You can disagree with me, but I think the gift of tongues and its interpretation always sounds the oddest of all the giftings. Although most of us probably had a reasonable guess as to what the gifts of healing, miracles, and prophecy were, how many know what a gift of tongues is?
Tongues
The concordance says that the word tongues comes from the Greek word glossa, which means; tongue or language, sometimes referring to a supernatural language. A supernatural language? What does that mean?
In Acts 2, we see the first appearance of tongues when the Holy Spirit shows up on Pentecost:
And suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them tongues parting asunder, like as of fire; and it sat upon each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:2-4 ASV)
The flames looked like tongues, and when they landed on each of them, they could speak in a language they did not know. The story continues:
And when this sound was heard, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because every man heard them speaking in his own language. 7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying, Behold, are not all these that speak Galilaeans? 8 And how hear we, every man in our own language wherein we were born? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, in Judaea and Cappadocia, in Pontus and Asia, 10 in Phrygia and Pamphylia, in Egypt and the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and sojourners from Rome, both Jews and proselytes (coverts to Judiasm), 11 Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our tongues the mighty works of God. (Acts 2:6-11 ASV)
In other words, God was overriding the natural language barrier to spread the gospel.
Heavenly Language
Many in today’s churches also refer to tongues a Heavenly Language. That is a little bit different than what Paul is talking about here.
Heavenly language connects to the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and many will say the speaking of tongues evidences the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Because that’s how it happened at Pentecost, that is considered the sign. Of course, you can argue that if you like, I have my thoughts based on experience, but that’s for another day!
Anyone who has accepted Jesus can receive the gift of another language. Understand that this language is not one you know; you will most likely have no idea what you are praying for, but you will see its purpose in the following scriptures.
Mark 16:17 (ASV): And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues
Romans 8: 26-27 (ASV): And in like manner the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity: for we know not how to pray as we ought; but the Spirit himself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered; 27 and he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, [a]because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Jude 1:20 (ASV): But (you), beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit
This type of tongue is not generally used in the public forum but during private prayer times.
Gift of Tongues and Interpretations
In 1 Cor 12, Paul talks about the gift of tongues for corporate gatherings. Then, in 1 Corinthians 14, Paul explains tongues and interpretations. Due to the length of the passage, I am only going to pick a few out. But as always, I encourage you to read chapter 14 in its entirety.
1 Cor 14:2 (NIV): For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God.
1 Cor 14: 6 (NIV): Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction?
1 Cor 14: 23 (NIV): So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind?
1 Cor 14:27-28 (NIV): If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. 28 If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God.
Did you notice that when a person gives a tongue in public, Paul expects others to interpret the words? Interpretation is not a translation. Most of us have taken a foreign language somewhere in life. Those classes taught us to translate the meaning to be the same in both languages.
An interpretation is different. When someone speaks in tongues, those with the gift to interpret will tell what they heard in that tongue. In other words, the interpreters received a prophetic word that may not be the same. It’s like looking at clouds. One person may see the cloud’s shape as a bird, while another may see it as a leaf. Neither interpretation is wrong, just different. Of course, that assumes that the interpretations do not contradict the scriptures. I hope all this helps!
Until next time under the palm, be blessed!
