A sign for believers/unbelievers?

Friends upon the Way

I have always been puzzled by 1 Corinthians 14 v22-25 KJV:

“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. 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? 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: 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.”

In his book, “Spirit and Word together”, David Pawson puts a convincing case that a scribal error took place early on effectively reversing the order of words. This produces the exact opposite of what Paul intended. He cites J B Phillips version as the more accurate, this renders the text as:

“That means that tongues are a sign of God's power, not for those who are unbelievers, but to those who already believe. Preaching the word of God, on the other hand, is a sign of God's power to those who do not believe rather than to believers. So that, if at a full church meeting you are all speaking with tongues and men come in who are both uninstructed and without faith, will they not say that you are insane? But if you are preaching God's word and such a man should come in to your meeting, he is convicted and challenged by your united speaking of the truth. His secrets are exposed and he will fall on his knees acknowledging God and saying that God is truly among you!”

To me it seems that David Pawson’s proposition is correct, it makes sense. Your views and insights on this passage would be helpful and I look forward to them. So thanks in advance.

Yours in Him

Terry

Scriptures clearly teach we are not
to be following and looking after
signs; but seeking the Savior's
presence, purpose, and power!!
Also, the evidence of the Spirit
is the fruits of the Spirit found
in Galatians 5.

terrybob

Such a position makes no sense. Paul cites Isaiah 28, about how God would speak to unbelieving Israel through a tongue they did not understand, i.e. the Assyrian and Babylonian armies. Such was in accord with the judgments of God upon them for their unbelief, and was so announced in the law of Moses. Israel, it was told, when it saw such a thing, could know their end was near.

Thus, tongues as a sign for unbelievers is an eschatological way of God announcing the end of the world, in the same way that the Jews prior to Christ could know their end was near when they saw foreign armies outside their city gate.

"Such a position makes no sense. Paul cites Isaiah 28, about how God would speak to unbelieving Israel through a tongue they did not understand, i.e. the Assyrian and Babylonian armies. Such was in accord with the judgments of God upon them for their unbelief, and was so announced in the law of Moses. Israel, it was told, when it saw such a thing, could know their end was near."
I agree with that, but you did not address the later half of 1 Cori 14: 22. How is it that prophesying is not for unbeleivers but for believers?

Paul means to say that the purpose for toungues is to produce unbelievers while the purpose for prophesy is to produce believers v. 24, 25.

In other words, when Israel refused to listen to their own prophets sent by God in their own tongue, God pronounced judgment on them by speaking to them in other tongue.

Acts2: 5-11
5And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
6Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
7And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
8And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
9Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
10Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
11Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

These Jews were devout men and believed the Gospel preached by Peter, nevertheless, it was a stark reminder to them that they were scattered in the nations because they were under God's judgment. In this specific case, tongues had served to their advantage because they heard the Gospel in the language they were born in.
However, when Paul speaks of tongues with regard to unbelievers, he is speaking of the unbelieving Jew in general, he is pronoucing in a way that the time of the Gentiles has come because of the Jew's rejection of their own Messiah. Same reason Jesus, when asked by His deciples: Why do you speak to them in parables? His answer was: that they may hear but not understand. Tongues, along with dark sayings such as Parables are for further blinding someone who wants to be blind, refered to in 1Cori14 as unbelievers( unbelievers who remain unbelievers). But clear Biblical teaching such as prophesying is for those who are willing to hear and receive( unbelievers who become believers).

This is to the best of my understaning regaring this part of the verse.If someone has a different point of view, I would like to hear it also.

Terry,

Here is a great two minute testimony from Derek Prince titled, "Unknown Tongues Saved a Person." There are stories about two people actually.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vvj4SxLNw90

It doesn't matter what people say, it matters what God can do and if we are willing to believe it!

God bless you,
Lisa

KingJimmy is on the right track. Look at the context people. The context of Isaiah 28 makes it abundantly clear. It is not a good thing when God speaks to you in such a way that you are unable to understand (similar to Jesus speaking in parables...)

As for the rest of the passage (prophecy being for believers), it makes sense when we consider what Paul mentioned earlier in verse 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?"

In other words, uninterpreted tongues are a sign of judgment on unbelievers, whereas interpreted tongues (which in itself becomes a word of prophecy) is a blessing unto believers (or to-be-believers in some cases). Yes, the man used by God to speak in tongues may be blessed, but his audience will not be blessed (and even cursed) if they are kept from understanding the message.

Now, that is applicable IF the message is truly from God. Unfortunately, much of "tongues" in our culture is actually just pagan babble, and not true divine inspiration.

And if you come across an experience in your church that doesn't follow biblical standards, carefully consider whether you will follow the Word of God or some mystical guidelines.

Moreover, we are supposed to test everything. Test the spirits. Test the prophecies. Test the tongues. Why? Because God does not want us to be deceived, as many are.

He who has an ear, let him hear...

Paul makes it very clear that we aught to strive after the gifts that edify the church like prophesying, but that is different from saying that the tongues have ceased. There are just too too many genguine Christians who claim to have the gift. I believe wholeheartedly that the tongues still exist. There is another use for tongues that Paul talks about which is communion between the speaker and God. The conclusion is: we aught to be careful how to exercise the gift of tongues. If it creates choas in the church, then it aught to be exercised privately.

All the gifts are from and of the Holy Spirit and if He wants to use tongues, it will be for the upbuilding of the body of Christ. I see in the Church most ofter, tongues for building up self. Prophesy is the same, How can one speak in any of the gifts unless the Holy Spirit uses His agenda for the Body of Christ, which is in Christ and all that He is to the believer. The greatest Gift we have received is The living Christ that has been rebirthed in us. This gift must take first place in any believer and the Holy Spirit use the Gifts "of the Spirit", for the upbuilding of the Body of Christ His Church, not ours.

In Christ: Phillip

...Preaching the word of God, on the other hand, is a sign of God's power to those who do not believe rather than to believers....

Prophesying is a sign to believers, and not unbelievers, because when a prophetic word goes forth, and it has its effect (seeing other men converted), then this "sign" demonstrates what they know and believe to be true already. Thus it is a sign to those who believe.

Peter knew that God had received the gentiles and given the Holy Spirit at Cornelius' because they spoke in tongues; so that obviously was a sign that they considered to be of God. (I'm not saying this should become a law for everyone and denomination!) Just saying... didn't mean to interrupt!

God bless,
Lisa