Prophetic & Unknown Tongues -- Apostolic Reformation

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Date Posted: 18:50:06 06/23/07 Sat
Author: Elder James
Subject: Prophetic & Unknown Tongues

There has never been any gift whose use has so divided, and in many cases, corrupted the church. Every good gift comes from God above (James 1:26) and yet this gift has seemingly brought with it a curse. Or, is there something else at work here?

Any time in biblical study will turn up numerology (the significance of numbers in scripture). The number two is the number of division. I find that point to be fascinating because as our study will turn up there are two kinds of tongues for two different uses. Both are ordained of God yet this good gift has brought with it such confusion. Why? I would have to point to the Word of the Lord that tells us that God's people are destroyed (divided) because of a lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6). Jesus said a house divided cannot stand (Matthew 12:25); hence it is destroyed. But, we don't have to be destroyed. We can stand unified if we take refuge in God's word. His word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105). Now, as we discuss the two types of tongues, we will unify the house on this matter.

The prophet Joel prophesies of a coming day when Jehovah Elohim would spill forth, as blood, out of his ruach, that is, his Spirit, upon all flesh and your sons and daughters shall prophesy (Joel 2:28). Now, fast-forward to the day of Pentecost and we see the disciples along with others gathered in the upper room worshipping when suddenly there comes a sound from heaven� The group is ridiculed for their seemingly drunken behavior but, Peter stands in their midst and begins to declare that this is that which was spoken of by the prophet (Acts 2:16)... Why does Peter quote Joel? Because, the group prophesied the wonders of God. They disclosed that which had been previously unknown. All who heard the group understood what was being declared because the group spoke in an intelligible language. Immediately, all who heard were edified, albeit, amazed (because they understood).

However, Paul begins to outline for us a unique function of the Spirit. He begins in his letter to the church at Rome by explaining that oftentimes we don't know what to pray for so, the Holy Spirit makes intercession for us through sighs or groanings in such a way that no words can be put to it, intelligible or otherwise. So then we see that these sounds are stirred up by the Spirit and interpreted by the Spirit. In most circles, this scripture has taken on the meaning of unknown tongues but, this is not an unknown or unlearned tongue. As the Greek indicates, these are sounds (sighs and groanings).

On the other hand, as we examine Paul's letter to the church at Corinth, specifically, the fourteenth chapter, we will discover the specific subject of tongues. Paul begins to outline for us the various tongues at use in church and their purpose. Let's examine the first type, prophetic. The prophetic tongue is the tongue that is given to benefit the whole assembly or congregation. We have often seen more abuses of this gift than beneficial uses. But, how does this tongue benefit the whole assembly? Let's begin by defining prophecy, as it pertains to the old and New Testament. In the Old Testament (Joel 2:28), the word for prophesy is nâbâ' (naw-baw'). It means to speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse). Likewise, in the New Testament (I Corinthians 14: 1, 3), the word for prophecy is prophēteuō (prof-ate-yoo'-o). It means to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration. So then, we understand that prophecy benefits the body because individuals speak under inspiration the wonders of God. Let's the examine the characteristics of the prophetic tongue. The first characteristic that should be noted, as it pertains to the prophetic tongue, is that it is always intended for the assembly and; therefore, has to be intelligible, that is, it has to be understood (I Corinthians 14:6). In fact, when we closely examine the book of Acts, this is exactly what we see, the group speaking under inspiration of the Spirit in an intelligible (known) language (Acts 2:4, 11). The second characteristic is that the prophetic tongue is used for the edification. The Greek word for edification is oikodomē (oy-kod-om-ay') and means, figuratively, confirmation. The third characteristic is that the prophetic tongue is used for exhortation. The Greek word for exhortation is paraklēsis (par-ak'-lay-sis) and means imploration, solace; that is, comfort. We should note at this juncture that the Holy Spirit is referred to as the Comforter [paraklētos (par-ak'-lay-tos): An intercessor, consoler: - advocate, comforter]. The fourth characteristic of the prophetic tongue is that it brings comfort to the body. The Greek word for comfort is paramuthia (par-am-oo-thee'-ah). It means consolation (properly abstract): - comfort. So, as we properly examine the scriptures we see that the body of Christ could not be edified, exhorted, or comforted through the use of prophetic tongues without understanding (I Corinthians 14:9).

Now that we have a better understanding of the prophetic tongue, let's examine the unknown tongue. We discovered that the prophetic tongue is spoken to the assembly; however, the unknown tongue is spoken to God (1Corinthians 14:2). It is necessary to note that the word unknown is actually added to the biblical text for clarity. So, how do we know that this tongue is actually not understood by the hearer? Let me answer that question by first defining tongue as it is used in the scripture above. The word for tongue is glōssa (gloce'-sah) and it means by implication a language (specifically, one naturally unacquired). This is the same word that is used in Acts 2:4; however, in the context of the story, the men understood them. Paul's writings are clear concerning the unknown tongue, the hearer does not understand what is being said because it is a mystery [mustērion (moos-tay'-ree-on) from a derivative of muō (to shut the mouth); a secret]. In fact, Paul says "no man" understands, meaning no man could ever understand because the speaker edifies, that is, builds his or her own self. Subsequently, when Jude writes his epistle to the church he advises them on the matter of dealing with seducers who would come into the church. Jude instructs the church to build up (edify) themselves in their most holy faith (persuasion/moral conviction) by praying in the Holy Ghost (Jude 1:20). In other words, speak/pray in the unknown tongue the mysteries of God. The Greek word for build is epoikodomeō (ep-oy-kod-om-eh-o) and means: built, build, buildeth, thereupon, building, and thereon. The idea here is to add to something already established.

So in the final analysis, the issue really isn't what's being said as much as it is who it's being said to. Are we speaking to the assembly to build everyone? Or, are we speaking unto God to build ourselves? Today, I prophesy to the assembly that we may all be unified and no longer divided.

Scriptural Sources

Prophetic Tongue

Act 2:4 And they were all filled of the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Act 2:6 But this sound occurring, the multitude came together and were confounded, because they each heard them speaking in his own dialect.

Act 2:7 And they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, Behold, are not these who speak all Galileans?

Act 2:8 And how do we each hear in our own dialect in which we were born?

Act 2:11 Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking the great things of God in our own languages.

Act 2:12a And they were all amazed�

Act 2:16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel:

Joe 2:28 And it shall be afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh. And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; your old men shall dream dreams; your young men shall see visions.

1Co 14:3 But he who prophecies speak to men for building up, and exhortation, and comfort.

1Co 14:4b � but he prophesying builds up a church.

Rom 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Rom 8:27 And He searching the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Unknown Tongue

1Co 14:2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. For no one hears, but in spirit he speaks mysteries.

1Co 14:4a The one speaking in a tongue builds himself up

Jud 1:20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,

Jud 1:21 keep yourselves in the love of God, eagerly awaiting the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to everlasting life.

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