknown languages are real languages both human and angelic, no wonder some Bible translators called them “different kinds” of Tongues. On the day of Pentecost people of different nationalities heard these Jewish disciples speaking in their native languages praising God (Acts 2:5-12). The Apostle Paul mentions “tongues of men and of angels” in 1 Corinthians 13:1– so there are also “tongues of angels” a.k.a “heavenly language”. Speaking in unknown tongues is one of the signs that Jesus said will accompany those who believe in Him:
17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; - Mark 16:17 NKJV
We know from Scripture that the early disciples did not speak in tongues until they were baptized in the Holy Spirit and those who were baptized in the Holy Spirit after the day of Pentecost spoke in tongues. Here are a few examples:
The 120 disciples on the day of Pentecost:
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. – Acts 2:4 NKJV
As Peter preached at Cornelius’ house, the Holy Spirit “fell” on them and the Jewish believers who came with Peter were astonished. Why? Not because Cornelius and his household gave some moving testimony about how they felt they were baptized in the Holy Spirit, no, there was indisputable evidence which spoke to that fact…they spoke in tongues.
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. – Acts 10:44-46 NKJV
One more example, again in the Book of Acts, as Paul traveled through Ephesus he met some believers and asked them if they had been baptized in the Holy Spirit. Today, many believers would be offended at such a question, no wonder we pretend everything is good, it’s not a big deal and then we are shocked by the fruit of many a saint – fear of man will prove to be a snare…but I digress… Anyway, long story short, Paul eventually laid hands on them and they were baptized in the Holy Spirit and they all spoke in tongues and prophesied.
6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. – Acts 19:6 NKJV
So we clearly have Scriptural precedent that Speaking in Tongues is the initial evidence of one being baptized in the Holy Spirit. And even as the people marveled at the 120 disciples speaking in languages they have never learned, glorifying God, Peter preached the Gospel to them and said:
39 For the promise [of the Holy Spirit] is to and for you and your children, and to and for all that are far away, [even] to and for as many as the Lord our God invites and bids to come to Himself. – Acts 2:39 AMP
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Every believers from that day on is included in this promise, so everyone who confesses Jesus as Lord and Savior is qualified to receive and use this gift.
Notice one thing: In all these instances, they spoke in real human languages that they (the speakers) had no prior knowledge of; they hadn't learnt these languages!
Now, I know there are those who would quickly bring up that verse that says, “do all speak in tongues?” Yet others would claim “Now that we have the Bible, tongues have ceased” to try and explain away why they do not speak in tongues all the while claiming to be filled with the Spirit. By the Grace of God we will address these and other like objections as we go along.
TO BE CONTINUED>>>
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