The Gift of Divers Kinds of Tongues
1 Corinthians 12.:7-11 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; TO ANOTHER DIVERS KINDS OF TONGUES; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
The word “divers” in First Corinthians 12:10 is italicized, which means that it was added by the translator. Actually, this verse reads, “… to another, kinds of tongues” However, in another scripture, Paul said that God set in the Church diversities of tongues; therefore, we would not be out of line scripturally to say “divers” kinds of tongues, or different kinds of tongues.
1 Cor:12:28: And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
This utterance gift of tongues is an important gift in that tongues is the door into the supernatural. This doesn’t necessarily mean the gift of tongues is the best gift, for as we indicated previously, the best gift is the gift needed at the moment.
Tongues: The Most Prominent Gift
Of the three vocal gifts, or as they are sometimes called, the gifts of utterance or inspiration: the gift of prophecy, divers kinds of tongues and the interpretation of tongues; the gift of tongues is the most prominent. Utterance in tongues in public assembly is the most frequently manifested gift of the Spirit. Tongues and interpretation of tongues are distinctive to the Church Age. Therefore, they are more in operation.
We see all the other gifts of the Spirit in operation in the Old Testament ; the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, special faith, gifts of healings, working of miracles, prophecy, and discerning of spirits; all the gifts of the Spirit except for tongues and interpretation of tongues.
And in the ministry of Jesus, too, we see all the gifts of the Spirit in operation except for tongues and interpretation of tongues; you won’t find tongues and interpretation of tongues in operation in His ministry.
The Gift of Tongues Is a Supernatural Sign
Divers kinds of tongues is supernatural utterance by the Holy Spirit in languages never learned by the speaker, nor understood by the speaker, nor necessarily always understood by the hearer. Speaking with tongues has nothing whatsoever to do with linguistic ability; it has nothing to do with the mind or the intellect of man. It is a vocal miracle of the Holy Spirit.
We might ask, “What is the good of speaking with tongues?” Jesus said “. . .
these signs shall follow them that believe . . . they shall speak with new tongues.”
MARK 16:15-18 15 Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils [exercise authority over demons and evil spirits in His name]; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents [meaning believers won’t be harmed if they do so accidentally, as Paul did on the island of Melital; and if they drink any deadly thing [accidentally], it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Any thinking person could see that if the other four of these signs — casting out devils, taking up serpents, drinking any deadly thing without suffering harm, and laying hands on the sick — are supernatural, surely the fifth sign, speaking in tongues, is also supernatural. Therefore, one reason we speak in tongues is that Jesus said this is one sign which should follow believers. Also, tongues is the scriptural, initial evidence also of the baptism in the Holy
Ghost (Acts 2:4).
The Gift of Tongues Is Unique To This Dispensation
Prophets under the Old Covenant had not been born again. They did not have a recreated human spirit; they had never been made a new creature in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17) because Jesus had not yet come in His death, burial, and resurrection to redeem mankind.
Therefore, prophets under the Old Covenant did not have the infilling of the Holy Spirit in the same way that a born-again, Spirit-filled believer does living under the New Covenant. Under the Old Covenant, the Holy Spirit came upon those who stood in the offices of the prophet, priest, and king to enable them to fulfill their offices or ministries, but He did not indwell and infill them in the same sense that He does the born-again, Spirit-filled believer living under the New Covenant.
We want the Holy Ghost and His gifts manifested in our lives according to
the dispensation in which we live. And the gift of tongues and interpretation of tongues are unique to the dispensation of the Church Age.
John the Baptist was still under the Old Covenant. He was a prophet under the Old Covenant. Jesus Himself said concerning John the Baptist, “. . . Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he”(Matt. 11:11).
Tongues Is the Evidence Of Being Filled With the Spirit There are five recorded
instances where believers received the Holy Spirit.
1. Acts 2:1-4 1: And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2: And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3: And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4: And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
The 120 on the Day of Pentecost: These were men and women, including Mary, the mother of Jesus. Gathered in the Upper Room on the Day of Pentecost, they were filled with the Holy Ghost and spoke in tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
2. Acts 8:5-17 :5: Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. 6: And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7: For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. 8: And there was great joy in that city. 9: But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: 10: To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. 11: And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. 12: But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13: Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. 14: Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15: Who, 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.) 17: Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
The Samaritans: Saved under Philip’s ministry, they received the Holy Spirit when Peter and John laid hands on them. Simon saw physical evidence of the infilling of the Holy Spirit, which was probably speaking in tongues.
3. Acts 9:3-18 3: And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5: And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6: And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. 7: And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 8: And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 9: And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. 10: And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11: And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12: And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13: Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 15: But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake. 17: And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.18: And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
Saul (later called Paul): When Ananias laid hands on him, Paul received the Holy Spirit. Paul spoke in tongues because later he wrote to the Church at Corinth, “I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye r. 14:18).
4. Acts 10:44-46 44: While 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.
Cornelius and his household: This incident occurred years after the Day of Pentecost. As Peter was preaching the gospel to these first Gentile converts, they were all saved (Acts 11:14) and filled with the Holy Spirit, and spoke with other tongues.
5. Acts 19:1-7 1: 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, 2: 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. 3: And 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. 7: And all the men were about twelve.
This incident occurred many years after the Day of Pentecost. These
Ephesian disciples were saved and baptized in the Name of Jesus after Paul explained the gospel to them. Then when Paul laid hands on them, they were immediately filled with the Holy Spirit and they spoke with other tongues.
Thus, in the Bible in the Acts of the Apostles, we see that over many years there are three recorded incidents of believers receiving the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking with tongues. And twice it is inferred that the evidence for believers receiving the Holy Spirit was speaking in tongues. We should expect to have the same witness of the baptism of the Holy Spirit in evidence today.
Purposes of Speaking in Tongues
Initial Evidence of Receiving the Holy Spirit
Speaking in tongues is the initial evidence or sign of the Holy Spirit’s infilling Presence (Acts 2:4).
Speaking Mysteries Supernaturally to God
Paul gives another reason for speaking with tongues in First Corinthians 14:2: “For he thatspeaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but UNTO GOD: for no manunderstandeth him; howbeit IN THE SPIRIT HE SPEAKETH MYSTERIES”
Moffatt’s translation reads, “… he is talking of divine secrets” Therefore, one reason for speaking with tongues is so that men may speak mysteries supernaturally to God: “. . . he speaketh not unto men, but UNTO GOD . . .” (1 Cor. 14:2).
One of the great benefits of being filled with the Spirit and speaking with other tongues is that we can talk to God supernaturally. It is your spirit, by the Holy Spirit within you, talking to God: “For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful” (1 Cor. 14:14). The Amplified Bible says, “. . . my spirit [by the Holy Spirit within me] prays …” (1 Cor. 14:14).
Magnifying God
Another scriptural purpose of speaking in tongues is to magnify God.
Edifying Ourselves
Still another scriptural purpose for speaking with tongues is to edify ourselves.
In First Corinthians 14:4, Paul makes the statement that “He that speaketh in an unknown tongue EDIFIETH HIMSELF ”
To edify means to build oneself up.
1 Cor 14:18, Paul said, “I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all.”
In other words he said, “I thank God I edify myself more than ye all.” If Paul needed this edification, we need it too.
Jude also links praying in tongues with spiritual edification.
JUDE 20 But ye, beloved, BUILDING UP YOURSELVES on your most holy faith, PRAYING IN THE HOLY GHOST.
Praying in the Spirit
Jude instructs believers to “pray in the Holy Ghost.” Paul uses a similar phrase in his letters. Writing to the Church at Ephesus, Paul said, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication IN THE SPIRIT. . .” (Eph. 6:18). What does it mean to “pray in the Spirit”? One meaning of “praying in the Spirit” is found in First Corinthians 14:2, where Paul says, “For he that speaketh in an UNKNOWN TONGUE speaketh not unto men, but unto God . . . howbeit IN THE SPIRIT he speaketh mysteries.”
Be Being Filled With the Spirit
Paul also encouraged the saints at Ephesus to edify themselves
Eph:5:18: And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
Remember that this letter was written to Spirit-filled believers, because we read in Acts chapter 19 that Paul came to Ephesus, and there he found these disciples and laid hands on them. The Holy Ghost came on them and they spoke with tongues (Acts 19:1-6).
Greek scholars tell us that a more literal translation would be,”Be being filled.” In other words, we should maintain a continuous experience of being filled up to overflowing with the Holy Spirit. It is one thing to be filled with the Holy Ghost initially; it is another thing to stay continually filled with the Holy Ghost. Beginning in verse 19, Paul lists the characteristics of the Spirit-filled life
EPHESIANS 5:19-21
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, SINGING AND
MAKING MELODY IN YOUR HEART TO THE LORD; 20 GIVING THANKS ALWAYS for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 21 SUBMITTING YOURSELVES ONE TO ANOTHER in the fear of God.
Those believers who are continually being filled with the Holy Spirit have a song in their heart; they are always giving thanks to God; and they have a submissive attitude. They sing and make melody in their hearts to the Lord continually.
Allowing Our Spirits Contact With the Father of Spirits
Another scriptural purpose for speaking with tongues is so that our spirits (as distinct from our minds or our own understanding) might pray. God is a Spirit, and He has provided a supernatural means whereby the human spirit can be in direct contact with the Father of spirits (Heb. 12:9).
Paul said, “For if I pray in an unknown tongue, MY SPIRIT PRAYETH, but my understanding is unfruitful”(1 Cor. 14:14).
Paul also made reference to this in Romans 8:26: “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”
A more correct translation would be, “. . . with groanings which cannot be uttered in articulate speech.” Therefore, praying in the Spirit provides a way whereby the Holy Spirit enables our spirit, apart from our understanding, to pray to God and commune with Him.
Spiritual Refreshing
Isaiah prophesied not only about the coming Messiah and the great plan of redemption which Jesus would consummate, but also about the Holy Ghost and speaking in other tongues.
ISAIAH 28:11,12 For with stammering lips and ANOTHER TONGUE will he speak to this people.12 To whom he said, THIS IS THE REST wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and THIS IS THE REFRESHING
There is a very real spiritual rest and a spiritual refreshing in communicating with God our Father, as our spirits pray distinct and separate from our understanding.
Interpreting Tongues In Our Private Prayer Life
Let us notice something else in this scripture in First Corinthians 14:14,15.
1 CORINTHIANS 14:14,15 14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also.
Paul had just stated in First Corinthians 14:13, “. . . let him that speaketh in an unknowntongue pray that he may interpret.”
Through the gift of interpretation of tongues, we may know by our understanding, as the Spirit wills, what our spirit prays. This is not always necessary, but it is available to us through a gift of the Spirit, the interpretation of tongues.
Tongues Is Primarily a Devotional Gift
We need to put emphasis on tongues where the emphasis belongs. That is
what Paul was trying to do with the Church at Corinth by saying to them, “I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all” (1 Cor. 14:18)
Paul was telling the Corinthians the purpose of speaking in tongues and what praying in tongues would do for them. Tongues is primarily a devotional gift to be used in one’s prayer life for praising and worshipping God, for speaking mysteries to God, and for building oneself up on his most holy faith.
We should not be as concerned about ministering in tongues and interpreting tongues publicly as we should be about maintaining the blessing tongues produces in our personal prayer lives. However, as we are faithful to pray in tongues in our own personal prayer lives, that allows us to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit should He desire to use us in tongues and interpretation in the local church.
The Gift of Tongues in Public Ministry
In addition to praying in tongues in one’s individual prayer life, it is also true that there is a public side to speaking in tongues. Paul said that not everyone would be used in what we call the public ministry of tongues.
1 Co:12:30: Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
1 Co:12:31: But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
The obvious answer is no because in this verse Paul is talking about the public ministry of diversities of tongues which is a ministry gift denoting more the prophetic office, not the devotional gift of tongues. Some take First Corinthians 12:30 out of its context and conclude that Paul was saying,
“Speaking in tongues isn’t for everyone. Therefore, you can be filled with the Spirit without speaking with tongues.” However, again, we must remember that here Paul is talking about the ministry gift of tongues, for he began by saying, “AND GOD HATH SET SOME IN THE CHURCH, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps,
governments, DIVERSITIES OF TONGUES” (1 Cor. 12:28). Ministry gifts or offices are “set” in the Church by God; they are people called to the fivefold ministry.
Then he asked the question in First Corinthians 12:29 and 30, “Are all apostles? . . . No, all are not apostles: … are all prophets? . . . [No, all are not prophets.] . . . are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? . . .” Of course, the answer is no.
Let’s look a little further in verse 30: “. . . do all speak with tongues? . . .” The obvious answer is no. Paul was talking here about fivefold ministry gifts, just as he was talking about fivefold ministry gifts when he asked, “Are all apostles? . . .” (v. 29), and so forth.
Public Use of the Gift of Tongues and Interpretation
When used in private, the gift of tongues is for personal edification. When spoken in public, it should be for the profit (or good) of those listening. Verses 6-11 of 1 Corinthians 14 explain that tongues have four applications for public ministry. Each contains a communication directly from God.
I Corinthians 14:6-11 (NKJV) “But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching? {7} Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played? {8} For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare himself for battle? {9} So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air. {10} There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance. {11} Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me.”
Here are the four applications of the gift of tongues.
(1) to provide revelation;
(2) to give knowledge and understanding from God
(3) to prophesy God’s message;
(4) to teach.
Verse 9 tells us that without interpretation of the tongues with words that are easy to understand, there is no communication. The result will be frustration and disconnection. Verses 16- 17, tell us that without being able to understand the tongues, the listener is not edified.
1 Corinthians 14:13-17 (NKJV) “Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. {14} For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. {15} What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. {16} Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? {17} For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.”
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