Removing the Mystery from Tongues: A Commentary on the Verses Dealing with the Subject of Tongues

By William O. Farmer

The information contained in this book is needed by every Christian. It is Bible centered and designed to benefit both pastor and layman alike. It is clear and to the point. If you are uncertain concerning the Tongue movement in the church today, this commentary will lead you down the biblical path to honest truth.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 3, 2006
• ISBN: 9781469123134

William O. Farmer

William O. Farmer received most of his religious schooling at Multnomah Bible College in Portland, Oregon. He joined the church staff at Tri-City Baptist Temple in Gladstone, Oregon in March of 1983 as Assistant Pastor to Dr. K. R. McCormick. He served in that position for fifteen years. In that capacity, he majored in teaching and evangelistic outreach. Although he has held various titles, he most cherished one was working with the elderly as pastor to the seniors (Young-At-Heart). It is in that position he presently serves at Peninsula Baptist Church in Ocean Park, Washington.

Book preview

Copyright © 2006 by William O. Farmer.

Library of Congress Control Number:       2006900808

ISBN:         Hardcover                               1-4257-0849-8

                   Softcover                                 1-4257-0848-X

                   Ebook                                      978-1-4691-2313-4

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in

any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,

recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission

in writing from the copyright owner.

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris Corporation

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

33243

CONTENTS

Introduction

The Ministry of the Holy Spirit

The Purpose of Tongues

Tongues in 1 Corinthians 12

Tongues in 1 Corinthians 13

Tongues in the Book of Mark

Tongues in the Book of Acts

Tongues in 1 Corinthians 14

Introduction

The so-called Christian world is divided today as never before. Now, there have always been areas of contention among the biblically learned of the various denominations and probably always will be until the Lord returns and sets up His kingdom here on earth. However, as faithful children of God, we Christians have a responsibility to seek the truth of God’s word regardless of the cost to denominational position. It should be obvious to all believers that God wants unity among His children concerning their belief as to what His word says. Another fact, which should be obvious, is that only one position can be correct, regardless of which group of believers hold it. My earnest prayer is that those who study this commentary will set personal biases aside and faithfully seek to understand exactly the truth His word is conveying.

As I observe the state of disorder into which Christianity has drifted, I am convinced that the chief cause of the division is the lack of understanding and agreement as to the ways in which the Holy Ghost (Spirit) manifests himself in true believers. This ignorance is sustained by the refusal of many Christians to adequately study God’s word, and allow it to be the ruling factor in establishing their religious belief.

The misunderstanding of Spiritual gifts, which are distributed by the Holy Spirit, their true purpose as described in the New Testament, and their application to the church of today seems to be the area of greatest dispute. Of these, the gift of tongues appears to arouse the most controversy. It is this topic that we will devote our attention to in this commentary.

In various religious papers and magazines, we find reported accounts of people who claim to have suddenly received the miraculous ability to speak with new tongues (languages). Of those making such claims, many states that they themselves did not understand the new language in which they were speaking. Could this be a true manifestation of the biblical gift of tongues? Is this also a sign, which must manifest itself in every believer who experiences the baptism of the Holy Spirit, as some claim?

I do not and will not question the truthfulness of those who claim to have experienced or witnessed a strange phenomenon of this nature. Early Christian historians have left us several accounts of such activities, of which a few are included in this commentary. However, some of these episodes were recorded to expose the activities of imposter Christians operating under the influence of demons. The Bible warns us to not believe every spirit, but to try the spirits whether they are of God (1 Jn 4:1). To accomplish this, we must measure these manifestations with the yardstick of Gods word. We should also be prepared to reject all claims and experiences, which do not conform to biblical teaching, and joyfully receive those that do.

After completing this study, the only people who should remain confused or in doubt concerning true biblical tongues and their application are those who have not received the new birth and Christians who insist on allowing experience(s) or feelings to supersede the word of God.

The Bible declares: In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths (Prov 3:6). A description of those who have in the past and probably will in the future fail to follow these instructions can be found in the book of Matthew: Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers (Matt 7:20-23 NIV)! These who will be defending themselves before the Lord apparently had experienced many marvelous events in their lives that led them to believe that God was involved in the activities. However, they will find (this event is still future) their defense a futile effort because they trusted in experience(s) more than the word of God. The person who follows this wayward path is traveling by sight and not by faith. The Bible says: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Heb 11:1). It further states: But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Heb 11:6). The person who places an experience he or she has had, felt, or witnessed above the revealed word of God is not operating by faith, and therefore cannot be pleasing Him.

The tongues (languages) spoken of in the New Testament are often erroneously combined into one category and referred to as the gift of tongues. However, a close reading of scripture reveals that not all can be classified as supernatural gifts. The difference between the two types or categories becomes obvious when they are observed in operation. One’s application is totally uninhabited by man while the other is rigidly legislated. This alone should motivate the average Christian to do a more thorough study in this area. Although both are fulfillments of prophecy, and may in many instances consist of the same language(s), the extent of the Holy Spirit’s direct involvement greatly differs.

Since the fulfillment of two separate prophecies are involved in the tongue issue, each must be viewed and evaluated by itself. Trying to combine the two into the same category clouds the issue and ultimately results in confusion. The book of Acts involves the prophecy found in the book of Joel, while chapter 14 of 1Corinthians deals with the prophecy found in Isaiah.

I realize there are some who will be honestly skeptical as they begin this study. Many opinions have already been formed that will conflict with the statements made in this commentary. And, beliefs once established are very difficult to change. I appeal to all who attempt this study to be honest and reserve final judgment until all evidence has been presented, thoroughly examined, and its contents weighed on the accurate scales of God’s Word.

All Scripture in this study is from the New King James Version (NKJV) unless otherwise noted, and has been taken from Biblesoft PC Study Bible ©.

The Ministry of the Holy Spirit

A look into the ministry of the Holy Spirit should be taken before the study of His gifts is attempted. This will insure the reader has a better understanding of the Spirit’s nature and how He operates. With this knowledge in hand, a reader is then able to determine whether or not a certain