PART 6 TONGUES

Are prayer tongues the evidence of the Baptism of the Spirit?

PART 6 TONGUES

CHAPTER 10

Are Prayer Tongues the Evidence of the Baptism (Indwelling or Filling) of the Holy Spirit?

Before attempting to write this chapter, I was thinking that it’s no wonder there are such differences from church to church in their perspectives on different Biblical topics. Not only are there churches which use verses from the Old Testament to be the influencing factor in formulating a doctrinal view for the New Testament saints to follow, but there are also differences in interpreting what a particular verse is saying. One of the things I am learning in this study is when another believer has a different view of a Biblical topic other than mine or vice versa, it’s not always easy to get to the “why” or to get to what is really behind their belief system, because the reasons are usually not obvious.

We will now embark on trying to answer the following three questions.

Are prayer tongues the evidence of the Baptism (indwelling or filling) of the Spirit?

The way you answered this question will determine the answer to the follow up question.

Should every believer speak in prayer tongues?

Can prayer tongues be learned?

But, before we do, let’s restate the two meanings of the Baptism of the Spirit.

View #1: The disciples received the indwelling Spirit before the day of Pentecost, when Jesus breathed on them. However, the power (the filling to witness of the gospel) of the Spirit occurred on the day of Pentecost when they would speak in tongues. We could restate this and say that on the day of Pentecost the disciples were Baptized (filled) with the Spirit.

View #2: The disciples did not receive the indwelling Spirit before the day of Pentecost. At Pentecost, they received the indwelling Spirit at which time they were simultaneously filled with the Spirit. We could restate this and say that on the day of Pentecost the disciples were Baptized (indwelt) with the Spirit.

There are those who believe that every believer should speak in prayer tongues. In most cases, they would argue that when these tongues are spoken, they are mysteries, which only God is able to understand. They would further state that this gift is given when the believer is Baptized (filled) with the Spirit. And some have even concluded that if a believer has not spoken in prayer tongues then they were not saved.

On the other hand, there are those who believe that there is no such thing as prayer tongues, but that this is none other than the gift of tongues, which when exercised expresses a foreign language. Furthermore, they would say that this gift was not given to every believer. And the declaration of it might or might not occur when a person is Baptized (indwelt) with the Spirit.

The scripture sections that we will look at will be analyzed from both perspectives. At the conclusion of such, it will be up to you to determine which perspective you support.

Filled with the Spirit “Began to Speak with Other Tongues”                                       Suggested Reading: Acts 2:1-41
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

The day of Pentecost was the 50th day following seven weeks of grain harvest for the Jews. Many Jews would attend this feast from all parts of the world having over time learned the language of the country they were residing in. For Christians, this is a special day, because the promised Holy Spirit came and impacted the disciples (about 120) in an upper room at Jerusalem. At God’s appointed time, they were Baptized with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues.

Are the tongues which were spoken here a gift of the Spirit called the gift of tongues or are they prayer tongues?

Speaking in the Gift of Tongues Might Occur When a Person Is Baptized (Indwelt) with the Spirit

�-�The disciples were given a limited awareness of the knowledge, understanding, and empowerment23 before Pentecost.
�-� John 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them (apostles), and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

�-�The disciples received the indwelling and the filling of the Spirit simultaneously at Pentecost.
�-� Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
�-� Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

�-�They spoke by means of the gift of tongues in foreign languages unbeknownst to them, but known to the hearers, who heard them speak the wonderful works of God.

�-�The purpose of speaking in the gift of tongues is twofold.
~ It is an "indication," evidence or a proof that God has imparted this power24 so that the unbeliever might see from such a miracle that this is the work of God; and so embrace the gospel25.
�-�Acts 2:12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
~ To confirm (prove) the truth and divine origin of the words, which were spoken by the apostles, along with authenticating these men as having been sent by Jesus.
�-�Mark 16:17, 20 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

�-�When a believer is filled with the Spirit at salvation, this doesn’t mean they will evidence the gift of tongues, because this gift is not given to every believer.

�-�It is the fruit (e.g. a divine love, a divine joy, a divine peace, etc.) of the Spirit that evidences the filling of the Spirit and not a prayer tongue.
�-�The receiving of any gift of the Spirit is one of the many spiritual benefits a believer receives at salvation. Some believers will receive the gift of tongues and others will not.
�-�Evidence of a person’s salvation to others is Godly fruit.
�-�John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
�-�Evidence of a person’s salvation to God is the indwelling Holy Spirit.
�-�1 Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

Speaking in Prayer Tongues Is the Evidence of the Baptism (Filling) of the Spirit
�-�The disciples received the indwelling Spirit before Pentecost.
�-� John 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them (apostles), and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

�-�The disciples were Baptized (filled) with the Spirit on the day of Pentecost.
�-� Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

�-�They spoke in prayer tongues, which is the evidence of the filling (power) of the Holy Spirit.
�-�Prayer tongues are not the same as the gift of speaking in tongues. When a believer speaks in a prayer tongue they speak to God and not man. �-�Sometimes however, when a prayer tongue is uttered, the hearers may understand what was being said as in this case at Pentecost.

�-�The purpose of the believer speaking in prayer tongues is so that they will be edified, able to communicate with God, and be able to pray Spirit-directed prayers even though they will have no knowledge of what is being conveyed.
�-�1 Corinthians 14:2, 4a, 14
2 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.
4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

�-�It’s important for every believer to be Baptized (filled) with the Spirit so they will evidence the receiving of prayer tongues.

�-�The speaking in prayer tongues evidences the power (filling) of the Spirit, which evidences the indwelling of the Spirit. In other words, the speaking in prayer tongues is the evidence that a person is saved.
�-�Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Let’s stay in the book of Acts and go to chapter 8.

In this example, the Baptism of the Spirit occurred following the laying on of hands by the apostles.

Arise, and Go toward the South “That They Might Receive the Holy Ghost”
Suggested Reading: Acts 8:5-24
Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Philip, one of the 7 deacons of the church at Jerusalem, went to the city of Sychar of the region of Samaria. While there, he preached Christ to the Samaritans, who were a people of both Jewish and Gentile lineage that held to both Jewish and pagan rites. After they repented of their sins and believed in Christ, they were baptized in water. However, something or rather someone was missing. Do you know who was missing?
Acts 8:14-16 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were
baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

Somehow, word got back to the apostles at Jerusalem that the Samaritans not only had responded to the gospel and were baptized in water, but had not received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 8:17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

How would the apostles have known about this?

I’m assuming they received an awareness of this by means of the disclosure by the Holy Spirit. So, the apostles Peter and John were sent to address this matter. When they arrived, they laid hands on them while praying that they might receive the Baptism of the Spirit, which they did.

Speaking in the Gift of Tongues Might Occur When a Person Is Baptized (Indwelt) with the Spirit

�-�The Samaritans believed in Christ, but were not regenerated (born anew; born again), because they didn’t receive the indwelling Holy Spirit.

�-�The apostles Peter and John were sent to address this by laying their hands on them, while praying that they might receive the Baptism (the indwelling) of the Spirit, which they did.

�-�At salvation, the indwelling of the Spirit occurs simultaneously with the filling of the Spirit.
�-�When a believer is filled with the Spirit at salvation this doesn’t mean they will evidence the gift of tongues, because this gift is not given to every believer.

Speaking in Prayer Tongues Is the Evidence of the Baptism (Filling) of the Spirit

�-�The Samaritans believed in Christ and received the indwelling Spirit.

�-�However, they didn’t speak in prayer tongues, which evidences that they didn’t receive the Spirit’s filling (power).
�-�The apostles Peter and John were sent to address this by laying their hands on them praying that they might receive the Baptism (the filling) of the Spirit. When the scripture says “they received the Holy Ghost” this means they received the Baptism (the filling) of the Spirit.

�-�Even though there is no mention of the Samaritans speaking in prayer tongues, it is assumed that they did.                                                                                                                                                                            

We will remain in the same book and take a look at chapter 19.

Is the laying on of hands the basis for receiving the Baptism of the Spirit?

The Holy Ghost Came on Them “They Spoke with Tongues”
Suggested Reading: Acts 19:1-7
Acts 19:4-6 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

As Paul was on his way to Jerusalem, the Holy Spirit commanded him to return to Asia. While passing through the upper coasts, he came to Ephesus. During his time there, he came upon certain disciples, 12 of them, of John the Baptist.

Paul asked them if they had received the Holy Spirit since they believed in the coming Messiah, to which they said they weren’t aware that he had been received by anyone. Paul followed this up with another question. What then was the meaning of your baptism? Their response was that they were baptized with John’s baptism, the purpose of which as indicated by scripture was to make Jesus manifest (his divinity thoroughly understood) to Israel. And in response to hearing this proclamation, the Jews would be instructed by John to confess their sins and exhibit deeds agreeing with a change of heart.

After hearing their response, Paul declared to them once again the name of the Messiah, whom John the Baptist talked about, which was Christ Jesus. The context appears to indicate that they believed in Him and were baptized with water. However, it became clear to the apostles that they weren’t Baptized with the Spirit. So, Paul laid hands on them and they were Baptized with the Spirit. And then the scriptures state that they spoke with tongues, and prophesied (to break forth under sudden impulse in lofty discourse26).

Speaking in the Gift of Tongues Might Occur When a Person Is Baptized (Indwelt) with the Spirit

�-�The disciples of John the Baptist believed in Christ and were baptized in water, but were not regenerated (born anew; born again), and hence had not received the Baptism (the indwelling) of the Holy Spirit.

�-�When Paul laid his hands on them, they received the Baptism (the indwelling) of the Spirit and simultaneously were filled with Him.

�-�The speaking by means of the gift of tongues in prophecy by the disciples of John the Baptist confirmed (proved) the truth and divine origin of the words, which were spoken by the apostles, along with authenticating these men as having been sent by Jesus.
�-� Mark 16:17, 20 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

�-�The disciples of John the Baptist received the gift of speaking in tongues by the Holy Spirit.
�-�The words spoken in a foreign language were prophetic (of lofty discourse).
�-�There is no mention of the foreign language being interpreted.
�-�Not every believer will receive the gift of tongues, and as such will not exercise it following their salvation.

Speaking in Prayer Tongues Is the Evidence of the Baptism (Filling) of the Spirit

�-�The disciples of John the Baptist believed in Christ, received the indwelling Spirit, were baptized in water, but had not received the Baptism (the filling) of the Holy Spirit.

�-�When Paul laid his hands on them, they received the Baptism (the filling) of the Spirit.

�-�The disciples of John the Baptist spoke by means of prayer tongues in prophecy. However, what was spoken was unknown to the hearers.
�-�The speaking in prayer tongues evidenced the Baptism (the filling) of the Spirit, and provided confirmation of their salvation.

�-�Every believer should speak in prayer tongues in order to authenticate their salvation.                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Did the speaking in tongues always occur following the laying on of hands?

For They Heard Them “Speak with Tongues”
Suggested Reading: Acts 10:1-48
Acts 10:43-44, 46 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

Peter, a Jew, came to the house of Cornelius, a Gentile, who was accompanied by his kinsman (relatives) and near friends. He proceeded to tell them that the Jews were not forbidden to talk to uncircumcised Gentiles on the street or in their place of business, but they were forbidden to go into their house and eat with them, because their house was considered to be ceremonially polluted. He then recounted the things that happened which brought him to this house. After which, he talked about how God sent his Son Jesus to preach peace to the Jews, and how He went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed by the devil. Eventually, He was rejected by them being hung on a tree, but was raised from the dead being witnessed by many, and that whosoever believes in Him will receive remission (forgiveness, not just of the guilt of sin, but also of its power, nature, and consequences27) of sins.

After he spoke these words something remarkable happened, the Holy Spirit fell (took possession of) on all that heard the word. The Jewish Christians who accompanied Peter that believed (acknowledged that the Holy Spirit also came upon the Gentiles) were astonished (beside themselves) for they heard the Gentiles speak with tongues, and magnify (praise) God.

Speaking in the Gift of Tongues Might Occur When a Person Is Baptized (Indwelt) with the Spirit

�-�The Gentiles believed in Jesus, received the indwelling Spirit, and were simultaneously baptized (filled) with the Spirit.

�-�They received the gift of speaking in tongues and forthwith spoke in a foreign language, which was initially unbeknownst to them, but made known to both them and the hearers through an interpreter.
�-�Peter and the Jewish Christians heard the Gentiles speak in tongues and magnify God. How would they know they were magnifying God unless the tongues were interpreted?

�-�When a believer is filled with the Spirit at salvation this doesn’t mean they will evidence the gift of tongues, because this gift is not given to every believer.

�-�In this context, there was no need to lay hands on anyone as each person who heard the word and believed received the Baptism (indwelling) and subsequent the filling of the Spirit.
�-�The laying on of hands is not the pre-requisite for receiving the indwelling Spirit.

Speaking in Prayer Tongues Is the Evidence of the Baptism (Filling) of the Spirit

�-�The Gentiles believed in Jesus, received the indwelling Spirit, and were simultaneously baptized (filled) with the Spirit.

�-�They spoke with prayer tongues, praising God, which evidenced that they were Baptized (filled) with the Spirit.

�-�Following the Baptism (filling) of the Spirit every believer should speak in prayer tongues, which is evidence that he/she is saved.

�-�There was no need to lay hands on anyone because the evidence of speaking in prayer tongues proved that at salvation these believers were both indwelt and filled with the Spirit.
�-�In some instances, both the indwelling and filling occur simultaneously with the accompaniment of the believer speaking in prayer tongues. When this is not the case, then the laying on of hands will take place at a later time in order for the believer to receive and evidence the speaking in prayer tongues and thus confirm their salvation.                                                                                                                               

The book of Acts chapter 16 is where we will continue.

Was Lydia Baptized with the Spirit?

Whose Heart the Lord Opened “She Was Baptized”
Acts 16:12-15
Acts 16:14-15 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.

Paul and Silas are in Philippi, a town of Macedonia, a colony of Rome. They went out of the city by a river, where a place to pray was found. While there, they conversed personally with a woman named Lydia. She received the word (the gospel) spoken by the apostle Paul, and was baptized in water. She offered them to lodge at her house for the night, which they did.

Speaking in the Gift of Tongues Might Occur When a Person Is Baptized (Indwelt) with the Spirit

�-�Lydia heard Paul and Silas and believed what they said, the result of which was the Lord opened her heart.
�-�At this time, she received the Baptism (indwelling) of the Spirit along with the filling of the Spirit.

�-�When a believer is filled with the Spirit at salvation this doesn’t mean they will evidence the gift of tongues, because this gift is not given to every believer.

�-�At salvation, the believer is filled with the Spirit.
�-�Following salvation, the basis for a believer being filled with the Spirit is not in the speaking in the gift of tongues, but by having their mind renewed. To have one’s mind renewed means to memorize and meditate upon the new thoughts that relate to the new person, whom we have become at salvation.
�-�Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
�-�Colossians 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Speaking in Prayer Tongues Is the Evidence of the Baptism (Filling) of the Spirit

�-�Lydia heard Paul and Silas and believed what they said, the result of which was the Lord opened her heart.
�-�At this time, she received the indwelling Spirit along with the Baptism (filling) of the Spirit.

�-�It can be assumed that she spoke in prayer tongues as evidence of the Baptism (filling). This occurrence didn’t need to be recorded, because by now it was understood to take place following the Baptism (filling).

�-�When a believer speaks in prayer tongues this activates the filling (power) of the Spirit, and as such they will be: edified; able to communicate with God; and be able to pray Spirit-directed prayers even though they will have no knowledge of what is being conveyed.
�-�1 Corinthians 14:2, 4a, 14
2 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.
4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.                                                                                                                                                                                                         

As you can see, much depends on how the leadership of a church defines the meaning of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. This will determine whether they believe there is such a tongue as a prayer tongue; whether it is the evidence of the Baptism (filling) of the Spirit; and whether it is the proof that a person is saved.

There was one more question that we posed at the beginning of this chapter and that was, can prayer tongues be learned?

Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Acts 10:43-44, 46 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

Based on some of the scriptures we previously looked at, there doesn’t appear to be any intimation that before a prayer tongue was exercised, it was learned.

It’s time to present the final summation of what has been taught in this study. Are you ready to take a look at this?