Abstract
The meaning of speaking in tongues portrays a language that challenges the church in its interpretation in matters of spiritual gifts from God. This article focuses on the Old and New Testament perspectives on tongues; tongues reveal God’s judgment, promises, fulfilment and its negative usages such as selfishness, jealousy, and discouragement. This is mostly for those who do not speak the language. On its positive side it looks at it as an initial sign of baptism in the spirit in which the Pentecostals and charismatic movements put their emphasis on the faith and practice. As it follows its usage in prayer, thanksgiving, truth, praise to God, the edification of the individual and prophecy to the entire church. Church history provides the understanding of the use of tongues particularly in reference to early church fathers, such as Eusebius, Irenaeus, Dean Ferrar, Chrysostom Bishop of Constantinople, and Augustine of Hippo and briefly on the reformation period. It concludes by proposing the practical strategies for discovering the gift of tongues, through workshops on spiritual gifts, small group discussions, gift discovery group and its application in the church and individual.
Highlights
The meaning of speaking in tongues portrays a language that challenges the church in its interpretation in matters of spiritual gifts from God
Michael Green in his book I believe in the Holy Spirit defines tongues as “The ability to speak in the language that the speaker has not learned, that he does not understand, and that is incomprehensible to the hearer” (Green, 2004, p. 210)
To bring the point back home, Wagner is right when he says that, “The gift of interpretation is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to make known in the vernacular the message of one who speaks in tongues- public tongues are equivalent to prophecy” (Wagner, 2007, p. 234)
Summary
“Speaking in Tongues” is generally referred to as one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12: 10 “...to another the ability to speak in different kinds of tongues” (NIV). To bring the point back home, Wagner is right when he says that, “The gift of interpretation is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to make known in the vernacular the message of one who speaks in tongues- public tongues are equivalent to prophecy” Having understood the Greek meaning of the word tongues, Bryant defines it as, “The special ability or power God gives to some members of the body to communicate in a way that may or resemble a known or acceptable language for the purpose of transcending the limitations of normal speech to minister to, for, and through the body of Christ” Having understood the Greek meaning of the word tongues, Bryant defines it as, “The special ability or power God gives to some members of the body to communicate in a way that may or resemble a known or acceptable language for the purpose of transcending the limitations of normal speech to minister to, for, and through the body of Christ” (Bryant, 1997, p. 116)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
