I have included this page because the author has put in a lot of work.
and the work is not necessarily what I believe...Hendrik

BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Bible speaks of a plurality of Baptisms in Hebrews Chapter 6 verse 2....

Heb 6:2
2 instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
(NIV)

In the Old Testament we have the Baptism of Moses (1 Cor 10:2) and in the New Testament, the Baptism of Repentance (Mark 1:4), Christian Water Baptism (Matt 28:19;Acts 8:35-38) and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit (Matt 3:11;Acts 1:5). Needless to say the Baptism of Moses and John’s Baptism of Repentance are no longer valid
today. We are, therefore, left with two Baptisms for the New Testament Church, viz, Christian Water Baptism and Baptism of the Holy Spirit. We have already dealt with Christian Water Baptism, so this article will concern itself solely with the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

First of all we must be very clear that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a separate and distinct encounter with God the Holy Spirit apart from salvation for the following reasons:

1. In the case of the first christians, our Lord imparted the Holy Spirit to them first (after His resurrection) before telling them to wait for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit...
 
 
 

2. The Gift of the Holy Spirit is given upon one’s salvation; the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is given after one’s salvation......
 
 
 

3. Upon getting saved, the minister or pastor baptizes you with water. But the Administrator of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is Jesus Himself......
 
 
 

4. Salvation makes a person a born-again christian i.e. he or she “enters” into the Kingdom of God. Baptism of the Holy Spirit is for purposes of witnessing.
 
 
 

5. No supernatural gifts are given upon salvation. On receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit supernatural gifts are normally evident...
 
 
 

ONCE WE ARE CLEAR IN OUR MINDS THAT THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS A SEPARATE AND DISTINCT ENCOUNTER WITH GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT, WE MUST THEN PROCEED TO PRAY TO RECEIVE IT AS IT IS A COMMAND OF THE LORD AND NOT AN OPTION (ACTS 1:4,5; Ephesians 5:18). A BORN-AGAIN CHRISTIAN WHO WILFULLY REJECTS THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS SINNING AGAINST GOD. IN FACT,IN THE EPISTLES, THE APOSTLE PAUL DOES NOT DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN SPIRIT BAPTIZED AND NON-SPIRIT BAPTIZED CHRISTIANS AT ALL. HE ASSUMES THAT ALL CHRISTIANS ARE SPIRIT BAPTIZED, AS SHOULD BE THE CASE.

A PRAYER: Father God, I come to you in the Name of Jesus. I am a born-again christian and I pray that you would Baptize me in the Holy Spirit as your WORD commands.
 

“TONGUES” MYSTERY UNRAVELED

An apparent point of contention between charismatics and non-charismatics (or pentecostals and non-pentecostals) is the so-called issue of “tongues”.  Let us delve into the Scriptures to sort out this issue in a clear and indisputable manner.

Point #1

“Tongues” is a Scriptural phenomenon and as far back as the Book of Isaiah, “tongues” have already been mentioned prophetically as a future event.....

Isa 28:11
11 Very well then, with foreign lips and strange tongues God will speak to this people,
(NIV)

The resurrected Lord made it quite clear that Born-again believers would be able to exercise the following five supernatural gifts (as the Lord sovereignly directs), new tongues being one of the gifts....

Mark 16:17-18
17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."
(NIV) Emphasis mine. These five supernatural gifts are given for ministry purposes....
 

Point #2

The gift of “Tongues” was only poured out at Pentecost in Acts Chapter Two after Jesus were resurrected and after the impartation of the Holy Spirit to the first christians (See John 20:22). This gift of “tongues” was a sign gift upon the infilling or Baptism of the Holy Spirit on the first Born-again disciples of Christ...
 

Acts 2:4
4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
(NIV) Emphasis mine. Notice the words “filled with the Holy Spirit” to describe the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

The “tongues” described in Acts Chapter 2, are actually foreign languages temporarily endowed as a supernatural gift on the early disciples so that they can proclaim the wonders of God (which with Peter’s message following, resulted in many souls being saved)....

Acts 2:11
11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs-- we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!"
(NIV)

In most other instances in Acts where the Baptism or in filling of the Holy Spirit was encountered, there were sign gifts being exercised....

Acts 10:45-46
Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.
46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said,
(NIV) Here the tongues must be a known foreign language for verse 46 says that they HEARD THEM SPEAKING IN TONGUES AND PRAISING GOD. In other words, they understood that those speaking in tongues were praising
God.

Acts 19:5-6
5 On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.
6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
(NIV) Notice that the Baptism of the HOLY SPIRIT was ministered to the disciples after they were baptised into Jesus (Water Baptism-see Acts 10:47,48). Take note that in addition to “tongues” the disciples also prophesied.

“Tongues” is a New Testament phenomenon but prophesying as a result of the Spirit’s anointing has Old Testament precedents (1 Sam 10:10,11;19:20).

At this juncture, it need be mentioned that there was no mention of “tongues” in Paul’s initial salvation/baptism experience. It must, however, be inferred that Paul was Baptized in the Holy Spirit as he says that he spoke in tongues more than any of them (those in the Corinthian Church)- see 1 Cor 14:18.
 

TWO KINDS OF TONGUES -

1 Corinthians Chapter 12 speaks of different kinds of tongues...

1 Cor 12:10
10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.
(NIV) Emphasis mine
 

In 1 Corinthians 13:1, the Apostle Paul specifically mentions two kinds of tongues, viz,  tongues of men (foreign but known languages) and tongues of angels (unknown tongues).....

1 Cor 13:1
1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
(NIV) Emphasis mine
 

PUBLIC USAGE OF TONGUES

Supernaturally endowed foreign languages are part of a disciple’s evangelistic armament, albeit temporary (“new tongues” in addition to the other four supernatural signs in Mark 16:17 and the foreign tongues in Acts 2:4 which helped to bring souls to God). Supernaturally endowed foreign tongues is also a gift that is exercised in the church for its edification on the proviso that there is an interpretation from the Holy Spirit.....

1 Cor 14:5
............He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.
(NIV)

1 Cor 14:13
13 For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says.
(NIV) Notice that Paul says that one should 'pray' for an interpretation implying that it is a supernatural "tongue' which requires interpretation from God.

1 Cor 14:6-13

6 Now, brothers, 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?
7 Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes?
8 Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?
9 So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.
10 Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning.
11 If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me.
12 So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.
13 For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says.
(NIV) Emphasis mine

In verse 6 above, Paul says “ brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues.....” He is addressing christians (the church) and further on in verse 10, he equates this “tongues” with “all sorts of languages in the world”. In Verse 11, he says a person speaking in tongues is “a foreigner to me.” What Paul is saying is that the gift of tongues in this context (or different kinds of tongues as mentioned in 1 Cor 12 verse 10) is essentially a gift of different kinds of languages endowed on the speaker by the Spirit as HE wills. This “gift”, as mentioned before,  needs to be interpreted (verse 13) in order that the church may be edified.
 

So to sum up, the foregoing discussion speaks of two kinds of supernatural tongues or languages both in the context of public usage.....firstly as an evangelistic tool and secondly as a means of edification to the church as a whole (when supernaturally interpreted).
 

PRIVATE USAGE OF TONGUES/PRAYER LANGUAGE

In 1 Corinthians 13:1, Paul speaks of tongues of men and angels. Tongues of angels are essentially unintelligible tongues......

1 Cor 13:1
13:1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
NIV
 

FURTHER ON THE SCRIPTURES DIFFERENTIATES BETWEEN SPEAKING AND PRAYING IN TONGUES...
 

1 Cor 14:13-14
13 Therefore let one who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.
14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.
(NAS) Emphasis Mine

“..Let him that speaketh (King James Version)” in 1 Corinthians 14 verse 13 is  laleo¹ in greek and it means “to talk, i.e. utter words”. “Pray” in verse 14 above is  proseuchomai¹ in greek and it means “to supplicate or worship”. These are two distinct and different words that Paul through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit has chosen to use. Therefore you can clearly infer that THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SPEAKING IN A TONGUE AND PRAYING IN A TONGUE. Speaking in an unknown tongue (supernaturally endowed foreign language) is a public ministry that requires interpretation for the edification of the church; praying in a tongue is a prayer language for private usage. It is prayer from our spirit unto God with an unction from the Holy Spirit....

Rom 8:26-27
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.
27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.
(NIV) Emphasis mine

The crux of the above verse is that we “do not know what we ought to pray for” therefore the Holy Spirit intercedes through us (through our spirits) in a heavenly language- 'groans that words cannot express' i.e. unknown or unintelligible tongues or tongues of angels, so that we can pray in the will of the Father.  Further on, we are commanded to pray in the Holy Spirit (on all occasions)  as it is not only intercession but it “builds us up” in the faith.........

Eph 6:18
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
(NIV) Emphasis Mine

Jude 1:20
20 But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.
(NIV) Emphasis Mine

Yes, as the Apostle Paul says, pray in the SPIRIT (in unknown, UNINTELLIGIBLE tongues) but also pray with your mind (intelligibly).

1 Cor 14:15
15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.
(NIV) Emphasis Mine. Congregational prayer must always be intelligible i.e. with the mind, as the Word of God is quite clear that two or more must agree with each other when they pray together...

Matt 18:19-20
19 "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
NIV

The confusion in charismatic circles regarding the initial evidence of tongues arises from the failure to differentiate  between a private prayer language of a Spirit Baptised Christian from the supernatural gift of a foreign tongue or tongues as in Acts Chapter 2.

What about the issue of singing in the spirit?  If you read Paul's argument in 1 Corinthians Chapter 14 verses 12 to 17, you will find that he puts praying in the spirit (IN TONGUES- see verse 14 below) in the same category as singing in the spirit (IN TONGUES-implied). In other words, singing in the spirit should be a private ministry. The whole context of 1 Corinthians 14 verses 12 to 17 indicates that praying or praising God in public requires agreement amongst believers (see verse 16 below) and THIS PREMISE MAKES 'UNDERSTANDING' A MANDATORY REQUIREMENT...

1 Cor 14:12-17
12 So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.

13 For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind. 16 If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? 17 You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified.
NIV

I trust that the above dissertation has put to rest the controversy surrounding “tongues” once and for all. The Bible has this to say of itself in 2 Tim 3:16.....`All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.....’ If the Bible is full of controversies and subject to countless number of
interpretations as some contend, then it is no longer useful for teaching, rebuking and training in righteousness- a thought utterly blasphemous by itself!

BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Strong's Greek-Hebrew Dictionary- Biblesoft, Seattle, USA 1994
 

ADDENDUM:

EXEGESIS OF 1 CORINTHIANS CHAPTER FOURTEEN

1 Cor 14:1-2
14:1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of
prophecy. 2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God.
Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.
NIV
1 Cor 14:2
2 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.
KJV Emphasis Mine.

There are two kinds of tongues, viz, known and unknown tongues (tongues of angels
and tongues of men-1 Cor 13:1). Known tongues are foreign languages unknown to the
speaker whilst Unknown tongues are essentially tongues of angels unknown to
mankind. That is why in the latter part of 1 Corinthians 14 verse 2, Paul says that no man
understands the person who speaks in an unknown tongue.

1 Cor 14:3
3 But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement
and comfort.
NIV

Prophesy is essentially God speaking through man and this must be in a language that
is understandable for the congregation in order to strengthen, encourage and comfort.

1 Cor 14:4
4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
NIV

Here Paul is referring to the Unknown tongue of 1 Corinthians 14:2, which is essentially
Man praying or speaking to God in an unintelligible, angelic “language” and it is this
private, prayer language which edifies the person who is praying. It is Man’s spirit
communicating with God and bypassing the Mind that is why in verse 2, Paul says such
a person utters mysteries with his spirit. It is also Man praying in the Will of God as
evidenced in the verse below...

Rom 8:26
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought
to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot
express.
NIV

1 Cor 14:5
5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you
prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he
interprets, so that the church may be edified. NIV

Before proceeding further, it is imperative that we differentiate between the private,
prayer language of the Spirit-filled believer and the public ministry of tongues which
Paul is introducing now. In verse 5 above, Paul refers to tongues as an unknown
language supernaturally endowed on the Spirit-filled believer in church for the
edification of all. In the exercise of such a gift, it is mandatory that there be
interpretation so that the whole church can be edified. Take note that Strong’s Greek
Hebrew dictionary defines the words “he interpret” which is “diermeneuo” in Greek as
“to explain thoroughly, by implication, to translate” Translation is made in reference to a
foreign language; one cannot translate an angelic language.

1 Cor 14:6-9
6 Now, brothers, 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? 7 Even in
the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone
know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? 8 Again, if the
trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? 9 So it is with you.
Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you
are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.
NIV

Here, the Apostle Paul is saying that speaking in a tongue (foreign language) has no
spiritual value to the congregation of believers. It is like a flute or harp without any
distinction in the notes. In other words, it is unintelligible to the church at large.

1 Cor 14:10-12
10 Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without
meaning. 11 If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a
foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. 12 So it is with you. Since you are
eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.
NIV

Verses 10 to 12 is a follow up of verses 6 to 9 and these verses support the inference
that Paul was referring to foreign languages in verse 6 when he mentioned “tongues”
for he goes on to say that there are many languages in the world and all of them have
meanings; but in the church if the meaning is not made known then this gift of tongues
or languages is like a foreigner speaking to us in a foreign language which is utterly
meaningless to the congregation. A spiritual gift exercised in the church must edify the
whole body.

1 Cor 14:13
13 For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret
what he says
NIV

So in the public ministry of tongues, which refers to KNOWN (supernaturally endowed)
tongues or languages, the exercise of this gift must be accompanied by a proper
interpretation of these tongues or languages (which is also supernaturally endowed) so
as to edify the church. It is in this respect that a person who exercises the gift of
tongues publicly should also seek God for a translation or interpretation.

1 Cor 14:14-16
14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15 So what shall I
do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit,
but I will also sing with my mind. 16 If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one
who finds himself among those who do not understand say "Amen" to your
thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? 17 You may be giving
thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified.
NIV

In verse 14 above, Paul becomes more specific referring to the private, prayer language
of the Spirit-filled believer as “praying in tongues”. He goes on to say in verse 15 that
intelligible prayer (with the mind) is also necessary for the church as a whole. So it is
with singing; one sings in the spirit privately to edify himself but one also sings or
praises God intelligibly so that the other believers may say “Amen” in agreement so as
to edify the body.

1 Cor 14:18-19
18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 But in the church I would
rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a
tongue.
NIV

In verse 18 above, Paul is again referring to the private, prayer language of a Spirit-filled
believer. In church, Paul would rather instruct in a language known to all so as to edify
the body of believers. One must remember that Paul is writing an epistle or letter to the
church in Corinthians and his thoughts (though inspired by the Holy Spirit) do not
necessary have the ordered sequence of a science or medical book.

1 Cor 14:20-21
20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in
understanding be men.

21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this
people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
KJV

Verse 21 above is taken from Isaiah 28 verse 11. The context of the first few verses of
Isaiah Chapter 28 concerns the back-slided ten tribes of Israel and the warning of the
prophet of the judgments that were coming upon them for their sins. This will be soon
be executed by the king of Assyria, who will lay their country waste, and carry the people
into captivity. Isaiah 28:11 is also prophetic in that it refers to the future event of
Pentecost whereby God spoke to his people via the supernatural tongues or languages
of the 120 disciples; in spite of this, some of the Jews still did not accept this sign of
God. In is in this reference, that one should try to understand the meaning of the verses
following....

1 Cor 14:22-23
22 Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is
for believers, not for unbelievers.
NIV

Just like in Pentecost, tongues or foreign languages supernaturally endowed are a sign
for UNBELIEVERS; Unbelievers hearing so called unlearned, Spirit-filled Christians
speak or praising God in their own languages or tongues ( supernaturally through the
anointing and unction of the Spirit) will recognize the presence and working of God
Almighty and will open themselves to receive the Gospel message as in Acts Chapter 2.
Tongues in this context therefore refers to its use as an evangelistic tool outside the
Church of Christ. Prophecy as mentioned in the latter half of verse 22 is a spiritual gift to
be exercised in the church for the edification of believers.
 

1 Cor 14:23-25
23 So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some
who do not understand or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of
your mind? 24 But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while
everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be
judged by all, 25 and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and
worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!"
NIV

The exercise of the gift of tongues in the church without interpretation will only baffle
and stumble any unbeliever present in a church. On the other hand, the exercise of the
gift of prophecy (which is intelligible to the unbeliever) could result in him being
convicted of his sins, thereby resulting in his repentance.

1 Cor 14:26-28
26 What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or
a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be
done for the strengthening of the church. 27 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 God.
NIV

Now Paul comes back to the subject of the public usage of tongues in the church. Again
he emphasizes that it should be orderly and should only be exercised with interpretation
or translation for the edification of the church.
 

1 Cor 14:29-33
29 Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is
said. 30 And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker
should stop. 31 For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and
encouraged. 32 The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. 33 For God
is not a God of disorder but of peace.
NIV

Here Paul is giving some very practical instructions with regards to the exercise or use
of the gift of prophecy. It should be orderly and be subject to spiritual scrutiny
(something not adhered to in churches today).

1 Cor 14:33-35
As in all the congregations of the saints, 34 women should remain silent in the
churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. 35
If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home;
for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.
NIV

Still speaking on the subject line of ‘orderliness’, Paul touches briefly on the subject of
women speaking in church. The command to be silent is not absolute as there are
references elsewhere in the Bible to women prophesying and praying in public (Acts
2:17;1 Cor 11:13). Here the command to be silent pertains to Spiritual instruction and
doctrine which is not the DOMAIN of the woman as per the creation order (that is, God
speaks or instructs Adam who in turn instructs his wife). A wife who needs spiritual or
doctrinal instruction should receive it from her head (husband) as exemplified in the
order of creation.

1 Cor 14:36-38
36 Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? 37
If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am
writing to you is the Lord's command. 38 If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored.
NIV

In verses 36 and 37, Paul emphasizes the fact that his calling and gifting with regards to
doctrinal instruction is directly from the Lord Himself and one should only ignore what
he (Paul) dictates at his own peril.
 

1 Cor 14:39-40
39 Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.
40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
NIV

Those who conveniently write off ‘tongues’ as a spiritual vestige of Paul’s time should
pay heed to the command in verse 39 not to forbid speaking in tongues. Antagonism and
rejection of tongues is a violation of a command of God and has definite adverse
spiritual consequences in the long and short term.

In summary, let me just recapitulate what we discussed above. There are two kinds of
tongues i.e. known (a human language unknown to the person exercising the gift) and
unknown (angelic language) tongues. Known tongues can be used as an evangelistic
tool OUTSIDE THE CHURCH as exemplified in Acts Chapter 2. Known tongues can also
be a spiritual gift inside the church but this must be followed with proper interpretation
or translation for the edification of the church. These two categories can also be
classified as the public usage of tongues. UNKNOWN tongues or angelic language is a
private, prayer language from the Spirit-filled believer’s spirit to God’s SPIRIT (this may
be a misnomer as God is Spirit). This private prayer language is only bestowed upon the
believer through the Baptism or in-filling of the Holy Spirit.
This private prayer language edifies the believer and helps him to pray in line with the
Will of God. Rejection of tongues is synonymous with the rejection of revealed Biblical
truth and will result in serious, adverse spiritual consequences (2 Thess 2:10-12). AMEN.
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