This document is intended for mature believers with complicated questions about tongues and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. If you are a new believer, you might first want to learn why or how to pray in tongues.
There is an abundance of fine literature on this topic, so I will only answer some questions that commonly arise:
The first question above is the easiest to address, so I will address it first. The latter questions have a much more complicated answer intended for advanced Christians who are interested. In the process of answering these questions, I hope to present an internally consistent practical theology of supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit. Why should I?
1Cr 12:1 Now concerning spiritual [gifts], brethren, I would not have you ignorant. (KJV)
Any such theology will have it’s detractors within Christendom, and this complex issue is addressed here.
John the Baptist prophesied
that Jesus would bring a baptism superior to water baptism.
John
1:33
I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down
and remain is he who will baptize
with the Holy Spirit.'
John
1:32-34 (in Context) John
1 (Whole Chapter)
Matthew
3:11
"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after
me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to
carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Matthew
3:10-12 (in Context) Matthew
3 (Whole Chapter)
Mark
1:8
I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
Mark
1:7-9 (in Context) Mark
1 (Whole Chapter)
Luke
3:16
John answered them all, "I baptize
you with water. But one more
powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to
untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Luke
3:15-17 (in Context) Luke
3 (Whole Chapter)
The resurrected Christ prophesied that he would fulfill John’s promise soon:
Acts
1:5
For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will
be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
Acts
1:4-6 (in Context) Acts
1 (Whole Chapter)
Acts
1:8
But you will receive power when
the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in
Acts
1:7-9 (in Context) Acts
1 (Whole Chapter)
A few days later, their
prophesy came true, even including John’s prediction about “fire” (Luke
3:15-17).
Acts 2:1-8
1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.
2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.
3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.
4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Peter explained that this event was the fulfillment of Jesus’ prediction in Acts 1:5.
Acts 11
15"As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. 16Then I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with[a]water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' 17So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?"
So the first group of people (Acts 2:1-8) who were “baptized with the Holy Spirit”, spoke in tongues straight away. Peter also refers to this Holy Spirit Baptism as “receiving the Holy Spirit” below, while Luke refers to it as “the gift of the Holy Spirit… poured out”.
Acts 10
44While
Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the
message. 45The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were
astonished that the gift of the Holy
Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. 46For they
heard them speaking in tongues[2]
and praising God.
47Then Peter said, "Can anyone keep these people from being
baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have."
48So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.
In this passage, Peter provides one piece of evidence to the other Apostles to substantiate his claim that these Gentiles had received the “Baptism of the Holy Spirit” just as they had on the day of Pentecost: That they spoke in tongues. This was the initial evidence that Peter cites as the initial evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. None of the Apostles disagreed.
18When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, "So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life."
They had no problem with Peter water baptizing true believers. They, like Peter, deduced that these Gentiles were true believers, who had been “granted… repentance unto life”. Otherwise, how could they receive the “gift of the Holy Spirit”, as evidenced by tongues? After all, Peter had preached the following immediately after he and the others received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost:
Acts 2
38Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."
So, Peter gave 3 instructions in this order:
Part of what surprised Peter at Cornelius’s house was that God switched the order of 2 and 3 before his eyes. Peter then followed through immediately, to do his part, water baptizing the new converts.
John the Baptist, Jesus, and Peter all testified above. That makes 3 witnesses.
Deut 19:15
15 One witness is not enough to convict a man accused of any crime or offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. (NIV)
John 8:17
17 In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid. (NIV)
Matt
16 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' (NIV)
How many scriptures are required to establish the doctrine of tongues as the initial evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?
2 Cor 13:1
1 This will be my third visit to you. "Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." (NIV)
I would say 2 or 3, and they may all come from the same bible author, as did Paul’s above. Here are two or three witnesses: 3 accounts, from Luke.
1. The day of Pentecost
Acts 2:1-8
1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.
2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.
3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.
4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven.
6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language.
7 Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans?
8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? (NIV)
Peter explains that this IS the outpouring of the Holy Spirit which was prophesied by Joel.
Acts 2:15-21
15 These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning!
16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 "'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.
18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.
19 I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke.
20 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' (NIV)
2. Cornelius’s house
At Cornelius’s house, we learn that Peter believed in the doctrine of initial evidence, since that is the basis of his being convinced that they worthy of water baptism.
Acts 10:44-48
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.
45 The circumcised believers who had come with 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,
47 "Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have."
48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days. (NIV)
3.
The
road to
Acts 19:1-7
1 While Apollos
was at
2 and asked them,
"Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered,
"No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."
3 So Paul asked,
"Then what baptism did you receive?" "John's baptism," they
replied.
4 Paul said,
"John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe
in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus."
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.
7 There were about
twelve men in all. (NIV)
4. The fourth example is Acts 19:1-7, which is discussed in detail below.
Acts 10:46-48 (New International Version)
46For they heard
them speaking in tongues[a] and praising God.
Then Peter said, 47"Can anyone keep
these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy
Spirit just as we have."
Peter argued to the other Jewish Apostles that Gentiles should be included in Christianity because they received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit the same way that they did: With the initial evidence of speaking in tongues. I would make that my target way of receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 15:7-9 (in Context) Acts 15 (Whole Chapter) (New International Version)
7After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: "Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. 8God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. 9He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith.
I’m not even sure what other ways of receiving the Baptism
of the Holy Spirit there are, and I do not recall ever hearing those
articulated, especially by the bible. However, Christians in the
What about those two passages where the Bible does not
mention tongues as initial evidence?
Notice that in this passage, tongues is not expressly mentioned as
initial evidence as it is in Acts 2:5-7,
Acts 9:17-20
17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord-- Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here-- has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized,
19 and
after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with
the disciples in
20 At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. (NIV)
Here, the only initial evidence mentioned are scales falling off of Paul’s eyes. Does that mean that Paul did not speak in tongues? Well, as he tells us later on:
1 Cor
18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. (NIV)
This leaves only one out of the 5 (1/5) passages that does not mention or imply tongues as the initial evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 8:12-24
12 But
when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the
13 Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.
14 When
the apostles in
15 When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit,
16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.
17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money
19 and said, "Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit."
20 Peter answered: "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!
21 You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God.
22 Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart.
23 For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin."
24 Then Simon answered, "Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me." (NIV)
What happened when Peter and John laid hands on them that let Simon know they were receiving something other than what Philip had told them about? It couldn't have been joy — they had great joy before Peter and John got there (Acts 8:8). Many purport that it was “great signs and miracles”. However, he already saw these in verse 13, and did not offer to buy the Holy Spirit then. I personally believe that Simon probably saw the physical evidence of speaking with other tongues. He thought it such a wonderful thing that he even offered them money. What other initial evidence could he have seen? What other evidence would make him want to buy the ability right away? I can’t think of any other initial evidences of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit that the Bible mentions.
In order to find out whether or not the Samaritan believers spoke in tongues, we can only look to church history. I asked my friend who is familiar with church history (he authored a book on New Testament Church planting) about this and he replied:
Justin Martyr was
a Christian Samaritan who lived a generation or two later. I do not know of any
evidence that he spoke in tongues. Maybe
some exists about him or some later Samaritan.
-Link
Then I found this on the internet:
Justin Martyr (died 165) "For the prophetical gifts remain with us, even to the present time." 4
4
Dialogue with Trypho, LXXXII, in The Ante-Nicene Fathers, ed. by Roberts
and Donaldson, vol. 1, p. 240
http://www.holyspiritinfo.net/ch_hist.htm
This is not convincing evidence because the reference is not explicitly about tongues. Let’s look at his contemporary church fathers to see how they viewed “initial evidence”:
Justin
Martyr wrote : "For the prophetical gifts remain with us, even to the
present time... Now it is possible to see amongst us women and men who possess
gifts of the Spirit of God" (Justin, Dialogue with Trypho, 82 & 88,
ANF, I, 240 & 243).
Irenaeus
(130?-202?), Bishop of Lyons, wrote : "[T]hose who are in truth His
disciples, receiving grace from Him, do in His name perform (miracles). It is
not possible to name the numbers of the gifts which the Church (scattered)
throughout the whole world, has received from God, in the name of Jesus
Christ" (Irenaeus, Against Heresies, 2.32.4, ANF I, 409). He taught the
necessity of receiving the Spirit and specifically described speaking in
tongues as evidence of the Spirit :
"[T]he
perfect man consists in the commingling and the union of the soul receiving the
spirit of the Father... For this reason does the apostle declare, 'We speak
wisdom among them that are perfect,' terming those persons 'perfect' who have
received the Spirit of God, and who through the Spirit of God do speak in all
languages, as he used [h]imself also to speak. In like manner we do also hear
many brethren in the Church, who possess prophetic gifts, and who through the
Spirit speak all kinds of languages... whom also the apostle terms 'spiritual,'
they being spiritual because they partake of the Spirit" (Ibid, 5.6.1,
ANF, I, 531).
http://www.talkaboutreligion.com/group/alt.religion.christian.pentecostal/messages/364652.html
In light of the arguments presented, the appellation to church history, and notable commentators, some will still disagree that the Samaritans in the passage above spoke in tongues. They have this right even as fundamentalists, because the scripture is silent on this particular matter. However the scripture is loud and clear in 4/5 passages describing the initial evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit: Tongues was the initial evidence.
We do not base entire theologies on exceptions to a rule. In the case that an exception is explicitly stated, we need to reconcile it with our theology. However, this exception is not explicitly stated: It does not say that they did NOT speak in tongues. This omission does not challenge the Pentecostal view sometimes referred to in short-hand as “initial evidence”. I and others can only speculate as to whether or not these recipients spoke in tongues. I personally think my speculation is correct. But I do not need it to be. I have presented 3 solid witnesses, and one inferred witness from scripture. This is more than sufficient to establish the matter. The apostles themselves used tongues as the initial evidence of the reception of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit:
Acts 10:44-48
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.
45 The circumcised believers who had come with 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,
47 "Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have."
48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days. (NIV)
A 6th controversial passage is also used by some to further establish the matter. Detractors use Mark 16:14-18 (and their own logic), however, to substantiate the claim that tongues is not for all believers. Click here to find out why this scripture teaches the opposite.
First of all, we must understand that public speaking in tongues are different than praying in tongues. Just click your back button to continue reading this document.
Today’s most popular heresies are traced to
Augustine
It seems that the first time in church history that “initial evidence” was challenged; it was challenged by Church Histories most influential and notorious heretic: Augustine of Hippo (354-430). He is one of the first big names (in church history) as far as bringing the New Age movement into Christianity is Augustine. His lifespan was contemporary with Ambrose (cited above). His theology was not consistent across his life and writings. As a former Gnostic, who began again to lean toward Gnosticism at the end of his life, Augustine introduced some new ideas to the (now Catholic) Church:
|
"Heretics
called Antidicomarites are those who contradict the perpetual virginity of
Mary and affirm that after Christ was born she was joined as one with her
husband" (W. A. Jurgens, The Faith of the Early Fathers, p. 166). From http://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/virgin.htm
(see Matt.
Augustine (354-430) testified that the church
in his day did not expect to speak in tongues when receiving the Holy Spirit,
but admitted that this used to be the case:
"For the Holy Spirit is not only given
by the laying on of hands amid the testimony of temporal sensible miracles, as
He was given in former days... For who expects in these days that those on whom
hands are laid that they may receive the Holy Spirit should forthwith begin to
speak with tongues?"
(Augustine, On Baptism, Against the
Donatists, 3.16.21, NPNF 1st ser., IV, 443).
Evidently some "heretics" in
Augustine's day believed in receiving the Holy Spirit with evidence of speaking
in tongues. He sought to refute them by The following argument: (1) Tongues are
valueless without love (1 Corinthians 13) ; (2) love comes only by the Spirit
(Romans 5/5) ; (3) they did not have the Spirit because they did not belong to
the Catholic Church ; and (4) no one expected tongues any longer anyway (Ibid,
IV, 442)
http://www.talkaboutreligion.com/group/alt.religion.christian.pentecostal/messages/364652.html
While rooting out the “New Age” threads of all of these teachings is outside of the scope of this document, I hope to show how Augustine’s refutation of “initial evidence” is New-Age. It behooves the New Age movement to water down Christianity by redefining Christian words and ideas, in order to make them blend with worldly religions. They have been so successful with this that I must include a glossary to the left which re-defines Christian words: Re-assigning them to their original Christian/Jewish meaning. Most of the words in the glossary mention and correct today’s new age meaning: Restoring God’s law to its rightful and preeminent place in the presentation of this Gospel message. Although this is essential to communicating the gospel to the world, most will still not understand because they prefer not to study the Jewish Bible. For example, the gentile judge below is bewildered by Paul’s Gospel message, and its implications.
14Just as Paul was
about to speak, Gallio said to the Jews, “If you Jews were making a complaint
about some misdemeanor or serious crime, it would be reasonable for me to
listen to you. 15But since it involves questions
about words and names and your
own law–settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such
things.” 16So he had them ejected from the court.
1
Corinthians 2:12-14 (New International Version)12We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is
from God, that we may understand
what God has freely given us. 13This is what we speak, not in words
taught us by human wisdom but in words
taught by the Spirit, expressing
spiritual truths in spiritual words.[a] 14The
man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of
God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because
they are spiritually discerned.
In the same way, the term “Baptize in the Holy Spirit” is referred to by name in Luke 3:16. Before Augustine re-defined it, it had a clear and commonly understood meaning: That when someone received the baptism in the Holy Spirit, they “began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (Acts 2:4).
You might say, that sounds convincing, but I’m still not sure. Let me ask you who you would rather believe:
1) The consistent testimony of the scripture and the early church
2)
Augustine did not re-define it just to confuse people. The devil wants to cause confusion on this issue because he knows the Bible: It says that the miraculous gifts are sent by God to strengthen and empower His church to obey Him.
Coincidentally,
the word “miracle” has also been re-defined within the New Age movement to
refer to a variety of non-miraculous phenomenon. The devil knows that if he can water-down
“spiritual words” (1 Corinthians
James
1:25
But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom,
and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it–he
will be blessed in what he does.
James
1:24-26 (in Context) James
1 (Whole Chapter)
Jesus Christ wants to convict you of your sin and CHANGE your life, not validate your current experience of it.
Many interpret these scriptures the following way: After you initially receive a spiritual gift, you may backslide in other areas but still have the faith to operate in that gift.
Rom
11:29 For 1063 the gifts 5486 and 2532 calling 2821 of God 2316 [are] without repentance 278.
Others believe that Rom
11:29 is dealing only with
Matthew
7
22Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy
in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23Then
I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
This
explains why false teachers and spiritually immature people are sometimes able
to practice the miraculous gifts of the Spirit.
They are given to edify the body.
Even if they are not misused as in the case of
It is certainly advantageous for a Christian to fellowship in a setting where they have a chance to practice the miraculous gifts individually and corporately. It appears that Urbanus and Tertullian would agree with this idea. They even examined the fruit of a congregation according to presence of miraculous gifting:
Irenaeus (130?-202?), Bishop of Lyons, wrote
: "[T]hose who are in truth His disciples, receiving grace from Him, do in
His name perform (miracles). It is not possible to name the numbers of the
gifts which the Church (scattered) throughout the whole world, has received
from God, in the name of Jesus Christ" (Irenaeus, Against Heresies,
2.32.4, ANF I, 409). He taught the necessity of receiving the Spirit and
specifically described speaking
in tongues as evidence of the Spirit :
"[T]he perfect man consists in the
coming and the union of the soul receiving the spirit of the Father... For this
reason does the apostle declare, 'We speak wisdom among them that are perfect,'
terming those persons 'perfect' who have received the Spirit of God, and who
through the Spirit of God do speak in all languages, as he used [h]imself also
to speak. In like manner we do also hear many brethren in the Church, who
possess prophetic gifts, and who through the Spirit speak all kinds of
languages... whom also the apostle terms
'spiritual,' they being spiritual because they partake of the Spirit"
(Ibid, 5.6.1, ANF, I, 531).
Asterius Urbanus (c. 232) indicated that the
Christians of his day expected the spiritual gifts to remain permanently in the
church. Writing against the later Montanists, he asked why they no longer had
prophets after their prophet Montanus and his co-workers died. Urbanus noted
that the true church would always have the prophetical gifts (prophecy,
tongues, interpretation
of tongues) : "For the apostle [Paul]
deems that the gifts of prophecy should abide in all the church up to the time
of the final advent" (Asterius Urbanus, Extant Writings, 10, ANF; VII,
337).
http://www.talkaboutreligion.com/group/alt.religion.christian.pentecostal/messages/364652.html
*Third Century* :
Tertullian wrote against the heretic Marcion
shortly after A.D. 200:
"[T]he Creator promised the gift of His
Spirit in the latter days; and... Christ has in these last days appeared as the
dispenser of spiritual gifts".
Tertullian specifically mentioned the gift of
tongues and quoted 1 Corinthians 12/8-11 and Isaiah 28/11 as applicable in his
day (Tertullian, Against Marcion, 5.8, ANF, III, 446). He regarded speaking in
tongues as One of the marks of a true church :
"Let Marcion then exhibit, as gifts of
his god, some prophets, such as have not spoken by human sense, but with the
Spirit of God... let him produce a psalm, a vision, a prayer - only let it be
by the Spirit, in an ecstasy, that is, in a rapture, whenever an interpretation
of tongues has occurred to him... Now all these signs (of spiritual gifts) are
forthcoming from my
side without any difficulty" (Ibid, III,
446-47)
http://www.talkaboutreligion.com/group/alt.religion.christian.pentecostal/messages/364652.html
Many today would accuse these church fathers as being divisive or acting like they are more spiritual than Christians who do not practice the miraculous gifts of the spirit, and promote “initial evidence”. If you are one such person who so use this “you are acting super-spiritual” straw man against “initial evidence” proponents, then know this: These church fathers probably were more spiritual than you are. And so are many other faithful believers like them—who also practice the miraculous gifts like they did. Irenaeus claims that the Apostle himself termed only those with miraculous gifts as “spiritual” or “perfect”. Are you surprised that an apostle would make such a distinction or division?
1 Corinthians 11:17-19 (New
International Version)
The Lord's Supper
17In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. 18In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. 19No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God's approval.
Drawing this type of distinction between the spiritual and unspiritual is exactly what Tertullian does above when he makes an example of a church without the spirit. Does that offend you (Jhn 16:1)?
Do I disagree with the Apostle that the ungifted are less spiritual, perfect (or complete)? Why would I? Look at the difference in the disciples before and after their receiving the “initial evidence” in the upper room. They went from cowards to martyrs. Jesus was aware of the difference. He did not tell them to go out and preach until after they had received the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues.
Luke
24:49
I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until
you have been clothed with power from on high.”
Luke
24:48-50 (in Context) Luke
24 (Whole Chapter)
Initial evidence is important. They had no business trying to minister without it. God instructed to wait for it. After they initially received it, the apostles continued to obey as they were empowered. This is the key. This is what made them more spiritual: Miraculous empowerment AND obedience. The Pentecostal preachers mentioned in Matthew 7:22 are certainly less spiritual than an obedient Christian who is ignorant of the miraculous gifts. How open or responsive a Christian is to the empowerment of the miraculous gifts of the spirit is one of many factors in their spirituality. There is a sad and equalizing fact of life that I have noticed about most converts who initially receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues: They rarely (if ever) pray in the spirit (in tongues; 1 Cor 14:13-15). They rarely practice any of the other gifts of the spirit either. It is like they have the keys to a Corvette, but they are not even using them to drive it. Such people should be ashamed that they are more empowered and less obedient than those who are ungifted. The ungifted believer who is obedient in what he knows/has is far more spiritual/mature/perfect/a disciple than they are.
Let me approach this with an analogy: I don’t think operating in the miraculous gifts makes a better Christian anymore than checking your email makes you a better employee. Some companies do not use email, and operate more effectively than those who do. Some employees can’t wait to check their email, but then they do not do what it says! This is most modern Charismatics. They seek the gifts more than the giver. This has led to the New Wine or Holy Laughter movement, the Word/Faith movement, and other imbalances that are concomitant with disobedience of God’s word and TRUE prophetic supernatural gifts that line up with it.
Speaking of disobeying God’s word, I will also address the other extreme position on the gifts. Employees who refuse to check their email, and employers who limit email access are also sinning. It might be out of innocence, or ignorance, or fear that they get email from a demon that is going to make them roar like a lion. But fear should never motivate doctrine or practice—God’s commands in His word are sufficient for doctrine and practice. Obeying them is the only option.
Romans
8:15
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear,
but you received the Spirit of sonship.[
(Whole Chapter: Romans
8 In context: Romans
8:14-16)
African believers told me when I was there, “the witchcraft here has no effect on TRUE born-again believers, but it can kill the others.” So, years later, when a 3rd wave preacher friend of mine threw a spirit of Toronto at me in Georgia, I simply did not receive it. No big deal. Back to my analogy, a FAITHFUL employee would have to go to demons.com and get on the mailing list in order to receive a demon spirit. But at that point, he is no longer a faithful employee. So deliverance from evil lies in faithfulness and obedience to God’s commands—not in avoiding or forbidding the supernatural gifts.
Ecclesiastes
12:13
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God
and keep his commandments, for
this is the whole duty of man.
(Whole Chapter: Ecclesiastes
12 In context: Ecclesiastes
12:12-14)
Here are some relevant commands that I have already cited:
“Eagerly desire the gifts”… “Do not forbid the speaking in tongues”…
Isaiah 11
The Branch From Jesse
1 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him-
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of power,
the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD -
3 and he will delight in the fear
of the LORD .
He will not judge by what he sees with
his eyes,
or decide by what he hears with his ears;
Isaiah 11 speaks of Jesus. We are like Jesus in this world, and should
fear God and obey his commands regarding the gifts. He can sort everything else out.
1 John 4
17In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have
confidence on the day of judgment, because in
this world we are like him. 18There is no fear in love. But
perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one
who fears is not made perfect in love.
19We love because he first loved us.
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body
but cannot kill the soul.
Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
(Whole Chapter: In context: )
I don’t personally feel obligated to explain the WHY behind God’s commands. However, sometimes I do explain it anyway, as in the case of my writings on blockades to healing. But this research is also based upon God’s commands found in scripture. The number one reason why any church does not experience the miraculous power of the church in Acts is this: Failure to obey God’s commands.
Paul did not avoid the issue like many do today. Although he did not prefer to build on another man’s foundation, he did introduce both water and spirit baptism to these disciples.
Acts 19:1-7
1 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples
2 and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."
3 So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive?" "John's baptism," they replied.
4 Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus."
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.
7 There were about twelve men in all. (NIV)
I heard from a Charismatic preacher say that it was common and even expected for baptismal candidates to come back out of the water speaking in tongues. That might explain why Paul asked the question he did in verse 2 and 3. Apparently, these disciples did not come back out of the water speaking in tongues. Paul then laid his hands on them to see that they all got the tongues.
Paul did not tell them the following:
Do you think that Paul should have been more proactive in preventing these new converts from “abusing” this gift?
1
Corinthians 14:39
Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.
(Whole Chapter: 1
Corinthians 14 In context: 1
Corinthians 14:38-40)
No. According to the Biblical record, Paul was only reactive in correcting the misuse of tongues.
Orderly
Worship
26What 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. 27If
anyone speaks in a tongue, two--or at the most three--should speak, one at a time, and someone must
interpret. 28If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep
quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.
29Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh
carefully what is said. 30And if a revelation comes to someone who
is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. 31For you can all
prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. 32The
spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. 33For
God is not a God of disorder but of peace.
So did the Spirit break Paul’s law in Acts 19:6? Or was He following a higher law?
What about Phillips household?
Acts 10
44While
Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the
message. 45The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were
astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the
Gentiles. 46For they heard them
speaking in tongues[2]
and praising God.
47Then Peter said, "Can anyone keep these people from being
baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have." 48So
he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked
Peter to stay with them for a few days.
So here are two accounts of believers initially receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. In both cases of initial reception, there is no mention of interpretation. However, Acts 19:7 above adds that they also “prophesied”. This is a different word than the word for interpret though.
When Paul corrected the Corinthians, it was not in regard to their initial experience with tongues. It was in regard to a continual problem of disorder caused by regularly emphasizing tongues more than prophecy in their church meetings. He sums up his point at the end of chapter 14 this way:
1 Corinthians 14
39Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
What higher law was the Holy Spirit obeying in Ephesus in Acts 19:1-7, and at Cornelius’s house?
1
Corinthians 14:5
I would like every one of you to speak
in tongues,[ 14:5 Or other languages; also in verses 6, 18, 22, 23 and 39]
but I would rather have you prophesy.
If you are convinced that you need to promote the gifts in general, but not specifically tongues, you might say this: “I’m afraid to promote the gift of tongues because someone might misuse the gift.”
According to that logic, you should also not preach the gift of eternal life because they could misuse that too.
How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has
trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant
that sanctified him, and who has insulted
the Spirit of grace?
(Whole Chapter: In context: )
If you are not preaching tongues as initial evidence, then what ARE you preaching as initial evidence? A tingly feeling? Are you promoting tongues and the miraculous gifts of the spirit as much as Paul and the Apostles do in the Bible? Are you obeying God’s commands regarding miracles?
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