848A.

SPEAKING IN "TONGUES".
(An explanation of 1 Corinthians 14:1-33 NWT & Greek T.)

"The (one) for speaking to tongue not to men he is speaking but to God, no one
for is hearing, to Spirit but he is speaking mysteries."
  (1 Cor 14:2 Greek T.)
 

"No one for is hearing":

Dialogue between a man and God cannot usually be heard,
as it takes place in the man's spirit by the Spirit of God.  (1 Cor 14:28).

"Not to men he is speaking":

But to God with his spirit and his mind.  (1 Cor 14:15).

"To Spirit but he is speaking":

Speaking to God by the Spirit of God.  (1 Cor 14:12).

"Speaking mysteries":

Receives partial knowledge of the sacred secrets of God in lieu of their
future fulfilment before this gift of the Spirit ceases.  (1 Cor 13:8-10).

1 Cor 14:4.  "The (one) speaking to tongue himself is building up."  (Greek T.)
Those present receive no spiritual upbuilding from a man speaking in spirit to God and receiving knowledge by the Spirit of God unless this dialogue is translated into their native tongue.  (14:13 17).

1 Cor 14:5.  "Outside if not he may be translating, in order that the ecclesia upbuilding might receive."  (Greek T.)  Speaking in spirit to God by Holy Spirit but without translating it is of no value to a congregation of God. Unless a translation is provided in the native tongue (or tongues) of that congregation, such spirit dialogue is, in effect, solely for the upbuilding of that individual and is therefore "outside" the needs of the congregation.

1 Cor 14:7-12.  Here Paul teaches by comparison that even inanimate instruments like a flute, harp or trumpet require silent intervals to identify the melody being played. So too with speech, it must be in the native tongue of the hearer for it to be understood for their benefit.  (14:10).

1 Cor 14:27,28.  "If-and to tongue anyone is speaking, according to two or the most three, and up part, and one let him be translating; if ever but not he may be translator, let him be keeping silent in ecclesia, to himself but let him be speaking and to the God." (Greek T.)  The one speaking in spirit to God by the Spirit of God must translate what has been said into the native tongue of that congregation for their spiritual benefit. But if he does not share their native tongue, there must be someone present to translate for him. The New World Translation reads, "and let someone translate". If, however, there is no one to translate from his native tongue to theirs, "let him keep silent in the congregation and speak to himself and to God." (14:28). "Therefore let the one who speaks in a tongue pray that he may translate."  (14:13).

In the Apostle Paul's time, speaking in tongues was used as a sign to unbelievers. (14:22). But as the spiritual mysteries and the sacred secrets of God have gradually been revealed, and His Will and purpose in connection with Creation made known, use of this means of Spirit communication has become less critical. Faithful servants of God acquire accurate knowledge of His Will, obey His spiritual instructions, and speak it out fearlessly. This is of far greater worth than speaking in a tongue with "babe"-like partial knowledge. But  anyone who speaks gibberish as if speaking in a 'tongue' is merely exercising the uncanny power of divination (demons) to mislead others away from the true God.  (14:10,11).

Speaking in different tongues:  A spiritual gift bestowed by God upon Galileans at Pentecost so that they were able to declare abroad the excellencies of God in many languages for the benefit of the various nationalities in attendance.  (Acts 2:1-21).

Translation of a tongue:  After speaking to God by His Spirit, one prayed to Him to request the power of translation to upbuild the congregation. (14:12,13). All gifts of the Spirit were controlled by the prophets in an orderly manner, as were interpretations of inspired utterances from God. Such an interpreter is known as a discerner of inspired utterances     a spiritual gift from God.  (14:26-33).

(Cont. on Page 848B).

6/3/78.
 

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