Tongues and Interpretation

[deacon blues]

Studying I Corinthians 14 I ran across something very thought provoking, at least it was to me. I was reading David Guzik's commentary from Enduring Word. He said that since Paul establishes the fact that when a man speaks in tongues he is speaking to God, when tongues is spoken in the church and its interpreted, the interpretation should reflect words spoken to God, not a "message" spoken to man. Now that's not a direct quote, but that is how I interpreted what he was saying.

Think about it: that actually is a more consistent view with what Paul is saying than what I've normally experienced throughout my history. We have interpreted I Cor. 14 to say that there is a "message" in tongues along with the private individual speaking in tongues to God. We say in those cases that the interpretation would be a "message" to the church. But the more I pondered this (and I am speaking less than 24 hours worth of pondering) I couldn't think of a place in I Cor 14 or anywhere else where a "message in tongues" is spoken of directly. And the more I ponder this, I'm beginning to maybe see it isn't there indirectly either.

It is a more consistent view with "they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God." What the devout Jews heard the disciples say in the languages from where they were born on the Day of Pentecost was "the wonderful works of God." Not a "Thus saith the Lord, you have heard my servant Peter tonight say to thee what I have anointed. Do not question my Word but go with the authority with which I the Lord hath cqlled thee..." or something like that. They didn't hear a "message" in tongues with instructions or exhortations communicated from an interpreter, but what they heard spoken were words declaring God's wonderful works!

I don't know if I've got it all figured out. I need more time to meditate on this, but it was very interesting food for thought. I will say in all the years I've heard "interpretations" of "messages in tongues", I can't ever really remembering anything really profound or revelatory. It has been in my recollection a lot of generalities that anyone could say and be correct. There have been times, I must say, that the interpretations didn't seem authentic at all. But I've tried to believe the best in people and not be a skeptic, even though truthfully inwardly I wasn't sure. I believe in the gifts of the Spirit. I believe the are for the church today. I'm just not sure we've handled them properly. Kind of like the Corinthians in ignorance we create scenarios that are confusing to unbelievers and unprofitable for them. It seems Paul is saying that if there are outsiders leaving our gatherings scared, bewildered, turned off, etc. we have created an atmosphere that God does not create. He isn't the author of confusion.

What do you think? Again I'm just processing this and want some feedback and input..

[missourimary]

Very interesting. Worth studying out. Thanks for the thought.

[Hoovie]

wow.

[DAII]

Posted these exact thoughts about a week ago in this thread

http://www.apostolicfriendsforum.com...ad.php?t=33097

[Cindy]

Originally Posted by deacon blues

Studying I Corinthians 14 I ran across something very thought provoking, at least it was to me. I was reading David Guzik's commentary from Enduring Word. He said that since Paul establishes the fact that when a man speaks in tongues he is speaking to God, when tongues is spoken in the church and its interpreted, the interpretation should reflect words spoken to God, not a "message" spoken to man. Now that's not a direct quote, but that is how I interpreted what he was saying.

Think about it: that actually is a more consistent view with what Paul is saying than what I've normally experienced throughout my history. We have interpreted I Cor. 14 to say that there is a "message" in tongues along with the private individual speaking in tongues to God. We say in those cases that the interpretation would be a "message" to the church. But the more I pondered this (and I am speaking less than 24 hours worth of pondering) I couldn't think of a place in I Cor 14 or anywhere else where a "message in tongues" is spoken of directly. And the more I ponder this, I'm beginning to maybe see it isn't there indirectly either.

It is a more consistent view with "they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God." What the devout Jews heard the disciples say in the languages from where they were born on the Day of Pentecost was "the wonderful works of God." Not a "Thus saith the Lord, you have heard my servant Peter tonight say to thee what I have anointed. Do not question my Word but go with the authority with which I the Lord hath cqlled thee..." or something like that. They didn't hear a "message" in tongues with instructions or exhortations communicated from an interpreter, but what they heard spoken were words declaring God's wonderful works!

I don't know if I've got it all figured out. I need more time to meditate on this, but it was very interesting food for thought. I will say in all the years I've heard "interpretations" of "messages in tongues", I can't ever really remembering anything really profound or revelatory. It has been in my recollection a lot of generalities that anyone could say and be correct. There have been times, I must say, that the interpretations didn't seem authentic at all. But I've tried to believe the best in people and not be a skeptic, even though truthfully inwardly I wasn't sure. I believe in the gifts of the Spirit. I believe the are for the church today. I'm just not sure we've handled them properly. Kind of like the Corinthians in ignorance we create scenarios that are confusing to unbelievers and unprofitable for them. It seems Paul is saying that if there are outsiders leaving our gatherings scared, bewildered, turned off, etc. we have created an atmosphere that God does not create. He isn't the author of confusion.

What do you think? Again I'm just processing this and want some feedback and input..

I guess it could mean different things. It is genuine and of God. Or as you implied, someone is faking, but which is it, the tongues, interpretation, or both?

[TGBTG]

Just something to consider...

1Cor 14:5 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.

[Praxeas]

Except that Paul specifically said interpreted tongues are for the edification of the church, not God.

See the one speaking in tongue is speaking to God. The one speaking an Interpretation is speaking to man.

1Co 14:3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement, and consolation.

Now, before someone says "That's prophesy", let me point out what is being spoken to people is edification

Now on tongues and Interpretation
1Co 14:4 The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.
1Co 14:5 Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.

Both prophesy and interpreted tongues are for the purpose of building up the body, they are words of encouragement, strengthening and consolation to people

Assertion: So to me the whole Point Paul is making is uninterpreted tongues is understood by nobody, except God. Because God knows all things and knows what the uninterpreted tongues says

Again here, notice the point is about benefiting the body
1Co 14:6 Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching?

All gifts should be used to build up the church
1Co 14:12 So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.

THEREFORE or for this reason
Co 14:13 Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray for the power to interpret.

Why? Because an interpreted tongue is for men to hear and be edified

Here is the evidence for my assertion:
1Co 14:27 If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret.
1Co 14:28 But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God.

[deacon blues]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

Except that Paul specifically said interpreted tongues are for the edification of the church, not God.

See the one speaking in tongue is speaking to God. The one speaking an Interpretation is speaking to man.

1Co 14:3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement, and consolation.

Now, before someone says "That's prophesy", let me point out what is being spoken to people is edification

Now on tongues and Interpretation
1Co 14:4 The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.
1Co 14:5 Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.

Both prophesy and interpreted tongues are for the purpose of building up the body, they are words of encouragement, strengthening and consolation to people

Assertion: So to me the whole Point Paul is making is uninterpreted tongues is understood by nobody, except God. Because God knows all things and knows what the uninterpreted tongues says

Again here, notice the point is about benefiting the body
1Co 14:6 Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching?

All gifts should be used to build up the church
1Co 14:12 So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.

THEREFORE or for this reason
Co 14:13 Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray for the power to interpret.

Why? Because an interpreted tongue is for men to hear and be edified

Here is the evidence for my assertion:
1Co 14:27 If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret.
1Co 14:28 But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God.

Good points

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by deacon blues

Good points

Thank you Brother

[Hoovie]

Perhaps the interpretation could be directed to God AND be edifying to the church?