S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

There are three occasions in the book of Acts where speaking in tongues accompanied the receiving of the Holy Spirit"Acts 2:4, 10:44-46, and 19:6. However, these three occasions are the only places...

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July 01 2013 • 12 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Nathan Toronga Supporter Christian Elder.

While this appears to be one long question, it actually consists of two distinct parts:
A. Is it true that if I have not been filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not go to heaven?
B. Is speaking in tongues evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit?

If rephrased this way, the matters can be properly isolated & adequately addressed.

A. (i) “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.” John 3:5

From this verse alone it’s obvious that without being born of the Holy Spirit, one cannot enter the Kingdom.

The Holy Ghost is guaranteed to every believer. Acts 2:38. “Repent & baptized, every one of you, in the Name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins, & you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” 

Scripture abounds that testifies that the Christian experience must necessarily be led by the Holy Ghost.

B.IS SPEAKING IN TONGUES EVIDENCE OF RECEIVING THE HOLY SPIRIT?
Here, the answer is a simple ‘no’, the evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit is the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Tongues are not included as a fruit of the Spirit which must accompany each believer.

C. SPEAKING IN TONGUES IN CHURCH – A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE.
We “do NOT forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” 1 Corinth 14:39

What is this “orderly” way? 1 Corinth 14:27-33
1. Number of speakers per worship session:
‘IF anyone speaks in a tongue, two – or at the most three’ - should speak (PER WORSHIP SESSION/SEVICE). verse 27a-b.
What this means is that, when we come together on the Sabbath, we may only hear at the MOST, three people speaking in tongues.

2. ‘One at a time’. v 27c.
No chaos in the house of God, with one mumbling here, another going that way, all the time clapping hands. Nope! One person speaks in a tongue, while others listen. This is worship service, not a party!

3. ‘And someone must interpret.’ v 27d.
This is where the current crop of ‘tongues’ fall face down. People love to mumble nothings and then pretend that they have the Holy Ghost. Whatever is spoken in the congregation of the saints, in a tongue, MUST be interpreted. Either by the speaker himself or by someone else. There is the directive ‘must’ – it’s not optional to interpret the tongues. Why, because demons can possess people, and they can praise the devil and blaspheme the Name, while the people may be thinking that they are serving the God of heaven. 
This capper is not a mistake; it’s just that people have minimum appreciation of what happens in the spiritual realm.

4. ‘If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the Church’ verse 28.
Due to the spirit of rebellion, you’ll find that this verse has been trashed.

If there’s no interpreter, the speaker must keep quiet in the Church. Period. Don’t curse our God in a language we don’t understand, and expect us to pat you on the back.

In the Church of God, not everyone speaks in tongues. 1 Corinth 12:29-30.

D. THE RELATIVE POSITION OF TONGUES AS A SPIRITUAL GIFT. 1 Corinth 12:28
1. First, Apostles – the generation of John, Andrew, Peter, Paul, James etc. Upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone, our Church is built. Ephesians 2:20
2. Second, prophets.
3. Third, teachers.
4. Then workers of miracles.
5. Also those having gifts of healing.
6. Those able to help others.
7. Those with gifts of Administration.
8. And those speaking in different kinds of tongues.

Tongues don’t prove a thing. In our profile, it ranks last. Not that it’s useless, or we wouldn’t have been given it. However, imposters mislead people by fake mimickings which they masquerade as tongues, destroying the faith of many.

We therefore have a duty to guard the flock.

Bless.

January 16 2014 • 3 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Sharon Simms Supporter

I have a Scripture that speaking in tongues is evidence of the Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit is the same thing as Holy Ghost). 

Acts 1:5 (KJV)
5For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. 

Acts 2:4 (KJV)
4And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 2:37-38 (KJV)
Acts 2:37[Now when they heard ] this[, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men ] and[ brethren, what shall we do?] 38[Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.] 
39For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Acts 5:32 (KJV)
32And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

Acts 8:15-17 (KJV)
15Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

Acts 10:43-46 (KJV)
43[To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.] 44While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45[And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.] 46[For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,] 

Acts 19:3-6 (KJV)
3And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 4[Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.] 5[When they heard ] this[, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.] 6[And when Paul had laid ] his[ hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.] 

These Scriptures are many that speak about the Holy Ghost and how did they know they got it is the evidence of speaking in tongues... Tp get the facts read the book of Acts... Also get a Bible Study from a United Pentecostal Church... The Holy Ghost is alive today, understand it, ask for the truth and receive it.... God Bless, I hope this helped you.

August 22 2013 • 5 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Emanuel khangale Supporter

Is speaking in tongues evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit? Simple and straight forward answer is YES. Is speaking with tongues the only evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit? NO.

Speaking in tongues is the first manifestation sign of the infilling with the Holy Spirit 
(Acts 2:4) all of them were filled with the holy spirit and began to speak in other tongues.
(Acts 10:44-46) the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message and they speak in tongues
(Act 19:5-6) when Paul placed his hand on them the Holy Spirit came on them and they speak in tongues.

From the above scripture its quit clear that speaking in tongues was the evidence of receiving the holy spirit as the first manifestation sign of receiving the holy spirit.
There is no were in the bible where it is recorded people speaking in tongues except where people were filled with the Holy Spirit 

ARE TONGUES AVAILABLE FOR ALL CHRISTIANS?

(MARK 16:17) Jesus said “These signs shall follow them that believe...” one of them is being “they shall speak with new tongues. 

In 1Cor 12:30 Paul asks the hypothetical question “ do all speak in tongues?” this has led some to the conclusion that tongues as a whole are only for a select few Christians.
The context of Paul above statement is a discussion of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, tongues being one of them. He is giving instruction for the proper use of the gifts of tongues in a church service. When Paul speaks of tongues in this setting, he is referring to the ministry gift of tongues and is only given by the Holy Spirit in certain situations. This type of tongues is a sign for unbeliever. 
However, we read other instances in scripture where people spoke in tongues, and no unbeliever were present (see acts 10:46; 19:6)

There are a number of scripture that clearly teach that tongues are for all believers:
1. These signs shall follow them that believe... “one of them being “they shall speak with new tongues (Mark 16:17)
2. At the initial outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, all speak with tongues. (Acts 2:4)
3. Paul desired all Christians to speak in tongues (1Cor 14:5)
4. The exhortation to “pray in the spirit (Eph 6:18) and “in the holy ghost” (Jude 20,) terms with synonymous with praying in tongues (1Cor 14:14-16,) are directed to all Christians.

I compare it to this: all Christians are to have faith (Mark 11:22; Eph 2:8), but some have a special gift of faith (1cor 12:9). All Christians are to be merciful (Matt 5:7; Luke 6:36), but some have a special ministry gift of mercy (Romans 12:8).likewise the wonderful experience of praying in tongues is available to all Christians, but some have a special public ministry gift of tongues.

It is not my intention to in anyway imply that Christians who don’t speak in tongues are any less saved, or are any less in love with Jesus than Christians who do. Possibly, because of they are background, denomination, or some other factor.

God wants us to operate in both the fruits and the gifts of the spirit. We must keep a balanced, focused view on this. I don’t claim that speaking in tongues has made me a better Christian than anyone else, but i do know this-it has made me a better Christian than i was before!

IF IT IS GOD’S WILL FOR ALL TO SPEAK IN TONGUES, THEN WHY DO SOME HAVE TROUBLE RECEIVING THEIR PRAYER LANGUAGE?

When properly instructed, most Christians receive their prayer language quickly and easily. However there are very sincere believer who for whatever reason, struggle in this area. For some it becomes a source of frustration and discouragement. Why does this happen? While i don’t have all answer, here are few of the most common:

To be continued

May 01 2015 • 5 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

JD Abshire Supporter

At the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) men were endowed with the gift of tongues for the purpose of preaching the saving gospel to fellow Jews who were from other areas that spoke a different language (Acts 2:8-11). It should be noted that "tongues" was an intelligible, discernable language that could be reduced to pin and paper.

Aside from furthering the gospel of grace it also authenticated the ones speaking, a sign. Acts 2:7 identifies the speakers as "Galileans" which were presumed to be nothing more unlearned fishermen, having their own dialect. (See Matthew 26:69-75).

Although a popular catch-phrase today among some continuationists, I'm not aware of any scripture that states "babbling" is evidence one has been filled with the Holy Spirit. To the contrary, Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 14:33 "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints."

If you do not speak in tongues this is evidence you do not speak in tongues.

In John 14:17 The Lord Jesus told the disciples the Spirit of truth would be in or indwell them.

In 14:26 The Holy Spirit will teach all things and bring to remembrance all that Christ had said unto them.

Concerning the Holy Spirit, Christ told the disciples in John 5:26 "he shall testify of me". v.27 "and ye also shall bear witness".

John 16:8-11 The Holy Spirit will reprove the world of sin, righteousness and judgment.

John 16:13 "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."

According to these statements made by The Lord, the strongest evidence of the Holy Spirit's filling is that the believer will be living a God honoring life with a burning desire to tell others about The Lord Jesus and of his death, burial and resurrection. The Holy Spirit will exalt the Savior, not himself. 

Some say fruit is not the same as evidence but I disagree. If I pick an apple off a particular tree one would have to agree that the apple is strong evidence it came from an apple tree.

Paul listed works of the flesh in the preceding verses and now In Galatians 5:22-23 he lists the fruit of the Spirit. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

Friend, a believer's security is based on the redemptive power of Christ's death, burial and resurrection. 

2 Corinthians 1:22 "Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts."

2 Corinthians 5:5 "Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit."

Ephesians 1:12 "That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ."

Ephesians 1:13 "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,"

Ephesians 1:14 "Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory."

The word "earnest" in these verses is defined as: A.money which in purchases is given as a pledge or downpayment that the full amount will subsequently be paid.

January 07 2014 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Captain BooBoo Supporter

The disciples of Christ first received the Holy Spirit 10 days after Jesus ascended to heaven. This marked the beginning of the New Covenant (Testament). The disciples were not sure when this would happen or what exactly was to occur; they simply remembered being told by Jesus to wait in Jerusalem until they received the promise. As we see by the scripture below, it occurred with God’s miraculous proof: 

Acts 2:1-4, “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (By the way, don’t be misled by children’s bible stories. Literal flames of fire did not appear above the disciples’ heads! When examined in the original Greek, the description simply means that they were all filled with the Holy Ghost - speaking in tongues as evidence - so quickly that it was like a roaring fire, raging from one end of the room to the other).

It is argued that “speaking in tongues” on the Day of Pentecost was either a one time event; for teaching purposes only; or short-lived, having ceased within centuries afterward. It is true that God gave the 120 disciples who were first anointed with the Holy Spirit “tongues” that could be understood by foreigners, but this was the only time tongues was ever documented to have been understood by natural man. God's intention was to prove that this new, miraculous experience was truly of Him. Speaking in tongues was not a gift isolated to the Day of Pentecost, nor was it intended to be used to preach to foreigners (refer to 1 Corinthians 14:2). It was simply the first manifesting sign of the infilling of the Holy Spirit then, and has been so ever since, as is evidenced by scriptures such as the following:

Acts 19:1-7, “And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve.”

Acts 10:44-48, “While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.” It is incorrect to assume we have the Holy Spirit if we have not had God’s confirming powerful evidence.

Please visit http://www.truthwithproof.com/ for more!

January 07 2014 • 12 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

D W Supporter

Only when it refers to speaking in another ordinary language which one has not learned. That is what scripture refers to. It was a Spiritual gift for witnessing to others 2,000 years ago. It is not applicable today.

August 16 2013 • 9 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Joel Bergeron Supporter

Speaking in tongues is evidence of some spirit. What spirit is it? Now that is a worthy question.

August 22 2013 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Denise Burkhart Supporter

I believe that speaking in toungs is not the only way to know if the spirit is with you. In Cor. 12 - 14 talks all about ALL OF THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT. There are rules if that tounges is a gift you get. But not everyone recives that gift. But that don't mean than they haven't recived the Holy Spirit. God gives gifts according to his plan for our lives and how we use them is up to us. And all the Spirtual gifts are Imortant and needed. (JUST LIKE JESUS SAID WE ARE ARE LIKE THE BRANCHES AND HE IS THE TREE- THESE ARE LIKE THE THICK BRANCHS) In Cor. 12-14 Paul gives some good info for those interested in tounges. But there are rules when speaking in public. You must interpret what you are saying. or someone must interpret for you. For benifet of those who don't understand or non believers who will think you are crazy! But Paul also says Prophecy is over tounges. Please read all of Cor.12 - 14. It has much information about gifts of the spirt. But LOVE is the gratest and most powerful gift that GOD gives and we are to show others and spirit heverydayas to help, because we can't do that on our own. But have to askevery day for HELP from God; the Spirit is WITH US WHEN WE CAN LOVE OTHERS as The Lord commanded. That's another way to know the is with spirit is with you and ALWAYS WILL BE THERE. JUST CALL ON HIM. <3

August 26 2013 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Ezra King Supporter Ezra King

I would say no. And here is why. 
In Acts 2:1-13 the bible says When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?” Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.”

In this one particular instance the Holy Spirit gave these men the ability to speak in other languages. Is there another place that this took place in the bible? I don't recall. And today people who claim that they are filled with the holy spirit utter all sought of jibberish and qualify that as being filled with the holy spirit. But a very important part it left out and forgotten when we consider someone who is speaking in tongues; does anybody understand them? When the Holy Spirit came down and gave these men the ability to speak in tongues "everyone heard them speak in his own language." They were speaking a real language, "Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” The foolishness that some of these so called pastors blabla is not words of any language and is not of the Holy Spirit. A person can learn to speak many different languages and not be filled with the Holy Spirit, therefore it is not evidence for having the Holy Spirit.

August 31 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Tim Collinson Supporter Tim Collinson

Speaking in tongues (Glossolalia) is not a means to salvation or salvific. Salvation is through grace alone, by faith alone, in Christ alone. Yeshua died for our sins not our ability to speak in a language. 

Personally I am not against this gift, but it is not a means to an end; if you do not speak in tongues you are not classed as being not saved and also tongues do not get you to be with the Lord in heaven it is through the death and resurrection, accepting Yeshua as your Lord and Savior that get you to heaven.. by grace through faith in Christ and nothing else.

January 07 2014 • 6 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Arza Rawlins Supporter

Acts 19 is a good place to start. Here we have believers, on thier way to heaven. Paul asked have you recieved the Holy Ghost since you believed they said they never heard of whether they're be any Holy Ghost. They were with johns baptism into repentance. And when paul finished speaking they baptized in the name of Jesus (meaning they were baptised in the Holy Ghost). And spake with other tongues.

August 30 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Karen Snyder Supporter

First of all, Constantan put a stop to True Christianity & just because he did, doesn't mean that God did. The Gifts are still in affect today. Also, I have been in some of these churches that literally teach the people how to speak in tongues & they all get up at once and start jabbering with no interpretation! This is what the Apostles say don't do, so their are tongues from the devil!

September 15 2013 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jason Corning Supporter The Order of the Maccabee

Is the language nonsense or a real language that the speaker has never learned or spoken before (like a man from Africa speaking Russian, or an Asian speaking French). If they recant nonsense that's what it is and the Holy Spirit does not speak in nonsense as the Bible readily shows. God bless and Shalom.

September 15 2013 • 6 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Billy P Eldred Supporter

As many other answers have said, speaking in tongues, when authentic, is according to the bible, evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit. 

Unfortunately, there are abuses by some wishing they had the gift of tongues, that may or may not be legit. This in no way diminishes the real thing, which can be a powerful witness to unbelievers.

Furthermore, speaking in tongues is not the only evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit. The greatest evidence, to me, by far is the fruit of a changed life. Tongues, according to the bible is a gift for unbelievers and as I said can be powerful. But when unbelievers see a change in our lives by the works and testimony our changed actions produce, I believe many have and will become believers as a result. These things can't be called fake or false as some refer to manifestations of tongues because the evidence remains.

We should all strive to let our actions and attitudes speak for us as a gift of the Spirit and if we receive the gift of tongues, use it as led by the Spirit to accomplish His will!

November 22 2021 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jay Saunders Supporter

Here is a list of evidences of receiving the Holy Ghost / Spirit. The power gifts of the spirit will manifest themselves through you as the spirit wills it, not as we will it. These are the three groupings:

Words of Wisdom
Words of Knowledge
Discernment of Spirirts

Gifts of Healing physically and spiritually
Gifts of Faith
Gifts of Miracles

Gifts of Tongues
Gifts of Interpretetion of Tongues
Gifts of Prophecy

Their usages are demonstrated in the book of Acts, mostly and through the prophets, including Jesus Christ, who was a prophet as well as our savior. He is our all in all, meaning the fullness of the Godhead manifested as God in a man, as Jesus Christ.

Then there are the fruits of the spirit which help gauge our Christian development through being a doer of the word, not just a hearer only:

Love, joy, peace, goodness, kindness, meekness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. These need to be your new personality traits and will develop in you as the word of God washes, cleanses, and renews our minds and bodies.

Some of the workings of the Holy Spirit are given supernaturally, while others are acquired or developed over time by trial, error and infillings by the power of the Holy Spirit.

These are traits that you need to gauge yourself with concerning your spiritual development.

Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers are for the perfecting of the saints. 

These are abilities or offices that may be a calling on your life, but all these gifts are developed or perfected through rightly divining the word of truth by the power of the Holy Spirit.

You can do nothing without a deep knowledge of the word of God. No school can completely teach or train you like the Holy Spirit does. The Holy Spirit is in charge down here on planet earth through God's blood-bought redeemed children.

Thoughts and facts. Selah!

It is not by our might, it is not by our power, but by my Holy Spirit, says the Lord.

January 30 2019 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Danny Hickman Supporter Believer in The Gospel Of Jesus Christ

Speaking in tongues is evidence OF the Holy Spirit. "Having" is a key word in this question. There's only one way I know for a human to speak a spiritual language, and that is to speak it by the Spirit of God. Nowhere in scripture is it suggested that an angel spoke through a human. Satan doesn't speak a spiritual language. 

The introduction of a spiritual language into the bible story was in Acts 2 on the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit filled some of the apostles who began to speak in a language that was understandable to people of differing native tongues. Parthians, Medes, Elamites, residents of Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, (and other nationalities) all heard them in their own tongues "speaking of the mighty deeds of God." (vs 11) 

I say "some" of the apostles because evidently Peter didn't receive this "evidence" of being filled with the Spirit to speak this language. When some of the people began to mock the people speaking this language (we now call "speaking in tongues") Peter spoke to them in his own tongue and declared to them, "Men of Judea and all you who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you and give heed to my words. These men are not drunk, as you suppose..." He went on to explain that what the prophet Joel had spoken previously, was now occurring; God was pouring out His Spirit on these men. He singled out the men of Judea because they were the men who understood him. Also, they were going to be the focus of his ministry; they were the people who would be the hardest of hearing... 

Peter didn't include himself and say 'We are not drunk,' because he wasn't one of the men who were speaking this unknown language by the Spirit of God. He said, 'these men are not drunk.' 

Is there anyone among us, a person who teaches, 'If you don't speak in tongues, you don't have evidence of having received the Holy Spirit,' willing to say that Peter didn't "have" the Holy Spirit? It's clear to the person who reads with a secular understanding of our language (not to mention a person with theological perception and awareness), that Peter was a witness and not a participant. He was serving as an interpreter, an important role in this holy exercise. 

When Peter finished preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to this assembly, over 3,000 persons were added to the church on that day. This isn't done without the Spirit of God getting involved! But did Peter "have" the Holy Spirit? 

Why did some of the people think the men speaking this language was drunk? Because only SOME of the people understood what was being said. To others it sounded like "mumbo jumbo;" they sounded like drunk men. 

Speaking the language of the Holy Spirit is impossible without the Holy Spirit doing it through the person out of whose mouth the words are being spoken. It's very easy to do what I often see being done; speaking unintelligibly and calling it "speaking in tongues." I'm not saying it's inauthentic, I'm saying it isn't the kind of proof a court of law will accept as real evidence. It's like having a picture of a silhouette and testifying that it's a man, 6'3" with blonde hair, blue eyes and freckles. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't, but surely a silhouette isn't "proof."

If someone speaks the "heavenly language," we'll know. There will be people there who understand it; people of different tongues. There will be a "Peter" there; an interpreter. And God will be the one who gets the glory (such as 3,000 souls saved. Others will probably be ridiculed, said to be either drunk, crazy, or pretending). 

You don't see anywhere in Acts 2 where the people speaking this unknown language was praised or bragged on. That's because praise wasn't the reason they were doing it. 

The writer to the Hebrews wrote that God says 'He will never leave or forsake us.' (Heb 13:5). So if we've ever "had" Him, we still "have" Him, whether we speak an unknown heavenly language or not.

April 02 2022 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter ABC/DTS graduate, guitar music ministry Baptist church

First, see the big picture:

Spirit-Guided Ministry
1 No presiding minister is appointed 1 Cor. 14:26

2 The edification of the church and of each member is the objective 1 Cor. 14:26

3 There is no confusion, only one speaking at a time 1 Cor. 14:31

4 There is limit to the number who speak publicly 1 Cor. 14:27,29

5 The women present keep silent and listen 1 Cor. 14:34, 35

Three of the restrictions are the most important: (1) Only two or three should do so in a meeting. (2) They should do so one at a time. (3) There must be interpretation. NIVSB

In this way, tongues did not serve as a private prayer language, but rather—like all spiritual gifts—as a means by which one might serve and edify the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:7; 1 Pet. 4:10). JM

Don Stewart also sheds some light on the subject:

In Acts 2:4, we find speaking in tongues accompanied the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. The Bible says.

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them (Acts 2:4 NET). 

In the initial coming of the Holy Spirit with power, we find the gift of tongues. This indicates that the gift of tongues accompanies the coming of the Holy Spirit. 

Some people who believe that the baptism with the Holy Spirit is a second work that accompanies salvation also believe that the sign that a person has been baptized with the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues. There are a number of passages in Scripture they use to illustrate their point.

At Pentecost, the power of the Holy Spirit which fell upon the disciples came with “speaking in tongues.” It is argued that this set a pattern.

November 26 2021 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report