Footsteps #143

When Paul returned to the topic of spiritual gifts in chapt.12-14, he underlined the principle of diversity. That is, the church needs a wide variety of gifts. No one gift should be required of all and become the criterion for spirituality (Paul’s discussion suggests that the gift of languages is being used in some such way at Corinth).  

Paul invariably mentions languages last in his lists of the gifts (1Cor.12:10,28,30). In two of the three lists he couples it with the gift of “interpretation”, a gift he will later require to be exercised whenever languages play a role in public worship (1Cor.14:27). We noted that Peter fulfilled this role on the day of Pentecost when he interpreted to those in Jerusalem what was being said in the Languages of the people from all over “the world” who had gathered for Pentecost. (Acts 2:14-42.)  Finally, Paul expresses the need for love in the use of the gift of languages and has described the gift as transient rather than permanent (1Cor.13). Jesus’ great commission, as recorded by Mark, was that His followers, among other signs, would speak with new languages (Mark.16:14-17). This was initially fulfilled in Acts.2:1-12 where 16 ‘new’ languages are documented. 13 years later, this phenomenon was repeated for the gentile Pentecost in Cornelius’ house (Acts.10:44-48), and three years after that (Acts.19:5-6), Paul commissioned some disciples of John the Baptist for service when, following their acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah and their baptism, they displayed the same Gift of languages and public proclamation (Prophesying) that had accompanied the original manifestation at the original Pentecost. 1Corinthians was written 3 years after Acts.19. In every case, the gift was given to break down language barriers so the gospel could go forward quickly and unhindered. 

It is true that in becoming too cautious to avoid false spiritual manifestations, we may not avail ourselves fully of the Spirit’s genuine manifestations. Yet Satan’s deceptions are becoming subtler than ever before.   We need the infilling of the Spirit to give us true spiritual discernment. A solemn word of caution should be noted, when we realize that the enemy has a counterfeit for EVERYTHING Biblical.