The Gift of Tongues

 

First Corinthians chapters 12, 13, and 14 address spiritual gifts, with particular emphasis on guidelines for the proper use of the gift of tongues. 

What is the gift of tongues? 

This gift empowers a believer to speak in a language previously unknown to them. For example, a person raised in England naturally acquires English as their native tongue through everyday interaction. In the apostolic age, when the gift of tongues was active, that same person might have spoken fluent Arabic, a language completely foreign to them. Because the speaker did not understand Arabic, the content of their speech remained unknown to them. However, if an Arabic speaker were present, they could interpret what was spoken. This interpretation would then benefit the entire church, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 14:27-28. This establishes a crucial point: the unknown tongue is a recognizable earthly language, not a so-called 'heavenly language' as some assert. 

Is the gift still present today? 

The question above has much differing opinions. We can seek the answer by returning to the first established fact: that unknown tongues are languages known in the world. This is confirmed by the Bible in Acts 2:4-6. Unfortunately, in my personal encounters with those speaking in tongues, the utterances have only 3-5 syllables. When I asked Copilot, the answer was: “There is not a known natural language that exclusively uses words with only 3 to 5 syllables.” For those who are still not convinced, they can record the so-called tongues and send it to a language university to analyze its veracity. 

The cessation of tongues 

1 Cor 13:8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.  

1 Cor 13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.  

1 Cor 13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.  

In 1 Corinthians 13:8-10, the Apostle Paul declares that tongues shall cease. It's crucial to remember that this gift, though once present, would be removed upon fulfilling its purpose. Dr. Constable’s notes on 1 Corinthians 13:8 provide valuable insight: “The verb he used to describe what will happen to tongues is in the middle voice and means 'automatically cease of themselves' (from pauo). [Note: Robertson, 4:179.] The passive voice points to God terminating prophecy and knowledge when we see Him. The middle voice suggests that tongues will peter out before we see God.” (Constable's Expository Notes). 

Church history confirms this cessation. Unfortunately, there have been attempts to perpetuate practices that have ceased. The timing of this cessation is linked to the coming of “the perfect.” This “perfect” refers to the completion of the New Testament canon. This view is supported by numerous scholars. To further illustrate, consider Coffman’s Commentaries on 1 Corinthians 13: 

“When that which is perfect is come… The primary concern for Paul was the instruction and guidance of the Corinthian church. Therefore, the most fitting interpretation of “perfect” in this context is the completed canon of the New Testament. McGarvey understood it as “the recorded word.” Kelcy called it “The body of truth fully revealed.” DeHoff identified it as “The New Testament.” Paul’s subsequent comparison contrasts the church’s infancy with its maturity, not the present dispensation with the ultimate state of the saints in heaven. This necessitates that “that which is perfect” be associated with the church’s maturity, which is achieved only by referring to God’s completed revelation, the Bible.”" 

We are assured by revealed scripture that every born-again believer has the Holy Spirit indwelling their body, as stated in 1 Corinthians 6:19. While the gift of tongues has ceased, we can still live victorious lives by heeding the Spirit's voice, as guided in Galatians 5:16-18. 

 

With God’s blessings, 

CL