Speaking in Tongues
Speaking in Tongues
by Christopher M Palasz
I am going to offer my understanding on the issue of speaking in tongues, simply as an alternative to the teaching on speaking in tongues that was given by Pastor Nabil Attalla. First I will reinforce that I am not a Bible scholar, but more of a layperson; however I have spent reasonable time seeking answers on this issue from God and from knowledgeable men and women on both sides of the view.
I’m just going to move forward, addressing the points that I think are important to address; and I believe that the view I will present is fully supported by the Bible.
I would also like to say that I do NOT see this as an important issue to understand on the issue of salvation – so whether you agree with me or not, I respect your understanding. After prayerfully seeking God on this issue and diligently researching it – this is what I have to say.
Speaking in Tongues
A BIBLICAL VIEW: The gift of speaking in tongues is a supernatural gift of God, the Holy Spirit, given to some Christians. The purpose of this gift is for sharing the gospel with non-believers whom you would otherwise not be able to communicate with. In other words, it is always a known language on this earth that you are speaking, and it is always given for the purpose of sharing the gospel. The one who has this gift does not always have the supernatural gift of interpretation of tongues, which is a separate gift, so the gift of speaking in tongues should not be used unless either you have somebody to interpret, or else you are sharing the gospel with somebody who understands what you are saying.
THE POINT: The Bible does not support the idea that the gift of speaking in tongues ever a secret language that only the Holy Spirit (God) knows and it is not a language of angels. Most things said that supplement these claims, such as “this secret language is not understood by Satan” is simply unbiblical. I am not saying that these ideas are false – what I am saying is that these ideas are not found in the Bible.
Speaking in a “tongue” is speaking in a language.
G1100
γλῶσσα
glōssa
Thayer Definition:
1) the tongue, a member of the body, an organ of speech
2) a tongue
1a) the language or dialect used by a particular people distinct from that of other nations
Part of Speech: noun feminine
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: of uncertain affinity
Citing in TDNT: 1:719, 123
1 Corinthians 14 (English Standard Version)
It’s important to start reading 1 Corinthians 14 with some perspective. Paul is writing to the church of Corinth in Greece. He’s telling them to not speak in tongues in the church unless there is interpretation; and the point is that Paul is telling them to stop because they are abusing this gift – but Paul is also very careful in his language to say that this gift is not bad! The only bad thing is the abuse of this gift. I encourage you to briefly read 1 Corinthians 14 before continuing, in order to understand the full message and context of what Paul is saying about this issue.
Here I will dissect this chapter to show that everything Paul says, he answers, and everything he says fits in the context and has a clear reason.
1 Corinthians 14:1-2
1 Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. 2 For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 14:2 is a key verse that is often abused in its interpretation. Paul makes a statement and also explains it. So in the context of a church, Paul says, “For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God;” This statement is specifically being applied to this context of being in the church; why does Paul say the person is speaking to God and not men? He explains that in the second part of the verse, “for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.” Now, a “mystery” is something that is not understood; Paul is not saying that nobody on earth can understand him, however, in the Corinthian church, in Greece, people do not understand, and if nobody interprets, it is a mystery to them “in the Spirit” because it’s a supernatural gift of the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 13:3-4
3On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. 4The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. 5Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.
In verse 4, it says that one who speaks in tongues is built up. How does it build somebody up if in verse 2 we learned that nobody understands? The answer is because they “speak to God” and “in the Spirit.” It is a good thing to want these gifts from God, and this is further encouraged by God – only Paul is careful to encourage them to seek these gifts from God, and also to use these gifts the way God wants.
6Now, 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?
It doesn’t benefit anyone because (verse 2) nobody in the church understands but God.
7If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? 8And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? 9So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air. 10There are doubtless many different languages in the world, and none is without meaning, 11but if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me.
In verses 9-11, Paul states that speaking in tongues is a language in the world that has meaning, despite the fact that nobody at the Corinthian church understands. Verse 11: So if you are using the Spiritual gift of speaking in tongues in our church where nobody speaks that language, I will be just like a foreigner to the speaker, and a speaker a foreigner to me.
12So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.
So it’s good to be eager for manifestations of the Spirit, just make sure the purpose of using the gift is Godly, benefiting others, which is what it was given for.
13Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray for the power to interpret. 14For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. 15What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also. 16Otherwise, if you give thanks with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider say "Amen" to your thanksgiving when he does not know what you are saying? 17For you may be giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not being built up.
You should only speak in tongues if you understand, or if the people around you understand.
18I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
Verse 18: Of course Paul speaks tongues more than all of the Corinthians. He travels around to Gentiles, speaking many languages.
Verse 19: Here, we are reinforced with the point that Paul is addressing this specific context, “in church”
20Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature. 21In the Law it is written, "By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord." 22Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers.
Verse 21-22: You should seek the gift of speaking in tongues when you leave the church to speak to unbelievers who do not know your language.
23If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds?
Verse 23: A person who walks into your church from outside would naturally speak the same language as your native tongue. If you’re speaking a language nobody understands, they will think you’re crazy.
[And furthermore, Paul doesn’t say this but I say this – you cannot communicate the gospel to this outsider if you’re speaking in another tongue.]
24But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, 25the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you. 26What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. 27If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. 28But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God.
Verse 28: “let each of them keep silent in church” don’t use this gift in the church without interpretation. “and speak to himself and to God” speak in your own language that both you and God understands because it is more beneficial.
29Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. 30If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. 31For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, 32and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. 33For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, 34the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. 35If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church. 36Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are you the only ones it has reached? 37If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord. 38If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. 39So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40But all things should be done decently and in order.
Verses 39: Don’t forbid speaking in tongues; it’s a gift from God, and everything from God is good, (verse 40) only use it for the purposes God intended.
1 Corinthians 13:1-2 (ESV)
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
Many people assume, from these two verses alone, that it is possible for men to speak in the language of angels; however, it seems more than reasonable to conclude, from these verses, that Paul is exaggerating in order to make a point – that even things that go above and beyond, but lack love, are worth nothing. He seems to be exaggerating. Who understands “all mysteries and all knowledge” and who has “all faith”? At best, if we were to use this verse to support the concept of an angelic language, we would need another passage in the Bible to have a more solid foundation for this point – only there is none.
Romans 8:26 (ESV)
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
In this passage, other English translations like the King James Version and the Literal Translation say, “with groanings that cannot be uttered.” The Greek word is αλάλητος (alaletos), which means “not to be uttered, not expressed in words (Thayer’s/Strong’s Number G215). Using this passage to support a mysterious language of the Spirit, or a language of angels is contradictory of itself. The reason is because this verse is often used to support the idea of a language that is uttered, vocally, from the mouth, and that it’s a language we just can’t understand. This verse clearly says that the Spirit intercedes for us with “groanings” too deep to be uttered.
Lastly, here is a Bible passage that I had never heard somebody use to support a mysterious language of the Spirit until I heard the teachings of Pastor Nabil Attala. He taught this:
Ephesians 6:17-18
and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
In these two verses, when Paul is talking about putting on the Armor of God, Pastor Nabil explains that the Greek word for “word” used in the phrase “word of God” is rhema.
G4487
ῥῆμα
rhēma
Thayer Definition:
1) that which is or has been uttered by the living voice, thing spoken, word
1a) any sound produced by the voice and having definite meaning
1b) speech, discourse
1b1) what one has said
1c) a series of words joined together into a sentence (a declaration of one’s mind made in words)
1c1) an utterance
1c2) a saying of any sort as a message, a narrative
1c2a) concerning some occurrence
2) subject matter of speech, thing spoken of
2a) so far forth as it is a matter of narration
2b) so far as it is a matter of command
2c) a matter of dispute, case at law
Part of Speech: noun neuter
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G4483
Citing in TDNT: 4:69, 505
Pastor Nabil states that this word is not “logos”, like in the first chapter of the Gospel John – but that what Paul is talking about here is the mysterious language of the Spirit, which is what Pastor Nabil claims it means when verse 18 says “praying at all times in the Spirit.”
After doing just a quick search on this Greek word in the New Testament to see in what other ways this word is used – among many, there one very interesting verse in Romans where Paul uses the very same word “rhema,” and he even explains what he means.
Romans 10:8
But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim);
In this verse, the “word” here, both times, is the Greek word “rhema.” So here, in Romans, Paul uses the word “rhema” to talk about the word of faith that he and the other Christians proclaim. In Ephesians, is it possible that Paul uses the word “rhema” to talk about a mysterious language of the Spirit that nobody can understand? It’s possible, yes, but it’s not Biblical. There is no Biblical support for such a claim.
I believe that the understanding of these passages that have been presented above is very reasonable, simple, and clear. It did not take much to understand these passages in the way that I have read them and explained above – it doesn’t take much imagination – and it doesn’t take much clarification. All it takes is a little understanding of the context in which the passages were written, along with a closer look at the meaning. I believe a closer look at the teaching about speaking in tongues is needed because there is deception involved – a little truth mixed in with incorrect teaching: deception.
I hold nothing against those who choose to believe differently from what I’ve said above. I have many amazing friends that don’t agree, I’ve met many intelligent people that don’t agree, and I absolutely love them. I’m happy to call them brothers and sisters in Jesus, because this is not a salvation issue. I just think it’s important to offer an alternate teaching that I believe is sound and Biblical.
Don’t take my word for it – pray about it, seek God on it if that’s where your heart takes you – especially read what the Bible has to say – and make your own choice.
God bless!
~Christopher M Palasz
by Christopher M Palasz
I am going to offer my understanding on the issue of speaking in tongues, simply as an alternative to the teaching on speaking in tongues that was given by Pastor Nabil Attalla. First I will reinforce that I am not a Bible scholar, but more of a layperson; however I have spent reasonable time seeking answers on this issue from God and from knowledgeable men and women on both sides of the view.
I’m just going to move forward, addressing the points that I think are important to address; and I believe that the view I will present is fully supported by the Bible.
I would also like to say that I do NOT see this as an important issue to understand on the issue of salvation – so whether you agree with me or not, I respect your understanding. After prayerfully seeking God on this issue and diligently researching it – this is what I have to say.
Speaking in Tongues
A BIBLICAL VIEW: The gift of speaking in tongues is a supernatural gift of God, the Holy Spirit, given to some Christians. The purpose of this gift is for sharing the gospel with non-believers whom you would otherwise not be able to communicate with. In other words, it is always a known language on this earth that you are speaking, and it is always given for the purpose of sharing the gospel. The one who has this gift does not always have the supernatural gift of interpretation of tongues, which is a separate gift, so the gift of speaking in tongues should not be used unless either you have somebody to interpret, or else you are sharing the gospel with somebody who understands what you are saying.
THE POINT: The Bible does not support the idea that the gift of speaking in tongues ever a secret language that only the Holy Spirit (God) knows and it is not a language of angels. Most things said that supplement these claims, such as “this secret language is not understood by Satan” is simply unbiblical. I am not saying that these ideas are false – what I am saying is that these ideas are not found in the Bible.
Speaking in a “tongue” is speaking in a language.
G1100
γλῶσσα
glōssa
Thayer Definition:
1) the tongue, a member of the body, an organ of speech
2) a tongue
1a) the language or dialect used by a particular people distinct from that of other nations
Part of Speech: noun feminine
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: of uncertain affinity
Citing in TDNT: 1:719, 123
1 Corinthians 14 (English Standard Version)
It’s important to start reading 1 Corinthians 14 with some perspective. Paul is writing to the church of Corinth in Greece. He’s telling them to not speak in tongues in the church unless there is interpretation; and the point is that Paul is telling them to stop because they are abusing this gift – but Paul is also very careful in his language to say that this gift is not bad! The only bad thing is the abuse of this gift. I encourage you to briefly read 1 Corinthians 14 before continuing, in order to understand the full message and context of what Paul is saying about this issue.
Here I will dissect this chapter to show that everything Paul says, he answers, and everything he says fits in the context and has a clear reason.
1 Corinthians 14:1-2
1 Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. 2 For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 14:2 is a key verse that is often abused in its interpretation. Paul makes a statement and also explains it. So in the context of a church, Paul says, “For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God;” This statement is specifically being applied to this context of being in the church; why does Paul say the person is speaking to God and not men? He explains that in the second part of the verse, “for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.” Now, a “mystery” is something that is not understood; Paul is not saying that nobody on earth can understand him, however, in the Corinthian church, in Greece, people do not understand, and if nobody interprets, it is a mystery to them “in the Spirit” because it’s a supernatural gift of the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 13:3-4
3On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. 4The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. 5Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.
In verse 4, it says that one who speaks in tongues is built up. How does it build somebody up if in verse 2 we learned that nobody understands? The answer is because they “speak to God” and “in the Spirit.” It is a good thing to want these gifts from God, and this is further encouraged by God – only Paul is careful to encourage them to seek these gifts from God, and also to use these gifts the way God wants.
6Now, 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?
It doesn’t benefit anyone because (verse 2) nobody in the church understands but God.
7If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? 8And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? 9So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air. 10There are doubtless many different languages in the world, and none is without meaning, 11but if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me.
In verses 9-11, Paul states that speaking in tongues is a language in the world that has meaning, despite the fact that nobody at the Corinthian church understands. Verse 11: So if you are using the Spiritual gift of speaking in tongues in our church where nobody speaks that language, I will be just like a foreigner to the speaker, and a speaker a foreigner to me.
12So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.
So it’s good to be eager for manifestations of the Spirit, just make sure the purpose of using the gift is Godly, benefiting others, which is what it was given for.
13Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray for the power to interpret. 14For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. 15What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also. 16Otherwise, if you give thanks with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider say "Amen" to your thanksgiving when he does not know what you are saying? 17For you may be giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not being built up.
You should only speak in tongues if you understand, or if the people around you understand.
18I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
Verse 18: Of course Paul speaks tongues more than all of the Corinthians. He travels around to Gentiles, speaking many languages.
Verse 19: Here, we are reinforced with the point that Paul is addressing this specific context, “in church”
20Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature. 21In the Law it is written, "By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord." 22Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers.
Verse 21-22: You should seek the gift of speaking in tongues when you leave the church to speak to unbelievers who do not know your language.
23If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds?
Verse 23: A person who walks into your church from outside would naturally speak the same language as your native tongue. If you’re speaking a language nobody understands, they will think you’re crazy.
[And furthermore, Paul doesn’t say this but I say this – you cannot communicate the gospel to this outsider if you’re speaking in another tongue.]
24But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, 25the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you. 26What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. 27If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. 28But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God.
Verse 28: “let each of them keep silent in church” don’t use this gift in the church without interpretation. “and speak to himself and to God” speak in your own language that both you and God understands because it is more beneficial.
29Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. 30If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. 31For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, 32and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. 33For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, 34the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. 35If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church. 36Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are you the only ones it has reached? 37If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord. 38If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. 39So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40But all things should be done decently and in order.
Verses 39: Don’t forbid speaking in tongues; it’s a gift from God, and everything from God is good, (verse 40) only use it for the purposes God intended.
1 Corinthians 13:1-2 (ESV)
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
Many people assume, from these two verses alone, that it is possible for men to speak in the language of angels; however, it seems more than reasonable to conclude, from these verses, that Paul is exaggerating in order to make a point – that even things that go above and beyond, but lack love, are worth nothing. He seems to be exaggerating. Who understands “all mysteries and all knowledge” and who has “all faith”? At best, if we were to use this verse to support the concept of an angelic language, we would need another passage in the Bible to have a more solid foundation for this point – only there is none.
Romans 8:26 (ESV)
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
In this passage, other English translations like the King James Version and the Literal Translation say, “with groanings that cannot be uttered.” The Greek word is αλάλητος (alaletos), which means “not to be uttered, not expressed in words (Thayer’s/Strong’s Number G215). Using this passage to support a mysterious language of the Spirit, or a language of angels is contradictory of itself. The reason is because this verse is often used to support the idea of a language that is uttered, vocally, from the mouth, and that it’s a language we just can’t understand. This verse clearly says that the Spirit intercedes for us with “groanings” too deep to be uttered.
Lastly, here is a Bible passage that I had never heard somebody use to support a mysterious language of the Spirit until I heard the teachings of Pastor Nabil Attala. He taught this:
Ephesians 6:17-18
and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
In these two verses, when Paul is talking about putting on the Armor of God, Pastor Nabil explains that the Greek word for “word” used in the phrase “word of God” is rhema.
G4487
ῥῆμα
rhēma
Thayer Definition:
1) that which is or has been uttered by the living voice, thing spoken, word
1a) any sound produced by the voice and having definite meaning
1b) speech, discourse
1b1) what one has said
1c) a series of words joined together into a sentence (a declaration of one’s mind made in words)
1c1) an utterance
1c2) a saying of any sort as a message, a narrative
1c2a) concerning some occurrence
2) subject matter of speech, thing spoken of
2a) so far forth as it is a matter of narration
2b) so far as it is a matter of command
2c) a matter of dispute, case at law
Part of Speech: noun neuter
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G4483
Citing in TDNT: 4:69, 505
Pastor Nabil states that this word is not “logos”, like in the first chapter of the Gospel John – but that what Paul is talking about here is the mysterious language of the Spirit, which is what Pastor Nabil claims it means when verse 18 says “praying at all times in the Spirit.”
After doing just a quick search on this Greek word in the New Testament to see in what other ways this word is used – among many, there one very interesting verse in Romans where Paul uses the very same word “rhema,” and he even explains what he means.
Romans 10:8
But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim);
In this verse, the “word” here, both times, is the Greek word “rhema.” So here, in Romans, Paul uses the word “rhema” to talk about the word of faith that he and the other Christians proclaim. In Ephesians, is it possible that Paul uses the word “rhema” to talk about a mysterious language of the Spirit that nobody can understand? It’s possible, yes, but it’s not Biblical. There is no Biblical support for such a claim.
I believe that the understanding of these passages that have been presented above is very reasonable, simple, and clear. It did not take much to understand these passages in the way that I have read them and explained above – it doesn’t take much imagination – and it doesn’t take much clarification. All it takes is a little understanding of the context in which the passages were written, along with a closer look at the meaning. I believe a closer look at the teaching about speaking in tongues is needed because there is deception involved – a little truth mixed in with incorrect teaching: deception.
I hold nothing against those who choose to believe differently from what I’ve said above. I have many amazing friends that don’t agree, I’ve met many intelligent people that don’t agree, and I absolutely love them. I’m happy to call them brothers and sisters in Jesus, because this is not a salvation issue. I just think it’s important to offer an alternate teaching that I believe is sound and Biblical.
Don’t take my word for it – pray about it, seek God on it if that’s where your heart takes you – especially read what the Bible has to say – and make your own choice.
God bless!
~Christopher M Palasz
posted by CarbonChris at 3:12 PM
1 Comments:
Never trust Ps. Nabil Attalla teaching .. a man with a broken house , failed Church , ladies and money questions .. could not be trusted ..
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