Expert: Scott Talbot - 6/11/2008

Question
QUESTION: Do you feel within yourself that the gift of speaking in tongues in revelant for todays christian life?

ANSWER: Hi Chris,

No, I do not believe that speaking in tongues is relevant for Christians today.

When the Bible speaks about "tongues," it refers to known languages. Paul also explained that speaking in tongues (foreign languages) was inappropriate unless someone was also present to interpret. Otherwise, there would be confusion, which would be useless at best, and a turn-off at worst.

There was a time and a place for the "sign gifts." These gifts were given at a crucial point in history to validate the authenticity of the messengers and the message. They have served their purpose and are no longer needed.

Some would disagree with me. But you asked me what I believe, and that's my understanding of what the Bible says on the topic.

Scott

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: So if there is an interpretation is it ok then?  I do not quite understand if this gift is from God who are we to say what is relevant and what isn't?  Didn't Paul also give instructions to the Church on how these gifts should operate? Or am I mistaken?

Answer
Chris,

Think about why tongues were given. It was a miracle. Just as God gave certain people at certain times the ability to perform miracles to authenticate His message, so the ability to speak in foreign languages was also a miracle to authenticate God's message.

When someone spontaneously begins speaking in another language that he never studied or learned, this is a sign that God is doing something miraculous. The interpretation was intended to 1) Authenticate that it was an actual language; and 2) Provide understanding to those who did not speak that language.

The ability to perform miracles is not something that has been present during all time periods. When God gave new revelation to mankind, He would confirm its authenticity with miraculous signs. When the message was received and authenticated, there was no longer a need for the miraculous signs.

You asked, "If there is an interpretation, is it OK?" First, no one today spontaneously speaks in an unknown language. If they did, then it would be OK with an interpreter. But this doesn't happen any more.

You stated, "If this gift is from God, who are we to say what is relevant and what isn't?" I'm not saying that the gift of tongues was not relevant. I'm simply saying that God intended it for a specific purpose and for a specific time. He did not intend it for us today. (See I Corinthians 13:10.)

Yes, Paul gave instructions to the Corinthians on how these gifts should operate ... because, for a limited time, certain members of the early church were given these abilities. And with the ability came responsibility. But the ability to speak in foreign languages is a miraculous sign that no longer exists in this age. The need for it is past.

May I recommend that you read I Corinthians 14. This should help.

Scott