Colin Wong Supporter Founder, eBible.com

The speaking of tongues is a gift of the spirit, not a fruit of the spirit. It's a very subtle but extremely important distinction.

Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Gift of the Spirit

1 Corinthians 12:7-11
To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another a gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

1 Corinthians 12:27-30
Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?

Conclusion

As you can see from 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, each of us are given different gifts, for the common good of all. But all our gifts come from the one and the same Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:30 confirms that not all will speak in tongues.

If you cannot speak in tongues, it does not mean you are not filled with the Holy Spirit. It just means you do not have that particular gift. That's all.

October 31 2013 • 24 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

JD Abshire Supporter

If you read Acts 2:4-12 "tongues" was intelligible, descernable, languages that could be reduced to pen and paper. Pentecost was an assembly of Jews from different regions who spoke the language of that particular region (v. 8-11). the Holy Spirit enabled individuals with the gift of tongues in order for these non-native Jews to hear The Gospel in their native language.

Galatians 5:22-23 lists fruit (evidence) of the Spirit. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Tongues is not mentioned.

October 31 2013 • 4 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Don Whitley Supporter Husband, father, grandpa and a Christian.

1 Cor. 13:8 Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away.

These gifts were given to the apostles. The gift of tongues was, as some above have described, as being one speaking probably in his native language, but all the hearers heard in their own language or tongue.

The apostles had the gifts plus one. They could give the gifts to others, but others could not pass them on. Therefore, quite logically, this gifts would cease when all the apostles died and all that they gave the gifts too would have died.

These gifts were to prove that Christ was who he claimed to be and the apostles were men of God, etc. We have the history preserved for us in our Bibles so there is no need to again try to prove who Christ was/is.

November 01 2013 • 20 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Mi Shad Ow Supporter Layman

It has been my experience that this question is from those in certain denominations that are seeking acceptance within their denomination. To show as proof that one is filled with the spirit, 1 Corinthians 14:22 is misinterpreted/misquoted. So as to make those who do not feel left out, or less than. So with that said PLEASE take time to read 1 Corinthians 14:22 as it is stated, if what I just stated applies. 

If not then please read Ephesians 5:18.

"In the original Greek, the phrase be filled is a present-tense verb. To signify a “one-time filling,” Paul would have used the past tense or a future verb tense; instead, he chose the present tense to denote that the filling of the Holy Spirit is not a one-time event, but a continual experience. Scripture says that we must be continually filled with the Spirit, not just once or twice." (Comiskey)
Comiskey, Joel.The Filling of the Holy Spirit. CBN.com. ND. Web 1 Nov 2013

November 01 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Gregory Tomlinson Supporter Minister, husband,father,grandfather,vet., college graduate

In the new testament it records speaking in tongues, in the old it records prophecy. Corinthians records the gifts as the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, a gift of faith, discernment of spirits, gifts of healing, miracles, different tongue, and interpretation of tongues, and prophecy. 

It could be one or several of these at different times as the spirit leads. I like to compare it to water baptism as you go in dry and you come out wet, evidence of the baptism is left behind, so it is, with the spirit with the gifts left as evidence. 

I think eventually all will speak in tongue or sing in tongues as a form of worship and even praying tongues but this is different in that it is not the gift of languages mentioned above but the spirit helping you in a more personal way to worship and strengthen your spirit man. 

This is sometimes misconceived as the gift and is confusing when done loudly in the congregation. Some churches pray out loud, this should be held at lower volumes so as not to cause confusion between the two.

If you have seen no manifestation yet be patient it will come as the spirit moves you to apply it. You do not always have control of how or where and when as it is the spirit that will teach you. Instead of thinking and meditating on the gift just put your mind on God and seek to enter His presence, and it will flow, but remember to be polite as it is for the edification of the church, the perfecting of the saints and the work of the ministry of reconciliation. do everything decently and in order without confusion. 

You will over time manifest more than one and the operation gets easier with exercise and weaker if you do not but you cannot lose it. The administration will also vary at times and to varying degrees I think because the moment is fluid to the situation. 

It is important to remember that the baptism although can be automatic with salvation, it is not always a given and may need to be sought out. Some receive it quickly realizing that it is a gift freely given without bias and the blood of Jesus made them worthy and others have a hard time forgiving themselves and their faith needs built up so it takes longer. 

I will try an answer any other questions you have but the Holy Ghost is the best teacher I know. Remember to be humble and reverence the spirit as He will not force anything on you.

Maranatha

October 31 2013 • 6 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Dale Richardson Supporter

The first thing that we have to consider is the purpose of the gift of tongues. So we go back to the Old Testament. At the Tower of Babel in genesis 11:1-9 God confused the languages, because everyone spoke one language before. That's how we got them. 

Now fast forward to the New Testament. Jesus gives the great commission in Matt 28:19,20 now for the disciples this is an impossibility because the can only speak their native language. Now enter the gift of tongues. Because when the Holy Spirit gives this gift it was given to over come language barriers to spread the gospel. The speakers as well as the hearers could understand in every instance of the gift of tongues being manifested in acts.

Corinthians 14 is a very highly misused chapter in the bible. Through out the chapter Paul is stating what the church in Corinth is doing then he states a correction for it. Tongues was given to edify the church not the individual. There are no other scripture anywhere in the bible that supports edifying yourself. It's unbiblical and goes against the office of the Holy Spirit. 

John 14-16 has a lot of verses that explain what the Holy Spirit does and his role is to fill the void left by Jesus and to bring the world to Jesus. The gift of tongues was given to spread the gospel not to edify the person speaking it. 

Also what people today call the gift of tongues is also present in Hinduism, Buddhism, in many pagan religions, including the priestesses at the oracle of Delphi in Ancient Greece. So are these non Christians baptized by the Holy Spirit because they speak in ecstatics? No. If you say that tongues are a sign of the gift of the Holy Spirit then you would have to conclude that these pagans have the Holy Spirit too. 

With that being said the gifts are given out as the Holy Spirit sees fit 1 Corinthians 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. So the Holy Spirit gives the gift of tongues as he will. In verse 29,30 of the same chapter it asks, 29 [Are] all apostles? [are] all prophets? [are] all teachers? [are] all workers of miracles?
30 Have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? The answer to all these questions is no. 

The manifestation of the fruits of the spirit are a surefire sign that you are connected to Christ because Jesus said by their fruits ye shall know them I never ever heard Jesus said by their gifts ye shall know them. Yes the gifts play a vital role in the spreading of the gospel we are to desire them and the spirit will give to us as he sees fit to give them to us.

April 16 2015 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Chelsea Miller Supporter

Absolutely. Speaking in tongues is the evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit. And it's not that you must do it; you get to do it!

Acts 10:44-48 speaks of people's astonishment when the Gentiles also received the Holy Spirit. Well, how did they know the Gentiles had been filled with the Holy Spirit? Verse 46 tells us, "For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God."

In John 7:37-39, Jesus says, "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." The next verse says, "(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive..." So, what does this mean? The belly in Scripture speaks of our spirit, and the rivers and living water here are both types of the Holy Ghost. So, out of your spirit shall flow rivers of the Holy Ghost! (Notice it says "shall", not "might".) And how does something flow out of you but through your mouth?

The Bible declares in Ephesians 5:17-19, "Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;" There are a few things to note here:

1) It is the will of God.

2) The word "filling" here means a continual filling.

3) The Hebrew word for "spiritual" used here means "non-carnal, ethereal, or supernatural." So, it is the will of God to be continually filled and speak to yourself in non-carnal, ethereal, supernatural songs, or simply put, to speak in tongues and sing in the Spirit.

4) It says to "be filled with the Spirit, speaking to yourselves..." This, to me, says that there should be something coming out from us, because we are filled with the Spirit. We aren't filled just to be filled. We are filled to pour out, first to God, and then to others. And that starts with tongues, because the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues is the door into all the things of the Spirit.

Acts 2:4 and Acts 19:6 also confirm that when you are filled with the Holy Ghost, you can then speak with tongues. There is so much confusion and error concerning the baptism of the Holy Ghost, so I encourage you and anyone reading this to search the Scriptures yourself to see what the Bible really has to say. I pray that Jesus would show you His glorious truth within His word. Jesus is precious!

January 17 2014 • 5 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Johnnatta Giles Supporter Spirit Filled Christian

We are all given a spiritual language. If you want to grow in the Spirit that spiritual language must be used. Paul says in 1 Cor 14:18 "I thank God I speak with tongues more than ye all" Paul is stating the importance of speaking in tongues and that it is is a devotional gift that it is to be used in prayer. Paul explains that only certain people will be used in public ministry of tongues. In 1 Cor 12:28 Paul list diversities of tongues as a gift. People say that is why not everyone can speak in a tongue. But that is not true. Not all will be used for public ministry of tongues but you have a spiritual langue that you may use in prayer. 

It does not always come right away after being Baptized in the Holy Spirit. It is your choice to use it. You have to let the Holy Spirit grow that language because it is Him that releases it through you.

Do not get too spiritual about this. I did once and it really messed up my prayer life trying to get some kind of "feeling" out of the situation. I thought if i dont feel some kind of wonderful feeling or get goose bumps then nothing is happening. The Lord said To me "You already know your language so just speak it. Get out of your head and stop trying to feel something because our relationship is not a feeling."

I recommend Kenneth E Hagin's book Gifts of The Spirit. It really helped me understand a lot when I was just baptized in the spirit. God bless you!

January 17 2014 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

John Canfield Supporter

No I am not a Jehova Witness.
I came out of Catholicism in 1980 and was baptized into the Lords church. I worship with the saints at Dale City VA.

Tongues - no Tongues. What impact does it have on salvation? None.

Pentecostals maintain if you do not speak in tongues you have not received the Holy Spirit. 

Man made dogma. Completely unscriptural. I have heard three people now speak "in tongue" praying to the Lord. Each time there were unbelievers in the room. Individuals who had not accepted Jesus as Lord yet. This should not have taken place in their presence according to the scriptures.

If it is not from God and it is happening, you know the source. I see and hear division and it should not be!

January 23 2014 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Phillip Ramirez Supporter Actor-Musician-Bible Student

1 Cor. 13:8–"There is the gift of speaking what God has revealed, but it will no longer be used. There is the gift of speaking in other languages, but it will stop by itself. There is the gift of knowledge, but it will no longer be used."- (GOD'S WORD translation)

According to this scripture, some of Jesus’ first-century followers had special gifts of "tongues", but these were to cease. (1 Corinthians 12:29, 30; 13:8, 13) True Christians today are identified, not by acts of tongues or healing, but by the bond of self-sacrificing love. (John 13:35) If we look at the state of modern Christianity, would you say that these gifts of tongues or healing have produced a genuine family of Christians from all races and backgrounds who are bound together by such love... or would you say that speaking in tongues is a relatively isolated event?

The miraculous gift of tongues was a product of the outpouring of God’s spirit at Pentecost, 33 C.E. The approximately 120 disciples assembled in an upper room were enabled through holy spirit to speak about “the magnificent things of God” in the native tongues of the Jews and proselytes who had come to Jerusalem from faraway places for the observance of the festival. This was actually a fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy (Joel 2:28-32) proved that God was using the new Christian congregation and no longer the Jewish congregation. In order to receive the free gift of the holy spirit, the Jews and proselytes had to repent and be baptized in Jesus’ name.—Ac 1:13-15; 2:1-47.

The gift of tongues proved very helpful to first-century Christians in preaching to those who spoke other languages. It was actually a sign to unbelievers. Paul, in writing to the Christian congregation at Corinth, directed that when meeting together, not all should speak in tongues, as strangers and unbelievers entering and not understanding would think they were crazy. He also recommended that the speaking in tongues “be limited to two or three at the most, and in turns.” However, if no one could translate, then the person speaking in a tongue was to remain silent in the congregation, speaking to himself and to God. (1Co 14:22-33) If no translating took place, his speaking in a tongue wouldn't result in upbuilding others, because no one would listen to his speech... it would be meaningless to those unable to understand it.—1Co 14:2, 4.

If the person speaking in a tongue was unable to translate, then he didn't understand what he himself was saying... so neither would others who were not familiar with that tongue, or language. So Paul encouraged those having the gift of tongues to pray that they might also translate and thereby edify all listeners. From the foregoing, it can readily be seen why Paul, under inspiration, ranked speaking in tongues as a lesser gift and pointed out that in a congregation he would rather speak five words with understanding than 10,000 words in a tongue.—1Co 14:11, 13-19.

In a nutshell: the gift of speaking in tongues was a sign that God was using the newly formed Christian congregation and that, once the congregation was firmly established, there was no need of speaking in tongues to indicate God's favor.

Good question... made me do some research! Hope this info helps!

January 17 2014 • 16 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Nadine Harris Supporter

Acts 2:1-4 KJV

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

November 02 2013 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Randolph Batcho Supporter Pastor(Part time)

Speaking in tongues or languages, as it should be known is a gift of the Holy Spirit. It is given for a specific reason and not to be babbled as some do. If you read 1 Corinthians 14 you will clearly understand what the Apostle is saying. 

The LORD Jesus Christ never spoke or prayed in tongues. You never read in the New Testament after the day of Pentecost where any of the Apostles speaking or praying in tongues. 

The gift of tongues does not operate today as we all know some way of communicating. Having said that, it is still the wish of the Holy Spirit to give that gift to anyone who needs it. Just like some missionaries who go to a remote area where they do not speak or understand the language. Nevertheless it is the will of the Holy Spirit. 

I used to speak and pray in tongues, and when I read 1 Corinthians 14 I realised that I was fooling myself. Praying in the Spirit is not praying in a tongue as people have been misguided and mislead by this scripture. It is being led by the Holy Spirit as you pray. 

The gift of tongues was a sign of the new church (body of Christ) being formed and it is not what is been prayed in some churches today. 
I have seen in some churches one person gets up and speaks in a tongue and then he translates. I think it is a joke, because we all understand English and if GOD wants to speak to us HE will speak in English and not gibberish. 

Furthermore the Bible says if you speak in a tongue you also should interprate or there should be one who should be able to interprate, if not you should keep quiet. SO my question is does the Holy Spirit know that there are no interpreters on site when HE speaks? 

May GOD and His Holy Spirit guide and lead you all into the real truth. GOD Bless

January 17 2014 • 4 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Barbara A Webb Supporter

There is a misunderstanding which confuses things. The “Gift of Tongues” is for edifying the church, and is given to some individuals as a special gift to build up the church. The “Gift of the Holy Spirit” or the Baptism with the Holy Spirit with the accompanying “tongues”, is personal and is for edfying the Christian himself only. This is for every Christian.

Paul explains the “Gifts of the Spirit” to the church and how they are to be operated in 1 Corinthians 12-14. They are specifically for edifying the church.

The three vocal gifts are, prophesy, tongues and interpretation.
The Gift of Prophesy is man giving a message from God
Tongues with the Interpretation = the same as prophesy – man giving a message from God

1 Cor 14:1-4
14:1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. 
3 But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.

Gift of Tongues: to edify the Church
1 Cor 14:26-28
26 What 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. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, two-or at the most three-should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. 28 If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God. (Quietly and privately) NIV

Gift of the Holy Spirit: To Edify the Christian himself
1 Cor 14:13-16
14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. NKJV

Jude 20
But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
NKJV

January 18 2014 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Tom howard Supporter Contender of the Faith

There are four times in the book of Acts were tongues are given as evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit 1).Acts 2:4; 2) Acts 8:17-19; 3) Acts 10;45,46; 4) Acts 19:5,6. The only one that did not specifically say they spoke in tongues was Acts 8:17-19. Here Simon who was once into sorcery but later believed, offered the Apostles money after noticing the Holy Spirit was given by laying on of hands. It was something since he was motivated to pay money for it. Since we see three other times tongues were accompanying the giving of the Holy Spirit, tongues must have been what Simon observed!. It would be hard pressed to believe it was something other than tongues. This request of Simon, of course, was rebuked by the Apostles. 

Mark 16:17 says this “sign of speaking with new tongues” shall follow them that believe. Don’t be robbed of a wonderful gift. It’s a heavenly prayer language for those that believe. Remember it’s not the gift of tongues we are after, but the person of the Holy Spirit. Tongues will follow. John 7:38, “He that believes on me, as the scripture has said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water”.

January 19 2014 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Meluleki Maphosa Supporter Amateur Bible Student

1.	“Tongues” is another name for language: Gen 10:20, Isa 66:18, Mar 16:17, Rev 7:9, Rev 10:11 etc.
2.	“Tongues” is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit but is not the only gift.
3.	 “Tongues” appears as an issue in the Church in Paul’s writings to the Church of Corinth. There is no other record of the “tongues” being an issue other than it being a fruit of the Holy Spirit.


In Mat 28: 16 Jesus gives His Jewish disciples the Great commission (they only spoke the Jewish language). Mark 16: 17 then tells them how they would be equipped to carry out that commission, would be enabled to speak in other languages/ tongues. We see this in Acts 2:1-13 how the gift of the Holy Spirit was manifested when it was needed. Here was an opportunity to preach to a diverse group of people with diverse tongues. That is why the Holy Spirit gave them that gift (the disciples spoke in the tongues/ languages that most of these visitors to Jerusalem could understand) and the result was wonderful conversion of about 3000 (and 5000 a few days later)! Now imagine these people now going back to their homes all over the world. Surely the gift of tongues was crucial to the growth of the church. A similar incident is recorded in Acts 10:44. 


In Acts 19:4-5 there is a similar incident where the recipients prophesized (preached) in other languages/ tongues. In all the above incidents there is no mention of anyone needed to interpret the “tongue”? Why? Because there was no need to! These people were speaking known and spoken languages to communicate a message. 


But why the apparent confusion in the issue of tongues today? I believe that like every good gift of God to the church, the devil has found a way to hijack and twist it and add popular/ exciting dimensions to it. It has occupied the minds of unsuspecting Christians who are being led further and further from the truth. Tongues have suddenly become a central issue of focus rather than humbly growing in Christ through studying Word of God. I am sure the devil is delighted with the results of his endeavor in this regard, it has been so effective. 


I would be doing a great disservice if I do not explain Paul’s message in 1 Cor 14 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy (preaching/ teaching). 2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue[a] does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one UNDERSTANDS them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit.3 But the one who prophesies (preaches/ teaches) speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. 4 Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies (preaches/ teaches) edifies the church. 5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues,[b] but I would rather have you prophesy (preach/ teach). The one who prophesies (preaches/ teaches) is greater than the one who speaks in tongues,[c] unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.
6 Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? 7 Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? 8 Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? 9 So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. 


Paul in my view was addressing a problem in this particular church in Corinth. It was a cosmopolitan church with members with many languages. Naturally in church like this sermons became a challenge. A brother who speaks Latin wants to preach or pray in Latin. Another brother wants to speak in Ethiopian, Arabic etc. There was need to put order into this church to show that God is a God of order not confusion.

April 17 2015 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Julian Grear Supporter

Here is my answer from experience. It is a gift to speak in tongues and it is by all means optional to speak it only if you have the gift of tongue speaking, which can only occur if the Holy Spirit is active inside of you. However in some cases, especially during anointing services, the Holy Spirit fills people to the extent that they loose themselves and only tongues come out of their mouths. It is very good to speak in tongues when praying since the bible says that he who speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself.

January 17 2014 • 7 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Richard Van Slyke Supporter

I believe sometimes we have to add "praying in the Spirit" as we are told to do. I believe sometimes people think they are "speaking in tongues" when they are really "praying in the Spirit" and so they should also be praying in their mind.

January 17 2014 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeanine Schaefer Supporter animal advocate & culinary mad scientist

The gift of Tongues, first of all, do NOT go to ALL believers. (1 Cor 12:30), and it is a gift to the church body as there MUST be a translator as well, or if not, then the person that DOES speak in tongues, is to keep silent, because it CANNOT be understood (1 Cor 14:27-28).the gift of tongues is NOT a gift separate from the other gifts of the Spirit, and NONE of the gifts are important as love (1 Cor 13:8). The gifts DO NOT PROVE you are saved or have the Holy Spirit. Only God truly knows the heart. 

Yes, you will know a tree by it's fruit, and a good tree WILL produce good fruit, but that is a PRODUCT (an AFTEREFFECT) of your salvation, not the CAUSE of your salvation. As we know, there ARE moral atheists, agnostics, and some very "good" unsaved other faiths that aren't Christian, that exhibit some traits that would coincide with the gifts, like humbleness or joy, or even their version of tongues. That DOESN'T fill them with the Holy Spirit. The upper room was a ONE TIME event of the world being introduced to the Holy Spirit in a new way, like how Jesus being born was how he was being introduced to the world in a new way. He ALWAYS WAS, and IS, and WILL BE. Jesus was with God in the beginning of things, just like the Holy Spirit! 
The Holy Spirit was PROMISED by Jesus as a COMFORTER. It hadn't even been 24 hours since Jesus's death and they were being COMFORTED(John 14:16). the Holy Spirit also teaches us and gives us gifts of the spirit.....so it is only fitting that the Holy Spirit came to them at that time to COMFORT them, teach them and give them the gifts of the spirit that THEY would particularly NEED at that time.

April 17 2015 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Bessie Mariner Supporter

Look at Acts 19:: 1-7. Here we find group of 12 disciples who state they were baptized with Johns baptism. They already believed but had not heard about the Holy Ghost. So then Paul taught them and they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. After all this, they still needed to have Paul lay his hands on them: " And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied". Thus it appears they already were believers but still needed to have impartation through the laying on of hands to get the Holy Ghost.

Again in Acts 8: 16-18 we find believers who were baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ needing to have Peter and John pray for them to receive the Holy Ghost. Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
Simon the sorcerer saw this and wanted the power to lay hands on people and see them get the Holy Ghost. WHAT DO YOU THINK SIMON THE SORCERER SAW? HE HAD TO SEE SOMETHING HAPPEN! ACTS 19 tells us what was seen.

April 16 2015 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Scotty Searan Supporter I am a associate minister.

My opinion is that speaking in tongues is the evidence of the Filling of the Holy Ghost. I know, because I am one of those 'Tongue Talkers' as I've been called.

So I know it has not passed away. If it has, when did it pass away?

I do have a prayer language. Romans 8:26. Sometimes when I use the prayer language, I have received the interpretation sometimes before I finished praying.

When I speak in tongues in public, I will interpret by the Holy Spirit what was said, if no one else gives the interpretation.

I have sit in services and told my wife that a message was fixing to be given and it happened every time I had that feeling.

I do not believe that the Holy Spirit can be imparted by laying on of hands. Though the laying on of hands could be considered a point of contact.

The Apostles did not receive it by laying on of hands.

There is a point you need to remember that there was 120 people in the Upper Room. See Acts 1:13-16.

It would appear then there was 120 + languages spoke on the Day of Pentecost? Were there people there who did not understand the languages being spoken? Was every spiritual utterance understood?

It only speaks of 15 nationalities of people. But the Bible says everyone heard the gospel in their own language.

Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

How did the disciples at this time know these people were saved? I believe it was through receiving the Holy Ghost with speaking in another language just like they had seen the Apostles and those with them in the Upper Room received.

I do not believed that Peter hear was preaching a two-step salvation, but a one step process.

Just think about it, Three thousand people being baptized in one day by 12 apostles. It took the power of the Holy Ghost to give these men strength to do such a thing.

I do not believe Peter and the other 11 Apostles was Preaching a easy-believism salvation that is taught today. He taught Repentance.

Maybe this has helped someone.

April 17 2015 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

James Kraft Supporter 74 year old retired pipeline worker

No. We are sealed with the Holy Spirit when we first believed the gospel of our salvation. Ephesians 1:13. So speaking tongues has nothing to do with having the spirit. Every believer has the Spirit in them who is our righteousness. Romans 8:9 says if we do not have the spirit we are none of His, but all believers have the spirit. 

So speaking in tongues has nothing to do with having the spirit in you. All believers have the spirit.

June 06 2017 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Bessie F Scott Supporter

There is a difference in having the Gifts of Tongues, and the Gifts of the Spirit. There seems to be some confusion but if you read the Word in Acts there are several instances where when they were baptized in The Spirit one of the evidences is that they would speak in tongues, see Acts 19:6; Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-48. Study God's Word and the Holy Spirit will give an understanding. God does not change He is the same today, yesterday and forever. Amen!

April 16 2015 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report