Some say that the Holy Spirit manifests itself by causing the recipient to uncontrollably speak in "unknown tongues". These people refer to Bible verses such as:

Acts 2: 1-4: "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 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."

Acts 10: 44-48: "While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days."

These Bible students have discovered a part of the scripture, but the scriptures need to be taken in context and "rightly divided", as the apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 2:15: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

Jesus said we must live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God, Matthew 4:4. Let us study upon the idea of speaking in tongues. What is meant by "tongues"? The Greek word is dialektos, which simply means language -- not irrelevant, meaningless sounds, but spoken language. The context of the scriptures bears this out. Read again the account from Acts chapter 2:

1: And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

2: And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

3: And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

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

5: And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

6: Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

7: And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?

8: And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

9: Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,

10: Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,

11: Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

12: And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

In verse 6, we see the crowd confused, not because they cannot understand the preaching, but on the contrary, because they can understand it! In verse 12, they are asking, "What is the meaning of this?" Or, "How can these fellows speak to us in our own language? Isn’t their native language that of Galilee?" See also verses 7-8.

The "other tongues" mentioned in verse 4 means "other languages". Each individual, regardless of nationality or language, was hearing the speech in his own native language! This was truly amazing, because these speakers did not know how to speak these languages! Yet here they were, speaking them fluently! And not just one or two other languages, but many.

The writer goes on to tell us that there were visitors there from Galilee, Parthia, Media, Elam, Mesopotamia, Judaea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, Libya, Rome, Crete and Arabia: both Jews, and Gentile proselytes. Think of the languages represented!

There were two obvious reasons for the Holy Spirit to produce this "speaking in tongues". First, all these people needed to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. Had they not heard in their own language, they would not have been able to comprehend the message. It would have been just so much gibberish.

Second, here was an opportunity for God to show that these men were really God-sent. How else could they speak in other languages, having never studied to do so, and having never done so before?

In Acts chapter 10, when the Holy Ghost came upon the Gentiles and they spoke in tongues, it was for a similar reason. This showed the Jews, who had already witnessed the work of the Holy Ghost through the ability to speak in other languages, that salvation was for the Gentiles, as well as the Jews. This sudden ability to speak in foreign languages was undoubtedly the work of the Holy Spirit of God!

Romans 15:16: "That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost."

For further proof of this reason, read:

Acts 10:45: "And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost."

Acts:11:1: "And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God."

Acts 11: 15-18: "And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life".

There was no promise that every person who receives the Holy Spirit of God will speak in an "unknown tongue". Actually, the opposite is true: not everyone who received the Holy Ghost spoke in "other tongues".

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Gifts Of The Holy Spirit

The ability to speak in a foreign language was only one of the gifts granted by the Holy Spirit. By examining relevant scriptures, we can dispel our ignorance on this subject.

1 Corinthians 12:1-14: "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all theseworketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many."

Among the various gifts listed here are: wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, languages, and translation of languages. Why? For the growth of the body (ekklesia) of Christ.

Ephesians 4: 11-16: "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."

1 Corinthians 12:27-31: "Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way."

From the letters Paul wrote to Corinth and Ephesus, we now see that many gifts were given, not just the ability to speak foreign languages. They were given so that all Christians might work together in the ekklesia, assisting and strengthening one another. The ultimate goal is to have a strong body for Christ to direct in His work here on earth.

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Tongues Shall Cease

Paul warned the church almost 2,000 years ago to be careful lest they put too much importance on the ability to speak in tongues, or foreign languages.

I Corinthians 13: 1: "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal."

Here Paul said that speaking in the languages of men and angels is worthless without charity. It becomes gibberish, or unintelligible sounds, like horns blowing or cymbals tinkling. Though the gifts were important to the development of the body (called-out) of Christ, their use was limited and was to be replaced with something better--charity.

I Corinthians 13: 8-13: "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."

Tongues, along with prophecy and knowledge, were only part of the story. They were for the development of the called-out assembly. Once developed, the mission of its members is to manifest the love of God to all of mankind.

Paul said, "But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way". There is something more important than gifts, and that is charity: love that is undeserved, unmerited and unconditional. Faith, hope, and especially, charity, are to drive our Christian efforts and lives. Once we truly grasp the concept of God’s great grace and unmerited love, that is more valuable than any of the Spirit-given gifts.

1 Corinthians 14:

1: Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

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.

3: But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

4: He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

5: I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

6: Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

7: And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?

8: For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

9: So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.

10: There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.

11: Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.

12: Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

13: Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

14: For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

15: What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

16: Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

17: For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

18: I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

19: Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

20: Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

21: In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.

22: Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

23: If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

24: But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

25: And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

26: How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

27: 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.

28: But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

29: Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

30: If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

31: For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

32: And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

33: For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

In verses 1- 6, Paul states that it is better to prophesy than to speak in tongues, or foreign languages. This is because prophecy -- proclaiming the word of God -- teaches, uplifts, and causes one to grow. To speak to an assembly of Christians in a language they cannot understand does them no good. Where is the love of God manifested in that action?

In verses 7-8, he compares this to musical instruments making sounds without producing recognizable tunes, or perhaps war trumpets blaring without sounding a particular signal. Verses 9-11 tell us that speaking in a language that cannot be understood likewise holds no benefit to the listener. Again, the love of God is hidden from the listeners.

In verses 12-20, Paul says that it is better to speak a few words that can be understood, than many that cannot. Again, the listener needs edification, or growth: one cannot grow from hearing what one does not understand.

Verses 21-25 tell us that a non-believer in Christ who attends one of our assemblies, and hears the gospel of Christ taught in his language, can understand, and may turn to the Lord. Should he hear, instead, noises that mean nothing to him, he will go away convinced that we have taken leave of our senses! How will we have shown that visitor the true love of God?

In verses 26-33, Paul concludes this portion of his discussion on tongues by reminding us of the reason for prophecy, which is that we all may learn and grow in the Lord. Therefore, anyone preaching in a foreign language is only to do so when an interpreter can put it into the language of the listeners. Speaking is limited to one person at a time, and a total number of two or three. Anything less is confusing, and God is not the author of confusion, or upheaval, Satan is!

Baptism By Fire

Look again at what occurred on the day of Pentecost, recorded in:

Acts 2: 1-4: "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 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."

First, the description is not of fire itself, but rather cloven tongues like as of fire, or similar to fire, in appearance. Second, this is the baptism of the Holy Spirit, not the baptism of fire.

John the Baptist described the baptism of fire in:

Matthew 3: 10-12: "And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

The baptism of fire is reserved for the chaff, the unfruitful, the disobedient! Friends, we do not want the baptism of fire! It is for the ungodly!

God has often used the properties of fire as a description for His wrath upon the ungodly and disobedient. This is true throughout both the Old and New Testament writings.

Psalms 89:46: "How long, LORD? wilt thou hide thyself for ever? shall thy wrath burn like fire?"

Numbers 11:1: "And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp."

Isaiah 9:19: "Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts is the land darkened, and the people shall be as the fuel of the fire: no man shall spare his brother."

Isaiah 66:15: "For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire."

Ezekiel 21:31: "And I will pour out mine indignation upon thee, I will blow against thee in the fire of my wrath, and deliver thee into the hand of brutish men, and skilful to destroy."

II Thessalonians 1: 6-8: "Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:"

Hebrews 10: 26-27: "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries."

Hebrews 12:29: "For our God is a consuming fire."

This is the baptism of fire--the wrath and indignation of God to be poured out upon the scornful and disobedient people who refuse His word, and reject His will. It is one baptism we will want to shun!

Revelation 14:9-11: "And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. "

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These Three Agree

1 John 5: 6-8: "This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one."

Jesus, the Word, came by water and blood. When we are born into this world from our mother’s womb, we come forth amidst water and blood. When Jesus died upon the cross, and the soldier thrust His side with a spear, there came forth water and blood.

John 19:34: "But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water."

This was foreshadowed by the law of Moses.

Hebrews 9:19: "For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,"

The truth is established by three witnesses in heaven: God, the Father; His Son, Jesus Christ (the Word made Flesh); and the Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit. The three agree together upon the eternal truth.

There are three things that bear witness together upon the earth: The Holy Spirit, the water and the blood.

If we are born again through baptism in the water and the Spirit, the blood of Jesus washes us and cleanses us of our past sins. 1John 1:7: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

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Conclusions

From this study, we can draw some basic conclusions:

It is necessary to be baptized in order to be saved.

Our rebirth is of the water and the Holy Spirit.

We "crucify" or "mortify" -- kill off -- the former sinful creature that we were.

We "bury" that dead person in the watery "grave" of baptism.

We are "resurrected" from the water, a new creature that is to walk in a new life.

The blood of Jesus sanctifies, purifies, and cleanses us from our past sins.

God adopts us as His children.

As His children, we are obligated to refrain from sin; to be holy, as He is holy.

The Holy Spirit of God takes up residence within our holy, cleansed temple (our bodies, individually, and the ekklesia as a whole).

The baptism of fire is for the ungodly and disobedient.

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More Help

For more understanding of the relationship between Jesus as the Word of God made flesh; the Holy Spirit as one who reminds us of what Jesus taught; and the Bible as the written word of God, you may wish to read: How To Study The Bible and The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.