INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Confusion with New Tongues
2. Commission of New Tongues
3. Conclusion of New Tongues
Remarks.
1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing the theme: “The gift of new tongues.” It is important to understand the work and purpose of the “gift of new tongues” in the infant church of Christ. It must be understood, that the church’s inception; into the world in the “first century” was given gifts to enable it to: glorify God, edify the church and to preach and teach the word of God by inspiration. The gift of tongues, as well as, other spiritual gifts; were NOT designed to be a continuing part of the New Testament church. They had an “end” which was determined by God; after that “which is perfect was come;” then that “which was in part shall be done away,” that is, the complete revelation of the Word of God.
2. First, we will consider the confusion of people with new tongues. The “Tower of Babel” was the location and reason for the disorientation, or confusion of languages or tongues. The people were united in building a tower that would allow them to reach the heavens. Therefore, the Lord went down and confounded their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech. It was at the tower of Babel these languages were confused; and there was no understanding: “So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to building the city,” Genesis 11:8.
3. Second, we will discuss the commission of the gift of new tongues. The tower of Babel was the place of a confusion of the language and the scattering of the people abroad. Jerusalem and Pentecost would be the place and time; that God would “commission new tongues” to speak to the people one message, and then “scatter them abroad” to carry it into the entire world. The “gift of new tongues” was given unto the 12-apostles; so they might be able to preach to: “All that were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under the heaven,” Acts 2:5. These twelve men would on that day preached to all the nations that had gathered: “To hear them speak in their own tongues the wonderful works of God,” Acts 2:12.
4. Lastly, we will investigate the conclusion of new tongues. In this thought, we shall clearly establish that the “gift of new tongues” was not designed to continue in the church of Christ. The gift of tongues, as well as others gifts: “The word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, the gift of healing, working of miracles, prophecy; discerning of spirits; divers of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues;” was to be done away, 1 Corinthians 12:8-10. These diverse gifts were given unto the church through the: “Working (eth) (of) that one and selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will,” 1 Corinthians 12:11. These spiritual gifts were NOT to remain but to continue: “Until that which is perfect has come”; and, then that: “Which was in part shall be done away,” 1 Corinthians 13:8-10. With this introduction, let’s consider our first point: “Confusion with new tongues.”
BODY OF LESSON
I CONFUSION WITH NEW TONGUES
A. Tower of Babel. Moses wrote: “And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. And it came to pass...And they said, ... let us build a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. And the LORD came down to see the city and tower, which the children of men built.“
B. Lord came down. First, the LORD said: “Behold, the people is one, and they have all ONE language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined doing.”
1. The people are one. These people were one; they were of one nation.
2. The language is one. Their language was one; they had the same tongue or language in which to communicate.
3. The work is one. They were united in their work. And that was to build a tower into the heavens.
4. Nothing can restrain them. They could not be restrained in this work.
5. Which they have the imagination to do. Whatever was the imagination of their hearts; they could accomplish, they were of one soul and one mind.
C. Let us go down. Further, He said: “Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.” The LORD determined that it was necessary to thwart the work of the children of men; by confounding their language. Notice:
1. Let us go down. So Jehovah purposed to go down to earth and thwart the work in that day; to disrupt the people from building a city and tower that could reach the heavens.
2. Let us confound their language. How did he do it? He confounded their language (their tongue). At the tower of Babel; their one tongue became many tongues. They could no longer communicate with each other.
a. Nations emerged speaking different types of tongues or languages.
b. Each of these “new tongues” gathered unto themselves and became a different Nation.
c. Let’s notice, it was the tongue that made the Nation. This will mean something later in the lesson.
3. That they may not understand one another’s speech. Each of these new tongues developed their own nation, cultures, and means of communication to be spoken and understood. And these new nations left the city and tower of Babel to populate all the faces of the earth.
4. It should be noted: “That the LORD gave the tongues unto the people as it pleased Him.” So He would also do, in the “dispensation of grace,” Ephesians 1:10; Ephesians 3:1.
D. Lord scattered them. Next, “So the Lord scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off building the city,” Genesis 11:8.
1. So the Lord scattered them abroad. So he would in the “dispensation of grace,” Acts 8:4. The disciples went everywhere preaching the word. They left Jerusalem and went into their own countries preaching the word unto their own nations, in their own languages.
2. Scattered into all the face of the earth. God had dispersed these people into all the face of the earth. A new Nation would emerge wherever the people would populate.
3. They left off building the city and tower. The confounding of the tongue; hindered the people’s ability to communicate in order to continue their construction. They “left off building the city and tower.”
E. The name of it was called Babel. Finally, “Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the Lord scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth,” Genesis 11:1-9.
1. The name of the place was called Babel. This place would be called a city of confusion. The people were now merely “babblers” not a Nation of One language. But a people of total confusion!
2. The LORD confounds the language of all the earth.
3. The LORD scattered the people abroad upon the face of all the earth. Recall His instruction to Adam and Noah. Notice:
a) Adam and Eve: “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth,” Genesis 1:28.
b) Noah: “And God spake unto Noah, saying... Bring forth with thee every living thing that is with thee, of all flesh, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth; that they may breed abundantly in the earth, and be fruitful, and multiply upon the earth,” Genesis 8:15-17.
c) The people of the earth were populated in one geographical area in the earth. It was not until the Tower of Babel; that the people went abroad upon the face of all the earth: to be fruitful, to multiply and replenish it. With this background let’s notice our next thought: “Commission of new tongues.”
II COMMISSION OF NEW TONGUES
A. The prophecy of Joel. The gift of tongues as well as other gifts from the Holy Ghost, has come in the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy. Joel wrote: “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit,” Joel 2:28-29.
1. The recipients of the Holy Spirit. Joel promise; and Peter’s preaching was that this “pouring forth of the Spirit” would be given for all flesh or all people. Joel wrote: “That your sons and daughter; servants and handmaidens all would receive the Holy Ghost.” We might want to distinguish between the “gift of the Holy Ghost” and the “gift of tongues and other spiritual gifts.” Notice:
a. Gift of the Holy Ghost. The “gift of the Holy Ghost” has been promised to all believers that have obeyed the gospel of Christ. Peter on Pentecost stated to those believers; that was under conviction for their involvement in the crucifixion of Christ, that they would receive “the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Ghost”; if they would “repent and baptized,” Acts 2:38. The Holy Ghost is given to all “those that obey God,” Acts 5:32.
b. Gifts of tongues and other spiritual gifts. However, the gifts of tongues and other gifts of the Holy Spirit were not promised to all believers.
1) These gifts were granted to such believers “as the Holy Spirit wills,” 1 Corinthians 12:11.
2) Gifts granted by the will of God. Paul wrote: “God also being them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will,” Hebrews 2:1-4.
3) Paul reminded the Galatians that they had received the “Holy Ghost” as a result of their obedience “to the faith,” Galatians 3:14; Galatians 4:4-6.
2. The sons and your daughters. Peter went further to state: “And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams,” Acts 2:17. The Holy Spirit was to be given to the “sons and daughters” of the Lord. He said also:
a. Young men shall see visions, Acts 16:9; Acts 18:9-10.
b. Old men shall dream dreams, Acts 10:19.
3. The servants and handmaidens. Peter concludes: “And on my servants and on my handmaidens, I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy,” Acts 2:18; Acts 21:9.
a. These would be the servants that were in the house of many of the Jews and Gentiles, just like Cornelius’ house, Acts 10:7.
b. God will not make choice over a person’s status in life; but on his or her decision to become a “servant of Jesus Christ,” through obedience to the gospel of the Son of God. Even the poor and disassociated from modern society was worthy to become a child of God; and thus, to have the “gift of the Holy Spirit” in their lives, John 1:11-12; Acts 2:38; Acts 5:32.
B. Luke penned that the Holy Ghost Baptism took place on the Day of Pentecost; the first after the suffering, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven, Acts 1:8; Acts 1:9-11; Acts 2:1-4.
1. A summary of the Holy Ghost baptism on Pentecost. Notice:
a. First, it was given ONLY to the 12 apostles.
b. Further, it DID NOT include either of these audiences:
1) The 120 disciples, gathered before Pentecost, Acts 1:14-15.
2) The multitude that commented on the events on Pentecost, Acts 2:6.
3) The 3000 souls that were converted on the Day of Pentecost, Acts 2:41.
2. Therefore, the baptism of the Holy Ghost took place on the Day of Pentecost, and was the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy regarding that: “Jehovah would pour out His Spirit upon all flesh,” Joel 2:28-29.
3. Peter began his sermon, affirming that the events of the Holy Ghost’s work on Pentecost, was the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy of Jehovah “pouring forth His Spirit upon all flesh.”
C. The Day of Pentecost. Peter as he begins his sermon and defense of their speaking in different languages, said: “For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken of by the prophet Joel,” Acts 2:17-18. This event on the Day of Pentecost fulfilled, the foretelling of the promise of God, in the: “pouring forth of His Spirit upon all flesh,” Joel 2:28-29. Notice:
1. This is the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy. Let’s be clear, Peter DID NOT SAY: “This is a part of Joel’s prophecy.” No, he said: “This IS THAT which was spoken of by the prophet Joel.” This is the completion of what Joel said concerning the “outpouring of the Holy Spirit.”
2. This event is the complete and total fulfillment of the: “Outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon all flesh.” The ENTIRE portion of the Holy Spirit was “poured out on that day; not a portion of the Holy Spirit.”
3. Joel wrote: “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God.” Paul refers to the “last days,” in Hebrews 1:1-2. Pentecost, therefore, was the beginning of the “last days.”
4. Jehovah said: “I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh.” This was therefore fulfilled on Pentecost. Jehovah had: “poured forth His Spirit upon all flesh,” Acts 2:1-4. All flesh meant; upon both, the Jews and Gentiles. Recall, “All nations were gathered in the city of Jerusalem” on the Day of Pentecost, Acts 2:5; Acts 2:8-11. Illustrate The Jews versus the Jewish Religion.
D. The gift of tongues. To understand the gift of “new tongues” we have to return to Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost. Recall the Holy Spirit’s being “poured forth” in the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy, Acts 2:14-18.
1. The apostles: “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance,” Acts 2:4. Notice:
a. They were filled with the Holy Spirit. They were “filled” and “empowered.”
b. This was the fulfillment of the “baptism of the Holy Ghost” promised by John the Baptist; and the Lord Himself, Matthew 3:11; Acts 1:5.
c. They were granted “power from the Holy Spirit,” Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8.
2. They began to speak with other tongues. God gave unto the Apostles the gift of new tongues, so as, to speak unto all the nations. Notice:
a. There were gathered at Jerusalem: “Jews and devout men out of every nation under heaven,” Acts 2:5.
b. They spake in “new tongues.” The multitude gathered there said: “How hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?” See Acts 2:8.
1) The multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in their own language,” Acts 2:6.
2) Note the word language here in this verse in Gr. is diálektos, dee-al'-ek-tos; which means a (mode of) discourse, i.e. "dialect":—language, tongue. These men heard the Galileans speaking in their own dialect, and were confounded by that; not by the language, they were hearing them speak.
3. They spake as the Spirit gave them utterance. The multitude heard them (the apostles) speaking, “the wonderful works of God,” Acts 2:11.
a. The multitude commented that: “We do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God,” Acts 2:11.
b. Now the word tongues in this verse in Gr. is glossa, gloce-sah'; of uncertain affinity; the tongue; by implication, a language (especially, one naturally not acquired):—tongue. These were languages divinely given unto the apostles.
c. These were languages and dialects used by a particular people distinct from that of other nations.
4. Summary of Pentecost. Now let’s be clear; at the Tower of Babel the one language was confounded; it was no longer understood by the one people.
a. However, on Pentecost; the many nations understood the one message of God in their own dialect. This was possible by the “new tongues or languages” given unto the apostles on that day.
b. Therefore, the tongues or languages being spoken by the apostles belonged to the people of the Nations who were gathered in Jerusalem on that day (Italian to Romans; Arabian to Arabians, Greek to the Greeks, etc.).
5. Conclusion on tongues. These languages (new tongues) were given unto these Galilean men, by the Holy Ghost; to speak in the native tongues (dialect) of each Nation’s people gathered on Pentecost, Acts 2:7. These apostles were called later by the Jewish religious leaders as, “unlearned and ignorant men,” Acts 4:13. But the Holy Spirit empowered these men; and gave them the words to speak in that very hour, Matthew 10:19-20; Luke 12:11-12.
E. The purpose of tongues. God gave the apostles’ the ability to speak in new tongues; and to perform miracles, to confirm His word. Notice:
1. Mark wrote: “So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, He was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following,” Mark 16:19-20.
2. Luke wrote: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles,” Acts 2:42-43.
3. Paul wrote: “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip... How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?” See Hebrews 2:1-4.
4. The word, alone is sufficient today for our salvation, 2 Timothy 3:16-17. On this, let’s consider the last point: “Conclusion of new tongues.”
III CONCLUSION OF NEW TONGUES
A. Promise of tongues. Speaking in a “new tongue” was a promise of Christ that would be given unto His apostles and other believers. Speaking in NEW TONGUES was an item of promise and prophecy.
1. Promise of tongues in prophecy. The Old Testament gives us a look into speaking with tongues. Notice:
a. Isaiah wrote: “For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people,” Isaiah 28:11. Isaiah was speaking of the children of Israel’s bondage to the Assyrians. That other people, the Assyrians shall speak unto the people of God, in a tongue that would appear unto them, as “stammering lips.”
1) The philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him (Paul). And some said, What will this babbler say?” See Acts 17:18.
2) Paul was called a “babbler” while preaching the gospel of Christ, on Mars Hill. When Paul spoke of the resurrection of Christ; these philosophers call his message, babbling.
b. Jeremiah wrote: “Lo, I will bring a nation upon you from far, O house of Israel, saith the LORD: it is a mighty nation, it is an ancient nation, a nation whose language thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say,” Jeremiah 5:15. Jeremiah also speaks of Israel’s captivity in Assyria.
c. Paul wrote regarding this prophecy: “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,” 1 Corinthians 14:21; Deuteronomy 28:49.
2. Promise of tongues by Christ. Jesus said unto the 11: “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover,” Mark 16:17-18; Acts 28:3-6. These apostles were to be given “new tongues.”
3. The two commissions of Christ. Consider:
a. The Limit Commission. Jesus gave the apostles power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner disease,” Matthew 10:1. It was possible for them to have “power”; while, not yet having the Holy Spirit, John 7:38-39.
1) But they were NOT given the gift of “new tongues.”
2) This was due to them being sent ONLY unto the “lost sheep of the house of Israel,” Matthew 10:5-6. They already knew and could speak Hebrew!
b. The Great Commission. The Great Commission, on the other hand, would require that the apostles be able to speak in other languages; thus, the “gift of tongues.” That the apostles might be equipped to, “preach the gospel unto all the nations; and unto the uttermost part of the earth,” Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8.
c. Promise of “new tongues” to the apostles. Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He promised them: “And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name, they shall cast out devils; they shall speak with NEW TONGUES; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover,” Mark 16:17-18.
B. Tongues on Pentecost. The event on Pentecost was the completion of the “outpouring of the Holy Ghost” and promise of Christ; to give the apostles “power and the gift of new tongues.” This was done without human mediation. The Spirit and power were given directly to the apostles by Christ. Notice:
1. The Holy Ghost “FILLED THE APOSTLES” and they “BEGAN TO SPEAK WITH TONGUES, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
2. This all happened “in the beginning.”
3. The apostles were “baptized with the Holy Ghost” on the Day of Pentecost.
4. The Lord gave them the “gift of tongues” when He “filled them with the Holy Spirit.”
5. The Holy Spirit was, “poured out upon all flesh” that is; upon both Jew and Gentiles, on the Day of Pentecost.
6. The multitude: “Were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? ... We do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God,” Acts 2:6-11.
C. Tongues in Caesarea. The event at Cornelius’ house was the manifestation of the Holy Spirit; to empower these Gentiles, to speak with “new tongues.” Notice:
1. The Holy Ghost “fell on them” and they “began to speak with tongues and magnify God.” The tongue they spake, perhaps was, the “Hebrew tongue.”
2. Peter likens this event, to that which happened “in the beginning” – on the Day of Pentecost.
3. Peter remembers the Lord’s word, how that He said: “John indeed baptized with water; but YE SHALL BE baptized with the Holy Ghost,” Acts 1:5; Acts 11:16.
4. The Lord gave Cornelius and his house the, “like the gift of tongues”; when, the Holy Spirit, “fell on them,” Acts 10:44; Acts 11:15-17.
5. 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 (in the gift of speaking in tongues).” For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God,” Acts 10:45-46. The question before us now is this: “When was the Holy Ghost poured out on the Gentiles?” Note:
a. Remember earlier in this lesson we stated that the, “pouring forth of the Spirit upon all flesh”; happened, on the Day of Pentecost?
b. How did we learn that this, “pouring forth of the Spirit” had occurred?
c. Recall Peter said concerning the promise: “Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He (God) hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear,” Acts 2:33.
d. The seven that accompanied Peter to the house of Cornelius, were witnesses to the things which had occurred in Caesarea, Acts 10:45-46.
D. Gifts of the Spirit. The gift of tongues, as well as other gifts like: “The word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, of faith, of the gift of healing; the working of miracles, of prophecy; and the discerning of spirits; of divers of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues,” was given by the Holy Spirit, 1 Corinthians 12:8-10.
1. These divine gifts were given unto the church by the: “Working (of) that one and selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will,” 1 Corinthians 12:11.
a. These spiritual gifts were never to be permanent; but, only to continue: “until that which is perfect was come” and then that “which was in part would be done away,” 1 Corinthians 13:8-10.
b. These spiritual gifts were given in two manners; one directly from the Holy Spirit; the other, by the “laying on of hands by the apostles.” Let me consider each method, individually.
2. First, gifts directly from the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit would give “gifts” to all men without the intervention of human hands; as the Holy Spirit wills, 1 Corinthians 12:7-11.
a. Tongues given to the Apostles on Pentecost, Acts 2:1-4.
b. Tongues given to the Gentiles in Caesarea, Acts 10:44-46.
3. Last, gifts from apostles’ hands. The apostles would give gifts to believers; through the laying on of the apostle's hands, as the Holy Spirit wills,
a. The saints of Jerusalem, Acts 6:1-7.
b. The saints of Samaria, Acts 8:14-17.
c. The saints of Ephesus, Acts 19:1-7.
4. The Spirit gave unto certain believers; the “type of gifts” as He wills or desired. Notice:
a. These gifts were given unto them that they might teach and edify the church.
b. I might also add here; that, not all believers were given “miraculous spiritual gifts”; or, even the same gifts, by the Holy Ghost. More on this point, later.
c. But, all believers were given the “gift of the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:38; Acts 5:32.
E. Tongues shall cease. As discussed earlier, the gifts of tongues, as well as, other “miraculous spiritual gifts” were not to be a permanent part of the early church. Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians establishes this truth. Consider the first Letter to the Corinthians. Notice:
1. The gift of tongues and other spiritual gifts, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. The Apostle Paul outlines the administration, operations, and manifestation of miraculous spiritual gifts in the church. He wrote:
a. Differences of administrations: “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord,” 1 Corinthians 12:4-5.
b. Diversities of operations: “And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all,” 1 Corinthians 12:6.
c. Manifestation of the Spirit: “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit. To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kind of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will,” 1 Corinthians 12:7-11.
d. Spiritual gifts were given unto believers as it pleased God and the Holy Spirit, 1 Corinthians 12:18; 1 Corinthians 12:27-31.
e. God “gave different gifts unto the body,” Ephesians 4:7; Romans 12:4-8.
f. Christ “gave different gifts unto men” in the church, Ephesians 4:11-16. All of these “gifts” were given: “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,” Ephesians 4:12.
2. The purpose and duration of spiritual gifts, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13.
a. The more excellent way, 1 Corinthians 12:31.
b. Spiritual gifts are nothing without charity, 1 Corinthians 13:1-7.
c. Charity never fails, but spiritual gifts will end: “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 Corinthians 13:8-10.
d. Spiritual gifts were the “in part.” Notice: “For we know in part, and we prophesy in part, (how about speaking in tongues; was that also “in part”). But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part (spiritual gifts) shall be done away,” 1 Corinthians 13:9-10. Consider:
1) We know in part, and we prophesy in part. Paul states that the revelation and dissemination of the word of God have been done in parts, pieces, or portions.
a) The word part in Gr. is méros, mer'-os; which means a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application):—behalf, part (-ly), piece, portion, some sort (-what).
b) The garments of Christ: “Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout,” John 19:23.
c) Peter’s feet washing: “Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me,” John 13:8.
d) The spiritual gifts permitted the recipients to know and teach pieces, parts, or portions of the revelation; until it had been entirely revealed by the Holy Ghost.
2) When that which is perfect has come. That is the complete revelation; then, “the part shall be put away, or no longer be required,”1 Corinthians 13:10. The word “perfect” here in Gr. is téleios, tel'-i-os; which means complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.):- completeness, to be perfect or complete, 2 Corinthians 13:11; Philippians 3:12-15; Matthew 5:48.
Notice:
a) Another translation of this verse: “But when may come that which is perfect, then that in part shall be done away,” 1 Corinthians 13:10.
i. The verse in Greek: (hotan de eltho to teleios tote to ek merous katargeo).
ii. The word “come” in Gr., is éltho or el'-tho; which means to accompany, to appear, to come, or to enter.
iii. Therefore, but when come or appear that which is perfect, then that in part shall be done away.
b) That perfect is the complete revelation of the word of God. Notice: “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed,” James 1:25. Consider:
i. The Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul, Psalms 19:7.
ii. The inspired word of God is able to save; to perfect, and to equip the believer unto “all good works,” 2 Timothy 3:16-17. The word of God; is capable of “building up the saints,” Acts 20:32.
iii. The perfect or complete is the word of God; it, “shall never fail or pass away,” 1 Peter 1:24-25; Isaiah 55:11; Isaiah 34:16; Matthew 24:35.
iv. There are babes and adults in the church. The babes are those that use milk, being unskilful in their exercise of the word; but, strong meats belong to the full-grown (teleios), adults or those: “Who by reason of use have their senses exercised (so as) to discern (between) both good and evil,” Hebrews 5:12-14; Colossians 1:27-28. Illustrate, Bottle Babies.
v. The church at Corinth was encouraged to be full-grown and no longer be babes. Notice: “Brethren, be not children in understanding; howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding (your minds) be men (full-grown), 1 Corinthians 14:20. We will speak more about this idea, later in the lesson. Let’s return now to the word “perfect” as it is being used, in 1 Corinthians 13:10.
c) The word “teleios” is also used to define: “A perfect, full-grown, mature man or church; that no longer behaves like a child,” Ephesians 4:13; 1 Peter 2:1-3.
3) The part (spiritual gifts) shall be done away; that the perfect (entire revelation of God) might remain to lead and guide the church of Christ. We will now address; the “childish behavior,” of spiritual gifts in this lesson.
e. Spiritual gifts were childlike. Paul wrote: “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but, when I became a man, I put away childish things,” 1 Corinthians 13:11. The use of spiritual gifts is being likened to a childlike behavior; as opposed to the skillful use of the complete revelation of God. Notice:
1) The word “child” in Gr. is nepios, or nay'-pee-os; which means; not speaking, i.e., an infant (minor); figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature Christian:—babe, child (+ -ish). Word translated best, an “infant.”
2) The gifts of God; were designed to enable the church of Christ, “to become a perfect (full-grown) man,” Ephesians 4:11-16.
3) However, once it had matured, it would no longer need the “miraculous spiritual gifts”; that brought it from its infancy to its maturity. They have all been done away, as promised by Paul in the Letter to the Corinthians.
4) To desire "miraculous spiritual gifts" over the "revelation of God;" can be referred to as consulting, the instructions for a "Lego Toy Building," to construct a massive multistory high-rise, rather than the architect's "master blueprint," the word of God. I wish I had some help right about now!
f. I know in part: “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity,” 1 Corinthians 13:12-13. Charity or love shall never pass away, it will abide forever.
3. The exercise of spiritual gifts. Finally, Paul addresses the exercise of spiritual gifts to the church at Corinth, in 1 Corinthians 14:1-40.
a. Follow after charity. Paul wrote: “Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy,” 1 Corinthians 14:1.
b. The excellence of prophesying. The advantage of prophesying over tongue-speaking; is that, prophesying edify the church. Notice Paul:
1) First, “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. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church,” 1 Corinthians 14:2-4.
2) Further, “I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interprets, that the church may receive edifying,” 1 Corinthians 14:5. Note: Throughout this chapter, when tongues are mention; the translators have inserted the word “unknown.”
a) To be clear with the importance of this insertion; you should know it does not appear in the original language of the text.
b) The original Greek text does not contain the word “unknown,” each place it appears, in 1 Corinthians 14.
3) Next, “Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? See 1 Corinthians 14:6. Notice, here Paul wrote: “If I come unto you speaking with tongues;” the word “unknown” is not mentioned in this verse. It should not be mentioned anywhere in this chapter. The word “tongue” in this chapter in Gr. is glossa, gloce-sah'; of uncertain affinity; the tongue; by implication, a language (especially, one (not) naturally (un) acquired):—tongue. This is a language divinely given; not learned. Let’s continue, Paul speaks now of things that give off certain sounds. Notice:
a) Things without life: “And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? For if the trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? See 1 Corinthians 14:7-8.
b) Things with life: “So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? For (without a discernable language or an interpretation) ye shall speak into the air. There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification,” 1 Corinthians 14:9-10.
c) Speaketh like a barbarian: “Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me,” 1 Corinthians 14:11; Acts 28:2; Acts 28:4; Romans 1:14.
c. Zealous of spiritual gifts. Paul continues: “Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church,” 1 Corinthians 14:12; 1 Corinthians 14:26; Romans 14:19; Romans 15:2.
1) Pray to interpret: “Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth; but, my understanding is unfruitful,” 1 Corinthians 14:13-14.
2) I will pray with the spirit: “What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. Else when thou shall bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned; say, Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayeth? For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified,” 1 Corinthians 14:15-17.
3) Yet in the church: “I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all. Yet in the church, I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue,” 1 Corinthians 14:18-19.
4) Be not children: “Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. 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,” 1 Corinthians 14:20-21; Romans 16:19. Church, if you recall; I discussed this passage early in the lesson? Paul here quotes the prophecy of Jeremiah, concerning Israel’s pending captivity, by Assyria.
d. Tongues are for a sign. Paul further pens: “Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth, not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. If therefore the whole church has come together into one place; and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?” See 1 Corinthians 14:22-23.
1) But if all prophesy: “But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth,” 1 Corinthians 14:24-25.
2) When ye come together: “How is it then, brethren? When ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, (or) hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying,” 1 Corinthians 14:26. Notice, Paul said: “hath a tongue.” Not, “hath an unknown tongue.”
a) Let him keep silence - tongue: “If any man speaks in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God,” 1 Corinthians 14:27-28.
b) Let him hold his peace – prophet: “Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If anything is revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion; but of peace, as in all churches of the saints,” 1 Corinthians 14:29-33.
c) Let the women keep silence: “Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the Law. And if they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church,” 1 Corinthians 14:34-35.
e. This is a good place to address one of the issues, which face some of the Lord’s congregations. That is: “Should the women keep silence in the churches?” The verses previously mentioned, on the surface could present this as a necessary requirement. However, Paul’s instruction regarding women’s role in the “assembly” requires our immediate attention. Notice:
1) First, it is important to define the word “silence” in the instruction from Paul regarding the women in the assembly. There are three uses of this word in this chapter. We will consider them; and then make an application on how this applies to the women “speaking, teaching, or preaching” when the church is assembled, 1 Corinthians 14:23; 1 Corinthians 14:26.
2) Paul uses the word “silence” to establish the woman’s role in the assembly; during the exercise of her spiritual gift (tongue, prophesy, etc.).
3) The word “silence” in Gr. is sigáo, see-gah'-o; which means to keep silent:—keep close (secret, silence), to hold one's peace. In the first two uses; all agree it had to do with the speaking in tongues and prophesying; or the exercising of a spiritual gift, while the church is together.
4) The entire chapter has to do with spiritual gifts; and their use in the assembly. Why would it be something different in its third use; when, it refers to the women’s silence in the church? Let’s consider each of these examples:
a) First while speaking in a tongue: “If any man speaks in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God,” 1 Corinthians 14:27-28.
b) Next, while prophesying: “Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If anything is revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace (be silent). For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted,” 1 Corinthians 14:29-31.
c) Finally, the prohibition of women speaking: “Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church,” 1 Corinthians 14:34-35.
5) Application: Women were granted the gift of speaking in tongues as well as men, in the first century. However, they were forbidden to instruct or teach the man in the assembly. Consider Paul’s instruction regarding this in his Letter to Timothy. He wrote: “Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence,” 1 Timothy 2:11-12. Notice:
a) The word “silence” here in Gr. is hesychía, hay-soo-khee'-ah; which means, stillness, i.e., desistance from bustle or language:—quietness, silence. Now, this is the word that means to hold one's silence or to be quiet. Luke uses it in, Acts 22:2; and the apostle Paul in, 2 Thessalonians 3:12. The word “hesychía” means to be quiet to listen; to be in quietness.
b) Paul introduces another word that will help us to understand his prohibition. In 1 Timothy 2:12; Paul uses the word “usurp.” The word usurp in Gr. is authentéo, ow-then-teh'-o; which means to act of oneself, i.e., dominate:—usurp authority over. It is used only one time in the Greek Scriptures, and that is here.
c) If the woman would speak in a tongue in the assembly; when the church has come together, she would be “usurping authority over the man.” In the assembly she is required to be in silence; in the exercising of her spiritual gift (speaking in tongues). Spiritual gifts (prophesying; speaking in tongues, etc.), were given for teaching, instruction, and the edification of the church.
d) Therefore, she is prohibited from “speaking in a tongue,” in the assembly. This verse has nothing to do with her other participation in the worship, while in the assembly. She is permitted to sing, say Amen; praise and to give thanks unto God in the assembly. She may speak in tongues and edify the other women in their individual studies; but, she is prohibited in teaching, instructing, or speaking in a tongue in the assembly. To do so, she would violate her commandment to be in “silence with all subjection;” and not to, “usurp authority over the man.” I hope this explanation will help us in understanding the “woman being in silence in the church?”
e) We must address one other thing while we are here visiting this prohibition. The restriction therefore would prohibit the ordination of “women preachers.” This position as a preacher; bishop or an elder; would squarely place the woman in a condition that allows her to “usurp the authority over the man,” 1 Timothy 2:11-12. God’s word forbids such practices. Religious leaders today might permit it; but from the beginning, “it was not so.” Now with this explanation, let me work to a conclusion of this lesson.
f. Paul’s conclusion. Notice: “What? Did the word of God come out from you? Or did it come unto you only? If any man thinks he is a prophet; or spiritual; let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you, are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man is ignorant, let him be ignorant. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order,” 1 Corinthians 14:36-40.
g. Summary of tongues. Paul outlined the purpose, use, exercise, and temporal nature of “miraculous spiritual gifts.” Speaking in tongues was merely, speaking another intelligible language. Their use in the early church was to provide teaching, edification, and comfort to the body of Christ. Paul wrote: “When that which is perfect is come; then, that which was in part shall be done away.” With this let me now move to the conclusion of this lesson--
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Confusion with New Tongues
2. Commission of New Tongues
3. Conclusion of New Tongues
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we considered the confusion of people with new tongues. The “Tower of Babel” was the location and reason for the disorientation, or confusion of languages or tongues. The people were united in building a tower that would allow them to reach the heavens. Therefore, the Lord went down and confounded their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech. It was at the tower of Babel these languages were confused; and there was no understanding: “So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to building the city.”
2. Second, we discussed the commission of the gift of new tongues. The tower of Babel was the place of confounding the languages and the scattering of the people. Jerusalem and Pentecost would be the place and time; that God would “commission new tongues” to speak to the people one message, and then “scatter them abroad” to carry it into the entire world. The “gift of new tongues” was given unto the 12-apostles; so they might be able to preach to: “All that were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under the heaven,” Acts 2:5. These twelve men would on that day preached that all who had gathered would, “hear them speak in their own tongues the wonderful works of God,” Acts 2:12.
3. Lastly, we investigated the conclusion of the gift of new tongues. In this thought, we clearly establish that the “gift of new tongues” was not designed to continue in the church of Christ. This gift of tongues, as well as others gifts: “The word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, the gift of healing, working of miracles, prophecy; discerning of spirits; divers of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues,” were to be done away, 1 Corinthians 12:8-10. These divine gifts were given unto the church that all these: “Worketh (of) that one and selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will,” 1 Corinthians 12:11. These spiritual gifts were never to remain, but to continue “until that which is perfect has come” and then that “which was in part shall be done away,” 1 Corinthians 13:8-10.
C. Invitation. Present the plan of salvation. H. B. R. C. B.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
