Why is it that the least of all gifts is the one that makes the most controversy? The gift of tongues has been one of the biggest arguments in the church today. The people that speak it swear by it, and the people that have never spoken in them deny it exists. This goes back to the denominational issue a few threads back. The purpose of tongues has changed since they were first introduced in Acts. No longer is it only for spreading the word among unbelievers, but in my opinion, now most of all to edify the person speaking.Act 2:3-4 “And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” There began the gift that would change the world both then and now. I know that the bible states many things about the usage of tongues and about the ceasing of tongues, but it also states the time they will cease. “Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” I Co 13:8-13 KJVA “Though the prophet's word may come to an end, tongues come to nothing, and knowledge have no more value, love has no end. For our knowledge is only in part, and the prophet's word gives only a part of what is true: But when that which is complete is come, then that which is in part will be no longer necessary. When I was a child, I made use of a child's language, I had a child's feelings and a child's thoughts: now that I am a man, I have put away the things of a child. For now we see things in a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now my knowledge is in part; then it will be complete, even as God's knowledge of me. But now we still have faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love.” I Co 13:8-13 BBEMost take this to mean that tongues have ceased since there is no use for them. But yet it also says that “But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.” 1Co 13:10 I take that scripture to mean when Jesus returns then these gifts will cease. There are other gifts that will cease according to this scripture, but yet are still acknowledged in the church today. So if you want to argue that tongues are no more then why not say that word of knowledge and prophecy is gone?“Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 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. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.” I Co 14:1-4 KJVA “Go after love;still desiring to have the things which the Spirit gives, but most of all that you may have the prophet's power. For he who makes use of tongues is not talking to men but to God; because no one has the sense of what he is saying; but in the Spirit he is talking of secret things. But the word of the prophet gives men knowledge and comfort and strength. He who makes use of tongues may do good to himself; but he who gives the prophet's word does good to the church. “ I Co 14:1-4 BBEI am not saying that speaking of tongues should be done with disorder, tongues is to edify yourself not a public display (unless proper interpretation). Paul talks about this in most of the later I Corinthians. I Co 14:27-28 “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. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.” So why is it that even with the scriptures saying it exists people still deny it? I am looking for opinions, even if you are against speaking in tongues. Please share.
