ChristiansUnite Forums

Tongues and interpretation of tongues from a Christian perspective.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The main purpose the Holy Spirit came down at Pentecost was to find, equip and adorn the bride of Christ - the Church and to escort her safely through this world and present her to Jesus - a pure and spotless bride (1).

In Genesis chapter 24 there is a beautiful illustration of how Abraham went about obtaining a bride for his son Isaac. The types in this account are as follows:-

Abraham ... a type of God the Father

Isaac ... a type of Son

Servant ... a type of Holy Spirit

Rebecca ... a type of Church

When the servant went to seek a bride for Isaac, he loaded ten camels to take with him. Included in these loads were precious gifts of jewellery.

In the New Testament, nine beautiful gifts of the Holy Spirit are listed in 1 Cor. 12: 8- 10.

For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

Two words are used commonly in speaking of the gifts (2). One is charisma (or plural, charismata), gift of God' s love; the other is phanerosis, manifestation.

The word gift serves to remind us that these blessings cannot be earned but that they are freely given by God to His children.

In my own experience shortly after being born again I started to speak in tongues but they sounded repetitive.

Several months later a lady told me there were two people in my life that I should forgive. I did this right away and about one week later felt led to drive from my abode out into the country side to a small town - about one hour drive away.

I spoke in tongues all the way there. Once in the country area I began to get a sudden release in my heavenly language in that I started to have more variety in tongues and also sing in tongues. I remember the tremendous joy associated with this experience.

It is significant to note that a friend of mine was consistently able to interpret my tongues after the "country trip".

In 1 Cor. 14 Apostle Paul teaches on tongues and interpretation of tongues. Points that are pertinent here include:-

1. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself ( v.4a ).

According to The Hebrew - Greek Key Study Bible (3) the word edify here means to build, build up, rebuild, strengthen and benefit.

2. Tongues and interpretation of tongues together have the same benefit as prophesy (v.5).

3.Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. ( v.13)

It is obvious that there is a private side of speaking in tongues and interpretation of tongues as well as a public side.

On one occasion I was walking down a road by myself speaking in tongues and at a certain point the language suddenly changed. With the change in utterance the interpretation became manifest. To this day I can remember the approximate location of this phenomena and also the gist of the interpretation.

In public have also received interpretation of tongues spoken by others. One early example involved an invitation to a person's apartment for dinner together with others. After the meal one of the men present spoke in tongues and suddenly without warning I realised I had the interpretation of the tongues uttered.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Prince, Derek, Teaching Letter No. 21

2. Bennett, Dennis and Rita, " The Holy Spirit and You ", Logos (1971).

3. Zodhiates, Spiros," The Hebrew - Greek Key Study Bible", AMG Publishers (1996)

Bro rapha,

Not all are given, the gift of tongues, but all gifts are given out as it pleases the Holy Spirit, some receive one gift, others another. (1 Cor m12:11)

Any Christian can edify himself in speaking to God in prayer, not necessarily in any tongue, he is unable to understand but in ones own native tongue.

Chuck Smith from calvary churches said once;

"If you have never spoken in tongues, you don't know what your missing."

I doubt that, tongues is just one gift, and any Christian excersizing his gift or gifts will be a happy person, whether he speaks tongues or not.

One thing I know is is horribly abused by those who want to lord over others.

Unfortunatyl, because of mans nature, this (the least of the gifts) has been made to be something it was never intended by God.

And it is still used outside of the Lords commandment for observance while assembled for worship services.

Tongues is not men speaking to men, at best it is a man praying to God, whose prayer unless interpreted by another, will not edify other men, so there is never a message from God to man in it, and unless observed in an orderly fashion such as commanded by the Lord, it should not be allowed in the congregatrion.

Blessings,

Petro

Rapha777,
Thanks for that encouragement. I believe there is the genuine, though I have not experienced it. As Petro said, the gift of speaking in tongues has not been given to all and there are other gifts to build up the body of Christ. I believe it is the least of all gifts; it is also the most abused and the most imitated by charismatics. I am not opposed to the use of tongues and interpretation in the congregation. I also encourage those with the gift to pray often in private. In private prayer, it is my understanding, you do not need an interpretation. I pray that God would bless me and others with this gift. The bottom line is, if it edifies, we should allow it.

asaph

Tongues and interpretation of tongues from a Christian perspective ;D

In my own experience shortly after being born again I started to speak in tongues but they sounded repetitive. ;D

Several months later a lady told me there were two people in my life that I should forgive. I did this right away and about one week later felt led to drive from my abode out into the country side to a small town - about one hour drive away.

I spoke in tongues all the way there. Once in the country area I began to get a sudden release in my heavenly language in that I started to have more variety in tongues and also sing in tongues. I remember the tremendous joy associated with this experience.

It is significant to note that a friend of mine was consistently able to interpret my tongues after the "country trip". ;D ;D ;D

Derek Prince ;D

"...whether there be tongues, they shall cease..." (1Cor.13:8)

"whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away." Has knowledge vanished away yet or do we await an appointed time?

asaph

I have asked many who have spoken in chueches I have visited, exactly what were you saying, the hones ones replied they did not know.

Those who were imposters, replied that God had given them a message to preach, or to tell someone, these I did not engage in conversation further.

However, it is clear that interpretation of tongues, is a separate gift, and it is doubtful one person receives both, but not impossible.

Either way, I would rather pray to God, in my own language so, I can be sure I am not swearing at Him....

There is enough problems trying to pronounce words in foreign languages properly so as not to insult innocent people.

Petro

 ;D

One of the things about speaking in tongues is how do you know what is being said with out an interpreter? You dont.
Ive heard many people speak in tongues at churches,and the only interpretations Ive heard came from women, and I must wonder? Women are not permitted to speak in churches.These days in most churches that truth is  unheld to.
So will God go against His order in the Churches, and use women to interpret tongues ,and preach for that matter? NO.

There are churches were  women remain in silence today, but that is not the way of modern Churches, because the world is influencing the churches more than the Bible.

Ive learned to except that most churches allow women to speak and I except it as the days that we live in , I dont condemn it, but neither do I like it.

I believe that God does use women, if no men are available, even If  men are present it does not mean that they are available for God. Men often have given over their responcibity to women , therefore God can use them, but its not the Divine order given for the churches.And the way God uses them is not particularly the way the women think they are being used.
God's word is still being spoken and can be used even if its out of context. Ive heard people that are not even Christian speak the word of God and God used it, but they knew nothing of it.

Logged into Christ,

Amen, I agree with you, God's word whether used by the elect or not, will accomplish His purpose, however,  if used by one which is subject by the Spirit and living for God, can be used to better advantage for the kingdoms sake.

In either case, it is a testimony to the power of God's Word which He has spoken and will not return to Him, void but will accomplish  that which pleases Him, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto HE sent it.  (Isa 55:11)

Excellent point...

Thanks for bring it out.

Blessings,

Petro

There is good book called  " Nine O'Clock in the Morning " by Dennis Bennett ( full refer. given in my next posting). I know one person who recieved the gift of speaking in tongues thru' reading this book.

I know others who were very scepitcal but when they received the gift changed their " doctrine." I heard of one man had 6 tape series why tongues is not for today. ... but after he received had a 6 tape series why it is!

Rapha

For your information more on speaking in tongues.
----------------------------------------

Acts 2 : 1 - 5

1 And when the day of Pentecost was 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 all the house where they were sitting.

3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

It is significant to mention what happened to Smith Wigglesworth when he first received the ability to speak in tongues in Sunderland in 1907.

He described this experience as follows: "She [Mrs Boddy, a minister?s wife] laid her hands on me and then had to go out of the room. The fire fell. It was a wonderful time as I was there with God alone. He bathed me in power. I was conscience of the cleansing of the precious blood, and I cried out: ?Clean! Clean! Clean!? I was filled with the joy of the consciousness of the cleansing. I was given a vision in which I saw the Lord Jesus Christ. I beheld the empty cross, and I saw Him exalted at the right hand of God the Father. I could speak no longer in English, but I began to praise Him in other tongues as the Spirit of God gave me utterance. I knew then, although I might have received anointings previously, that now, at last, I had received the real Baptism in the Holy Spirit as they received on the day of Pentecost." (1).

According to Bagster (2 ) the symbol of fire means judgment or purification.

In Acts 2: 4 the Bible says that they were ALL filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues. Let us now look at two very similar events in the Book of Acts.

A. Acts 10: 44 - 48
The Bible says the gift of the Holy Ghost was poured on Cornelius and his Gentile household. How did Peter and the other Jews present know? ? because

? they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God ( v.46 )

In Acts 11 Peter had to defend his preaching to the Gentiles. In his defence he makes a very interesting comment. He says ? the Holy Ghost fell on them as on us at the beginning ( v.15 ) . In other words the same thing happened to the Gentiles in Acts 10 as happened to the Jews a few years previously in Acts 2: 4.

B. Acts 19: 1 - 7

The Ephesians were baptized ? unto John ?s baptism ?; later through Paul the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied (v.6 ).

There are two other events in the Book of Acts which are worth considering in this study.

1. Acts 8: 12 - 19

People in Samaria received the Holy Ghost through Peter and John. How do we know they received the Holy Spirit? Because Simon saw something that he was prepared to pay for!

18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles? hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

2. Acts 9: 17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

We know from the next verse that Saul ( Paul ) received his sight and we have no reason to doubt that Paul was filled with the Holy Ghost. Also we know that Paul spoke in tongues (1 Cor. 14: 18) so we see again the connection between being filled with the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues.

I suggest again  reading the ? classic ? book by Dennis Bennett, ? Nine O? Clock In The Morning ? (3). This Christian book is a fascinating account of what happened to the pastor of an Episcopal church in the Los Angeles area when he got involved with the ? baptism in the Holy Spirit ? and speaking in tongues.

----------------------------------

1. Frodsham, Stanley, ? Apostle Of Faith ?, P. 44

2. Bagster, S., Notes from the Teachers? Bible.

3. Bennett, Dennis ? Nine O? Clock In The Morning ?, Kingsway ( 1970 ).

Can some one please reconcile this quote to the scripture.

Acts 2:4-16
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;


1 Cor 14:22-23
22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
KJV

Unknown tongues, and other tongues are the same; and it means "languages", known or unknown only to the hearers, and possibly the speaskers,...also..

1 Cor 14
2  For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not:



Acts 2:4  And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Only if one assumes they were speaking to the unbelievers of Acts 2, would one confuse this matter.

Just because unbelievers heard does not mean they who spoke in tongues spoke to the unbelievers, but it matters very little what one may believe or think, the fact is, tongues is only a sign to unbelievers, this is made clear at verse 22 of 1 Cor 14.

6  Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

And finally those who were saved that day were not saved becuase someone spoke to them in tongues, but because Peter prophecied (preached) to them the word of God.

There is a scripture that was prophecied, and fulfilled in Acts 2:4; and this is the passage which clears the fact up that tongues is a language, spoken by the nations and used as a sign to this people, here it is;

Isa 28

9  Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.
10  For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
11  For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.


Petro

1 Cor 12:30-13:1
0 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.


1 Corinthians 13

13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
KJV


What of the phrase 'tongues of men and of angels'? I have heard said many times   "heavenly language"  this is not a bibical term.  

Just a quick response!

Some messages in tongues are like those in Acts 2...i.e. in known languages!

For example, have been in a meeting when this happened... someone spoke in tongues and it was understandable by a couple who spoke an African dialect!


Rapha

a few questions


is there such a thing as the tongues of angels

unknown means  what?  unknown to mankind? unknown to the person ( like I do not know Spanish)

was the purpose  of  tongues  to spread the gospel?   as in  the folks in Egypt did not  speak the same as the disciples?

ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS IN RED
is there such a thing as the tongues of angels. There has to be ... 1 Cor. 13:1 plus we know angels speak in other passages!
unknown means  what?  unknown to mankind? unknown to the person ( like I do not know Spanish). In 1 Cor. 14: 4, 13, 19 for example the KJV translators have added the word unknown.In the RSV we see the word unknown is missing.
He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church( 1 Cor. 14: 4)
was the purpose  of  tongues  to spread the gospel?  as in  the folks in Egypt did not  speak the same as the disciples?Tongues in my opinion has many uses:
1. Pray in tongues when you don't know what to pray.
2. Tongues + Interpretation of tongues is equal to prophesy. Notice verse 1 Cor. 14: 13. If you can pray in tongues you can also pray you can interpret!
3. Can save your life ... I know a powerful testimony where this actually happened.
4. Yes it has happened tongues ... can be used to preach the gospel, eg Tommy Hicks in Russia.
5. Salvation of souls. In Acts 2 we have:-
Tongues + Preaching = 3000 souls saved. The book of Acts is sometimes called the Blue Print for evangelism. It is significant to note how many times tongues is mentioned!

... And there are other purposes!

It is down played by some commentators of the Bible but I believe speaking in tongues is the gateway to the supernatural gifts mentioned in 1 Cor. 12.

Rapha

Tongues of angels may be figurative or exhalted speech, but it does not mean an unknown language, because whenever angels spoke to men, in every case they spoke in  common language easily understood in the persons natural language.


In the verses quoted, 1 Cor 14:4-19, it says nothing about prophecy being given in an unknown[/b] tongue. Verse 14, simply states it in the context of what tongues really is; prayer.

Note, how Paul ties it together;

2  For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
4  He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
14  For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
15  What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
16  Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

Speaking mysteries in the Spirit, = praying in the Spirit, either way it is not understood, and it is directed to God, and is a form of Prayer.    

Nothing to do with prophecy.


Notice this verse;

Rom 8
 26  Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

The spirit makes intercession, with words that cannot be uttered, speaking in tongues, requires somekind of words to be uttered, no matter how mysterious they may be.

If they are uttered, in any form, according to this verse, they are not uttered by man, but by the Spirit, and they are not directed to men, but to God.

1 Cor 14
13  Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

The only thing being interpreted is the prayer, being prayed, so that the unlearned hearers, can uttered AMEN

While it is true, prophecy, is giving forth the word of God, prophecy herein, is not in view at all in this verse, however, interpretion is, and what is being interpreted is a prayer, for the edificationj of those hearing it, not prophecy.

This is where those who want to speak in tongues, as though they speak for God, make the error and add to Gods Word what is not written.


I don't know about Tommy Hicks or the ability of tongues to save "your life", it is presumed the bear of this gift is saved already,  but I can speak for sure on this matter; of  tongues, it is the least of the gifts, and it is made much of, by many in the church, so much so, that instead of edifying it cause more disruptiuon and disunity among the churches, it is made way more of what it should   be.

It is not of God, if used outside of the commandment given.

And if used to prophecy, that is to say, bring a message to men from god, Christians ought to know it is not God prophecying. Since it is clear from 1 Cor 14:2,

"2  For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God:"  

It is, not prophecying to men...


It is a gift that when used properly within its context and within the commandment given by the Lord, will edify all believers, assuming it has not ceased.

I say this because, it is not clear to me, that tongues have ceased, certainly prophecying in the context I have given has not, and above all else, The Word states, forbid not to speak with tongues. 1 Cor 14:39.



In Acts 2, as I said before, the 3000, were not spoken to at all by anyone in tongues, they heard the speakers, is the best anyone can say about the matter, and at that they all heard in their own tongue, no one needed to interpret for them, but this is not the reason they aere saved.

They were saved because Peter preached the Gospel to them in the common language, not in tongues.

Blessings

Petro

Raphaa777,

Thanks so much  the clear way you formatted your responce!

I was raised in 'tongues' so to speak (hehe) much good and bad has showed up along the way. Fakes, a sence of 'higher' spirituality . . . all the junk one would except. When the thought comes to say it is done away with this verse comes to mind. . .

1 Cor 14:39
39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
KJV

So asking questions and pondering the  WHOLE idea of Acts 2:4 has its ebbs and flows. Thanks again

Petro, regarding your last point I would say the tongues drew the crowd which is SUPER IMPORTANT!

see Acts 2:5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6  And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in his own language.

You need a crowd to preach to in the open air especially if lots of people need to be saved!

Every blessing,

Rapha.

see Acts 2:5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem "Jews"

Not to the Gentiles

Brother Love :)

From a previous note, please note:-

A. Acts 10: 44 - 48
The Bible says the gift of the Holy Ghost was poured on Cornelius and his Gentile household. How did Peter and the other Jews present know? ... because  they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God "( v.46 )

In Acts 11 Peter had to defend his preaching to the Gentiles. In his defence he makes a very interesting comment. He says the Holy Ghost fell on them as on us at the beginning ( v.15 ) . In other words the same thing happened to the Gentiles in Acts 10 as happened to the Jews a few years previously in Acts 2: 4.

Rapha.

Yes and before Acts Chapter 10, you had to be water baptised before you would receive the Holy Spirit. Times are a changeing.

FROM LAW TO GRACE

Brother Love :)

rapha777,

This is an excellwnt point that you recognize, the problem though is that you focus on the wrong subject.

Notice this carefully;

Acts 10
45  And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46  For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.

The tongues mentioned herein was not unknown, Cornelius and those who spoke in tongues spoke in a language which was understood by Peter and those 6 Jews which accompanied him.

This is why Peter says, at Acts 11:15;

.......the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.

There is a considerable difference between, Jewdaism and Christianity, one worships only god whom they know not, while the other worships the Triune Creator God, and most particularly, the risen Messiah who is revealed to be God in the flesh.

And Peter and his company when they heard the words spoken in what the scriptures call "tongues" understood what was being said, this is plain from the passage since the verses says; (no one asked; "what did they say"?)

45  ............ because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Peter said this because of what was said, by these who spoke in tongues, and what they said was not some mysterious thing the Word tells us they spoke;

46  .....................  with tongues, and magnify God.

The Apostle Paul, put it this way;

1 Cor 12
3  Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.


So, Cornelius and these of his household, who were gentilesdevout jewish worshippers of the Law of Moses, spoke with new tongues in that they; magnified Jesus, their Lord and God.

This is how Peter and the others knew they had been Baptized with the Holy Ghost.






Whether it was weeks, months or years later matters little, the fact is, it occurred exactly as it happened to the disciples at Jerusalem, and the promise Jesus made to them was fulfilled, also, in the gentiles;

Acts 1
4  And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father,which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
5  For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.


Blessings,

Petro

BL,
Quote from: Brother Love on October 21, 2003, 06:10:57 AM
"Physical healing has, and always will be, associated with Israel' s program. "

Are you saying tongues is also only associated with Israel' s program?

Consider what Asaph quoted on the subject of "Healing Check It Out."

Eph 2:19  Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
Eph 2:20  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

Eph 3:6  That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

There is only one body, one church and a person is in or out!

Rapha.

1 Cor 11
5   But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
Prophesying by women was permissable. Pauls exhotation for women not to speak in a church was to resolve certain problems of confusion. However here we see women prophesying. Elsewhere we see that the woman is not to teach or usurp authority over her husband (the man) not other men. I know this is a separate issue from this thread bur seeing you brought it up I wanted to give an answer.

You said-
One of the things about speaking in tongues is how do you know what is being said with out an interpreter?

In private you do not need an interpreter.
1 Cor 14
18   I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
19   Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

Here Paul implies that he speaks a lot of private tongues, yet in the Church he would rather speak with his understanding.

asaph

ARTICLE ON TONGUES *

Dr. Carl Peterson of ORU in Tulsa, OK is a brain specialist and was doing research on the relationship between the brain and praying in tongues.
Some amazing things were discovered!
Through the research and the testing, Dr. Peterson found that as we pray in the spirit, or worship in the spirit, there is activity that begins in our brain. As we engage in our "heavenly language", the brain releases two chemical secretions that are directed into our immune system giving a 35 to 40 percent boost to our immune system.  This promotes healing within our bodies.

Amazingly, this secretion is triggered from a part of the brain that has no other apprarent activity in humans!

It is only activated by our spirit-led prayer and worship.
Truly we are fearfully and wonderfully made, and equipped for any obstacle that comes before us, if we use our God-given weapons.
--------------
* I am simply relaying an artcle which I came across over 2 years ago of possible interest. I am not defending ( or attacking) ORU . Rapha.

For completeness please find below some details of Tommy Hicks speaking in tongues in Russia and the other testimony in which speaking in tongues spared a person' s life. Rapha

------------------------------------------------------------
#1 Tommy Hicks was in Russia preaching using an interpreter. The interpreter spat in his face and walked off. The Spirit of God came down on Tommy and he spoke in tongues. The tongues were understandable to the Russian congregation. At the end of the service people asked him questions in Russian and he was not able to understand them.

#2 During the second World War, the Germans advanced into Russia. As they came into a settlement it was their policy to take the occupants out of every 10 th house and shoot them in cold blood. They took a 17 year old girl out to the firing squad. The Spirit of the Lord descended on her and she spoke in tongues. A soldier heard her say, If you shoot me, God will kill you, your wife and children and she named the children in the tongues which came out in fluent German. Her life was spared and also the German soldier' s family was spared and in fact the house and fence where the German family lived suffered no damage .

Source : A Sermon by George Jesze

I believe some people receive the gift of tongues before receiving the theory ( i.e. finding out the verses in the Holy Bible which are pertinent! ).

Also I have met people who have lost the gift of speaking in tongues for whatever reason... mostly sin. These people need to say sorry to the Lord and should re - receive the gift again!

I have also heard of a woman who was trying to receive the gift and went to several meetings trying to receive and did not. She came to my pastor at that time and he had a word of knowledge for her. He said to the lady, " You have said in the past that tongues are " globbigluk" ( sp?) and if you repent of that you will receive. " She repented and received right away!

PRAISE THE LORD for His gifts and fruit.

Rapha.

Does the person who speaks in tongues understand what they are speaking?

Paul states, that the one who speaks to God in a tongue, edifies himself, how,  is left to a matter of speculation, since he goes to state clearly;

1 Cor 14
13  Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
14  For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

I can say that this speaks to the matter directly, since, it plainly says;

"let him that speaketh in anunknown (to GOD) pray that God may give him knowledge to interpret.

I say this because from the previous verse 2, it is evident the man is speaking mysteries, as he says;

2 ..................This man who speaks to God in a tongue speaketh in the spirit mysteries.

So the conclusion one can draw from scripture is that the man who speaks in tongues to God, does not understand what he is speaking, but is edified, however his understanding is unfruitfull from the experience.

Know of course, those who disagree with scripture will, draw their conclusions from someone elses experiences, whom they hear of by second thrid and fourth hand means.

Purely subjective..............and of course then having justified the act, not only practice it, but go on to teach it, as though what they do is of God.

Understanding the teaching of the Spirit begins with seeking Him in prayer and reading His Word, after all He auuthored the Bible.

Petro

Hmmm... Thanks for the insight. Sort of makes me wonder of the need for verbalizing the process at all, given that the only edification happens to the spirit. Why vocalize it at all if it benefits no one, not even the one speaking? Unless, of course, there is a prophetic message with interpretation involved. Wow, very interesting.

Speaking of edification, if speaking in tongues edifies the spirit, does that mean that if I don't speak in tongues I can't edify my spirit?

-Samson

Benny Hinn, Jimmy & Tammy, Robert Tilton, Jimmy Swaggert, Oral & Richard Roberts, Pat Robertson, Kenneth Copeland, Kenneth Hagin all speak in tongues  ;D ;D ;D
Also the late Jim Jones

Goosebump Religion ;D

As  a father you give your sons  each a car. Sam and Bill,  Bill gets drunk and wrecks the car hurting others. Sam uses his car to take kids to Sundayschool. You are still their dad you still gave the gift to both sons.
 
I want to see the tongues as of fire. Tongues can be so easly faked. But i dont think all 'tonguetalkers' are fakes.

I guess I will have to come up with some more names. I believe ALL 'tonguetalkers' are fakes.

Why?  

Who said tongues needs to be verbalized when speaking to God, I know I can pray to God without opening my mouth, and yet I know I am speaking to God, on the other hand, if I so desire, I can speak in a louder voice that others can hear my prayer, and say Amen at any time they feel like affirming the portion of the prayer they strongly copncur with.

On the other hand when speaking to God in a tongue, while being assembled with the congregation, the Word requires that it be interprepted, that all the hearers of the prayer to God, also, be cognizant of what is bveing said, and also, say Amen at the appropriate time, notice, the verses in their context;

1 Cor 14
6  Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
9  So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
10  There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
11  Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
12  Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
13  Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
14  For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
15  What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
16  Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?


It is clear that the reason for interpretation is that the hearers be edified and if no one can interpret, then the speaker is to keep quiet. (1 Cor 14:28)

28  But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.


you said;

There cannot be a prophetic message,and if the speaker ever, tries to speak a prohetic message IN TONGUES, YOU CAN BE ASSURED IT IS NOT OF GOD.

Why??

Because of verse 2,

For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God:

Any man speaking in tongues, never speaks a prophetic message to men from God, because it is clear in verse 2, that those who speak in an unknown tongue speak to GOD and not men.

The verse has been twisted to teach something it does not even begin to teach.

Goose Bump religion sounds like a good name for it, this gift is made to be way more than it is biblically  taught to be.

Keep studying, and most of all praying for wisdom and understanding what is of God and what is not.

Blessings,

Petro

Just  felt the whole chapter deserved to be posted.

1 Cor 14:1-5
1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
KJV
1 Cor 14:6-8
6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?

8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
KJV

See the  post above for the middle scriptures

1 Cor 14:17-24
17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
KJV
1 Cor 14:25-28
25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, everyone of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
KJV
1 Cor 14:29-34
29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
KJV
1 Cor 14:35-40
35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
KJV

Also the late Jim Jones :)

Brother Love :)

As did Paul, Peter, the 120 in the upper room some at the church in Cornith....

YES!!! They did ;D