Lesson S-3 - Speaking in Tongues

Introduction: The tongues movement is bringing divergent religions into harmony, and could be paving the way for a united effort to enforce the mark of the Beast.

1. How will religious leaders of the United States deceive "those who dwell on the earth" into making an image to the Beast? Rev. 13:12, 13

(Revelation 13:12-13 NKJV) And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. {13} He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.

[Note: See Lesson S-2. Some Bible students understand the fire to be literal; others consider it symbolic. The Further-study verses are 2 Cor. 11:13-15; 2 Thess. 2:9, 10; Matt. 24:24; Rev. 16:13, 14; 19:20]

2. At Pentecost, what group received "fire from heaven," and what did it cause them to do? Acts 2:1-4 [Luke 3:16]

(Acts 2:1-4 NKJV) When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. {2} And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. {3} Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. {4} And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

3. The spiritual gifts ("fire") in Revelation 13 bring a kind of unity, but they are counterfeit, for they result in efforts to cause all to worship the Beast. Can Satan counterfeit the gift of tongues by speaking through people? Mark 1:23-26

(Mark 1:23-26 NKJV) Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, {24} saying, "Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are; the Holy One of God!" {25} But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be quiet, and come out of him!" {26} And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him.

[Note: Ecstatic utterances have been reported in non-Christian cultures too. (See Phaedrus and Timaeus by Plato, and Aeneid by Virgil.) Mark 5:7-9]

4. 1 John 4:1 says, "Test the spirits, whether they are of God." How can we test tongues? Isa. 8:19, 20

(Isaiah 8:19-20 NKJV) And when they say to you, "Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter," should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living? {20} To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

[Note: A spirit must uphold God's law, including the Sabbath, or it is a counterfeit. Matt. 7:15, 20-23]

5. At Pentecost, did the apostles speak in languages or in unknown tongues? Acts 2:5-11

(Acts 2:5-11 NKJV) And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. {6} And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. {7} Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, "Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? {8} "And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? {9} "Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, {10} "Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, {11} "Cretans and Arabs; we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God."

[Note: This gift enabled the disciples to fulfill Jesus' commission to take the gospel to "all the nations;" to every "tribe, tongue, and people" (Matt. 28:19; Rev. 14:6). The Pentecostal gift of tongues was the ability to speak in other languages. Some who did not understand these languages thought the disciples were drunk (verse 13). Each person did not miraculously hear in his own language while one of the apostles spoke, for the multitude did not receive the ''gift of ears." Apparently each disciple spoke to a different group, using its particular language. Acts 1:8; Col. 1:23]

6. Was the next occurrence of tongues like that at Pentecost? Acts 10:44-47

(Acts 10:44-47 NKJV) While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. {45} And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. {46} For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, {47} "Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?"

[Note: They "received . . . just as we have. " Acts 11:15; 15:8]

7. Do all born-again Christians receive the gift of tongues? 1 Cor. 12:4-11 [Rom. 12:6-8]

(1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NKJV) There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. {5} There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. {6} And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. {7} But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: {8} for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, {9} to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, {10} to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. {11} But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

8. Did Jesus say every believer would receive every sign? Mark 16:17, 18

(Mark 16:17-18 NKJV) "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; {18} "they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."

[Note: Are all Christians to "take up serpents"? Phil. 4:19; Matt. 28:18-20]

9. Who decides which gifts a person shall receive? 1 Cor. 12:11, 18 [Rom 12:6; Matt. 25:15]

(1 Corinthians 12:11 NKJV) But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

(1 Corinthians 12:18 NKJV) But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.

10. Where are the gifts placed? 1 Cor. 12:18, 28 [Eph. 1:22, 23; 4:11, 12; Col. 1:24; 1 Cor. 12:13]

(1 Corinthians 12:18 NKJV) But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.

(1 Corinthians 12:28 NKJV) And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.

11. How important is the gift of tongues in relation to other spiritual gifts? 1 Cor. 12:28-31

(1 Corinthians 12:28-31 NKJV) And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. {29} Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? {30} Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? {31} But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

[Note: Of the three places Paul enumerates these gifts he mentions tongues in only one, and there he lists it last. Paul was not encouraging the Corinthians to speak in tongues; he was correcting their misuse of the gift. Rom. 12:3-16; Eph. 4:7-16]

12. In 1 Corinthians 13:1 Paul says that to have love is more important than to speak in the language (or with the ability) of angels. What language do angels speak? Luke 1:26-31 [Dan. 9:21-23; Rev. 22:6-9; Matt. 1:20]

(Luke 1:26-31 NKJV) Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, {27} to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. {28} And having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!" {29} But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. {30} Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. {31} "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS.

13. Tongues in 1 Corinthians 14 must be understood in harmony with the rest of the New Testament. Evidently some who had received the gift of tongues for missionary work exulted in their ability and began to preach, pray and sing in these foreign languages which the uneducated, who probably knew only Greek, did not understand. What was Paul's counsel to these people who misused their gifts? 1 Cor. 14:9-12

(1 Corinthians 14:9-12 NKJV) So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air. {10} There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance. {11} Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me. {12} Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.

[Note: Most versions say "kinds of languages." Isa. 28:9, 10]

14. Paul did not forbid the use of tongues in church, but when one was used, what counsel did he give? 1 Cor. 14:27, 28

(1 Corinthians 14:27-28 NKJV) If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. {28} But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.

15. 1 Corinthians 14:14 says that one's "understanding is unfruitful" (in others) when thus misusing tongues. How does a speaker's understanding bear fruit? Col. 1:3-6

(Colossians 1:3-6 NKJV) We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, {4} since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; {5} because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, {6} which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth;

[Ans: By being understood by others. Rom. 1:13; John 15:8, 16; Phil. 1:22; 4:17]

16. Some congregations still pray or sing or preach in another language (e.g., Latin). Does this edify the congregation? 1 Cor. 14:14-17

(1 Corinthians 14:14-17 NKJV) 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. {16} Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say "Amen" at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? {17} For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.

[Note: Praying with the understanding means "understandably." 1 Cor. 14:2; Luke 1:47; 1 Cor. 2:11]

17. Why was the gift of tongues given? 1 Cor. 14:22

(1 Corinthians 14:22 NKJV) Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe.

[Ans: Primarily for witnessing to others who spoke foreign languages. Mark 16:15-17]

18. What kind of ecumenical spirits are going to unite the world? Rev. 16:13, 14

(Revelation 16:13-14 NKJV) And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. {14} For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

[Note: These spirits come out of the "mouth" and are likened to "frogs." Frogs catch their prey with their tongues! Rev. 18:1-5]

19. For what purpose is the Holy Spirit given? John 16:13, 14

(John 16:13-14 NKJV) "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. {14} "He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.

[Ans: To teach truth. 2 Thess. 2:9, 10]

Commitment: Though each spiritual gift is still given where needed, the special gift for the last days is the spirit of prophecy (Lesson 21), not tongues. Ecstatic utterances are a counterfeit gift that is uniting apostate Protestantism, Catholicism, and Spiritualism into spiritual Babylon ("Babel"). Will you heed God's invitation to come out of Babylon (Rev 18:15)?

Further Study Verses

Question 1 - Further Study

(2 Corinthians 11:13-15 NKJV) For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. {14} And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. {15} Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

(2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 NKJV) The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, {10} and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

(Matthew 24:24 NKJV) "For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

(Revelation 19:20 NKJV) Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. -->Back to Study

Question 2 - Further Study

(Luke 3:16 NKJV) John answered, saying to all, "I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. -->Back to Study

Question 3 - Further Study

(Mark 5:7-9 NKJV) And he cried out with a loud voice and said, "What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God that You do not torment me." {8} For He said to him, "Come out of the man, unclean spirit!" {9} Then He asked him, "What is your name?" And he answered, saying, "My name is Legion; for we are many." -->Back to Study

Question 4 - Further Study

(Matthew 7:15 NKJV) "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

(Matthew 7:20-23 NKJV) "Therefore by their fruits you will know them. {21} "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. {22} "Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' {23} "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' -->Back to Study

Question 5 - Further Study

(Matthew 28:19 NKJV) "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

(Revelation 14:6 NKJV) Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth; to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people;

(Acts 1:8 NKJV) "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

(Colossians 1:23 NKJV) if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister. -->Back to Study

Question 6 - Further Study

(Acts 11:15 NKJV) "And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning.

(Acts 15:8 NKJV) "So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, -->Back to Study

Question 7 - Further Study

(Romans 12:6-8 NKJV) Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; {7} or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; {8} he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. -->Back to Study

Question 8 - Further Study

(Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV) And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. {19} "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, {20} "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

(Philippians 4:19 NKJV) And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. -->Back to Study

Question 9 - Further Study

(Matthew 25:15 NKJV) "And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.

(Romans 12:6 NKJV) Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; -->Back to Study

Question 10 - Further Study

(Ephesians 1:22-23 NKJV) And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, {23} which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

(Ephesians 4:11-12 NKJV) And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, {12} for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,

(Colossians 1:24 NKJV) I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church,

(1 Corinthians 12:13 NKJV) For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body; whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free; and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. -->Back to Study

Question 11 - Further Study

(Romans 12:3-16 NKJV) For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. {4} For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, {5} so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. {6} Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; {7} or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; {8} he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. {9} Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. {10} Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; {11} not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; {12} rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; {13} distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. {14} Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. {15} Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. {16} Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

(Ephesians 4:7-16 NKJV) But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. {8} Therefore He says: "When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men." {9} (Now this, "He ascended"; what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? {10} He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) {11} And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, {12} for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, {13} till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; {14} that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, {15} but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head; Christ; {16} from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. -->Back to Study

Question 12 - Further Study

(Daniel 9:21-23 NKJV) yes, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, reached me about the time of the evening offering. {22} And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, "O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you skill to understand. {23} "At the beginning of your supplications the command went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved; therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision:

(Matthew 1:20 NKJV) But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

(Revelation 22:6-9 NKJV) Then he said to me, "These words are faithful and true." And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place. {7} "Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book." {8} Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. {9} Then he said to me, "See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God." -->Back to Study

Question 13 - Further Study

(Isaiah 28:9-10 NKJV) "Whom will he teach knowledge? And whom will he make to understand the message? Those just weaned from milk? Those just drawn from the breasts? {10} For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, Line upon line, line upon line, Here a little, there a little." -->Back to Study

Question 14 - Further Study

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Question 15 - Further Study

(Romans 1:13 NKJV) Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles.

(John 15:8 NKJV) "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

(John 15:16 NKJV) "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.

(Philippians 1:22 NKJV) But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell.

(Philippians 4:17 NKJV) Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. -->Back to Study

Question 16 - Further Study

(1 Corinthians 14:2 NKJV) For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.

(Luke 1:47 NKJV) And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

(1 Corinthians 2:11 NKJV) For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. -->Back to Study

Question 17 - Further Study

(Mark 16:15-17 NKJV) And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. {16} "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. {17} "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; -->Back to Study

Question 18 - Further Study

(Revelation 18:1-5 NKJV) After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. {2} And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! {3} "For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury." {4} And I heard another voice from heaven saying, "Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. {5} "For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. -->Back to Study

Question 19 - Further Study

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Last Updated: 06/18/03