"Tongues" is the King James word for "languages". It is the supernatural ability to pray in another language (either earthly or heavenly) by means of the Holy Spirit. It is a working tool, an instrument of prayer, intercession, praise and worship. The Bible references below show us how pervasive was the presence of tongues in the early Christian church.
Tongues were present in the following settings:
Pentecost
“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues as the Holy Spirit gave them utterance.” ACTS 2:1-4
Samaria. ACTS 8: 14-19
We cannot be dogmatic here, but when these people received the Holy Spirit, Simon saw something beyond the joy, miracles, healings, and deliverance from demons that accompanied the salvation experiences in verses 5-8. He witnessed something that was new, real, and evident; otherwise, he would not have offered money to buy the power to distribute it. My personal opinion is that these people (following the pattern of Acts 2:1-4, Acts 10: 44-48, Acts 19:1-7) prayed in tongues, prophesied, and began themselves to move in the supernatural power and gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Cornelius' household
“While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word…for they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.” ACTS 10: 44-48
The Church at Ephesus
“And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.” ACTS 19: 1-7
The Apostle Paul
“I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all.” 1 CORINTHIANS 14: 18
It is interesting to note that the book of Acts makes no reference at all to Paul's praying in tongues, yet from his writings it is evident that praying in tongues was a vital part of his Christian walk.
The Church at Corinth
“…Whenever you come together, each of you…has a tongue…” 1 CORINTHIANS 14: 26
The Book of Acts makes no mention of the Corinthians praying in tongues; yet it is obvious from the book of 1 Corinthians that they did pray in tongues and move in the gifts of the Spirit.
Praying in Tongues is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit.
1 CORINTHIANS 12: 7-11.
The Holy Spirit was at work among all the churches of the New Testament. Tongues is listed among the manifestations of the Spirit and, as such, was present wherever the Spirit of God was at work in the early church.
1 CORINTHIANS 14: 26; HEBREWS 2:1-4, GALATIANS 3:1-5
Praying in tongues is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit set in the church by God Himself and was a common practice among early Christians. In future postings we will discuss in more detail the nature and purpose of this practical and positive tool the Lord has given to aid us in our spiritual walk.
2 comments:
Billy I am tracking with you. I have been taking seriously the importance of this gift and applying to my prayer life again.
There certainly is a pattern in the Acts of the Apostles that was normative for the early church. It amazes me at times how this seems to be ignored or forgotten.
This is a great post! All one has to do is read Acts and Corinthians and it is very plain. You don't have to even know the Greek to get it! The Greek is however, very pretty in Acts 8 if you study the words for receive. In verse 14 the word is 'dechomai' (receiving subjectively).
In verses 15,17,19 it is 'lambano' (receiving into manifestation)
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