I am writing this under the inspiration and guidance of God. It is not being written to change your faith or your beliefs. It is being written to show the reader what is involved with being saved, and what comes afterwards.
I ask the reader to stand firm in their way of beliefs, if that is how they are led to do, but to read this article in its entirety to see what God’s Word really says about Salvation and Tongues.
It is so sad that many people want to put restrictions on Salvation. They want to make it so complicated, When it is all over the individual seeking salvation goes away empty handed. Goes away thinking there is no hope for them as there was no great earth-shaking event or manifestation that occurred to let them know Christ had forgiven them their sin and gave them Salvation.
What does Ephesians say about this:
Eph 2:8
Eph 2:9
GRACE, through FAITH, saves you, not by yourself or by any kinds of WORK, it is the gift of God.
Ro 3:23
Ro 5:12
Look at what John had to say in 1 John:
Now look at Romans chapter 10:
Ro 10:9
What does it say to do here, confess with thy mouth, confess what? The truth of Jesus Christ, that He came into this world to live and die for you and to arise again so you could have life.
Ro 10:10
One must believe within their heart, not their mind that Christ is the Saviour, that He came into this world without sin, lived without sin, died without sin, but took our sins upon Himself that we could be forgiven of them and receive Salvation through Him. Once we truly believe this and go to Him and confess our sins and ask for forgiveness, He forgives us and gives us the promise of eternal life with Him.
There is nothing else required, no promise of any great occurrence to prove He forgave us, we must stand in Faith, “For by GRACE are you SAVED, through FAITH, nothing else.
Ac 4:12
Christ is the only way we can be saved.
Understanding God’s Priorities
We are guilty today of placing our emphasis on the wrong things in life.
In Our Relationship With God:
1: Worship before Work
2: Attitude before activity
3: Being God’s son before being God’s servant
4: Enjoyment of God before Enduring for God
5: Being before Doing
6:Obedience before Sacrifice
In our prayer life and Bible study:
1: Listening to God before Asking from God
2: God’s Word before Tradition of Men
3: Spirit of the Word before Letter of the Word
4:Facts before fellings
5:Heart before Head
In our work for God
1:God’s will before our desires
2:Holiness before Evangelism
3:Making Desciples before Getting members
4:Teaching before Socializing
5:Quality before Quantity
6:Motive comes before Methods
7:Faithfulness comes before Success
8:Prayer comes before Planning
9:Faith comes before Logic
In our life with others
1:Forgiving comes before Correcting
2:Contributing to others comes before Competing with others
3:Humility towards others comes before Authority over others
4:Gentleness comes before Firmness with others
5:Relationship comes before Organization
6:Appreciation comes before Judging others
A guideline by Salem Kirban
Ga 5:19
Ga 5:20
Ga 5:21
Works of the flesh are the indications of a sinner, a person that has not truly accepted Christ as their Lord and Saviour.
Now if we have just one of these in our lives, it is the same as having them all. All of these are the character of a sinner or a lost person. When you do not know Christ as Lord and Saviour, these are the qualities you will see in an individual. Now this is what Christ is talking about in Matthew Chapter 7.
Mt 7:16
Mt 7:17
Mt 7:18
Ga 5:22
Ga 5:23
Ga 5:24
Ga 5:25
Ga 5:26
Now if just one of these qualities is missing from our lives, it is the same as if all of them are missing. These are the qualities you will see in a true Born Again Christian. Here again is what Christ is talking about in Matthew Chapter 7.
Mt 7:16
Mt 7:17
Mt 7:18
Look at your life, which of the qualities do you truly see within your life? Is it the first part? If so, why not let God take it from you and make the second part your life instead. How is this done? By truly accepting Christ as Lord and Saviour.
Now if one of these comes up missing or being abused then the individual at that point is in a state of sin. A truly born again Christian that is, has the Spirit of God indwelling within them, will be made aware of this sin and will be led to ask God for forgiveness. If this state does not effect the individual or the individual takes no thought about the situation, it is possible that the Spirit of God does not live within the heart of that individual.
GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT
Sometimes I feel this is a great sin within so many of our Churches, it seems they place more emphasis on receiving the Gifts than they do on receiving the true Gift, forgiveness of sin through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Look at what the Word of God has to say about this.
1Co 12:4
1Co 12:5
1Co 12:6
1Co 12:7
Why is man given these gifts? To glorify God, not man himself. So many want to have this look at me attitude, I speak in tongues, or I heal or whatever, they are trying to get the glory not give it to God.
1Co 12:8
1Co 12:9
1Co 12:10
These verses make it very plain that everyone does not have the same gifts, nor does one necessarily have all of them. They will be divided and used, as God wants, not what man wants, in order that God can be GLORIFIED.
1Co 12:11
1Co 12:12
1Co 12:13
1Co 12:14
1Co 12:15
1Co 12:16
1Co 12:17
1Co 12:18
1Co 12:19
1Co 12:21
1Co 12:22
1Co 12:23
1Co 12:24
1Co 12:25
1Co 12:26
1Co 12:27
1Co 12:28
1Co 12:29
1Co 12:30
In verses 29 and 30 the answer to all of these questions is NO.
1Co 12:31
If God gives me the Gift of the Word of Knowledge or the Word of Wisdom, does that make me less than one that speaks in tongues, or heals or prophecy? NO – I am still part of that body of Christ, and am looked upon just as strongly by God as anyone else with his or her specific gift.
Look at what I Cor. 13 has to say about all of this.
1Co 13:1
Notice here he says he speaks both with the tongues of men (different languages) and with angels. No where in the Bible, as I can find does it go into this language, it is something very special and I feel is only given to those truly dedicated to God to be used in special times.
1Co 13:2
1Co 13:3
1Co 13:4
1Co 13:5
1Co 13:6
1Co 13:7
1Co 13:8
1Co 13:9
1Co 13:10
Pay close attention to this verse. A lot of people try to say tongues and the other gifts were done away with and they no longer apply to us because of this verse. But this verse does not say that, it says when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part will be done away with.
This is speaking of when Christ returns at the end of the tribulation period. If this had been referring to any other time then it would have been written and spoken before Christ birth and death not afterwards. It can only mean when Christ returns. At that point there will be no need of these special gifts as Christ Himself will be here on Earth as His own witness.
1Co 13:11
1Co 13:12
1Co 13:13
Of all the things mentioned, CHARITY is the most important, and charity here does not mean giving things to others, it means LOVE. Do you have true Christ like love for those around you? Is there someone you hate? Would you really lay down your life for someone else? Do you really love those around you? I don’t mean lust, but love. In my humble opinion if you do not have LOVE, you don’t have God, and if you don’t have God, you will never have the Gifts, no matter how hard you try for them.
We find in so many Churches, well I guess you could say in all Churches. The word tongues mentioned quite frequently, in some churches they speak for it. In some they teach against it. Still in others they just leave it along as they do not understand it, and do not want to take the time for themselves to learn about it. They say it was done away with.
What does the word "tongues" really mean?
In the Old Testament tongues or tongue is mentioned about 96 times, 89 of these are using the Hebrew word “lashown law-shone” or “lashon law-shone and also (in Plurel) feminine leshonah lesh-o-naw meaning the tongue
(of man or animals) for licking, eating or speech.
Twice the Hebrew word Aramiyth ar-aw-meeth is used meaning in the Syrian language (tongue) in Syriack is used.
Four times the Hebrew word Charash khaw-rash is used basically meaning be quite, hold your tongue, be silent and so on.
One time the Hebrew word hacah haw-saw (a prime root) is used meaning to hush: hold peace (tongue), (keep) silence, be silent, still.
In the New Testament it is used 33 times:
Twenty four times it is used using the Greek word glossa gloce-sah meaning the tongue; by implication a language (specifically one naturally unaquired) tongue.
Three times using the word Hebralsti heb-rah-is-tee meaning hebraistically or in the Jewish (Chaldee) language: in (the) Hebrew (tongue).
Five times using the Greek word dialektos dee-al-ek-tos (a mode of ) discourse i.e. “dialect” language, tongue.
It is used once in Revelations where there was no Hebrew or Greek word used to express it.
Now the word tongues, the plural of tongue was used 9 times in the Old Testament and twenty six times in the New Testament using the same definitions as used for tongues, just in the plural sense with the exception of one time where the Greek word heteroglossos het-er-og-loce-sos meaning other tongued i.e. a foreigner – man of other tongue
In the New Testament every time the word tongues is used it is the Greek word glossa – gloo-koos meaning the tongue; by implication, a language (specifically one naturally unaquired) –tongue, except in I cor. 14:21 where the word heteroglossos het-er-og-loce-sos is used meaning other tongue i.e. foreigner – man of other tongue.
Now in most of our Bibles when it reads unknown tongue unknown is written in itilics meaning it was not in the orginal manuscript and was added by man later.
Genesis 11:1
Genesis 11:7
Genesis 10:20
Genesis 10:31
From these verses it is easy to see then the word "tongues" here simply means "language spoken; This can also be confirmed if you refer to any concordance of the Bible which has a Hebrew and Greek dictionary.
Look at Mark 16:15-18 and see just what is mentioned here.
Mr 16:15
Q. Where were the disciples told to go?
A. "Into all the world."
We learned from the information above that the entire world spoke in different tongues (languages), therefore it was necessary for the disciples to speak in different languages to fulfil this command.
The promise is as far-reaching as the commission. Not that all the gifts are imparted to each believer. The Spirit divides to every man, as He will. But the gifts of the Spirit are promised to every believer according to his need for the Lord's work. The promise is just as strong and trustworthy now as in the days of the apostles. This is the privilege of God's children, and faith should lay hold on all that it is possible to have as an endorsement of faith
Mr 16:16
What was the main purpose of the disciples going there, to bring Salvation through Christ Jesus, not to teach them a new language. But to teach the plan of Salvation and in order to do this they had to speak their language.
Mr 16:17
Mr 16:18
"When the Saviour said, ‘Go, . . . teach all nations,’ He said also, 'These signs shall follow them that believe; In My name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.'
I would like to share a personal event about my own life at this point.
I was raised in the Baptist faith, and I lived by their doctrines most of my life. I was a Youth Minister for several years, was always very active within the Church, but in 1973 I had been talking to a Pentecostal lady that owned a Christian bookstore. In our periods of talking I became interested in the Pentecostal doctrine and was wondering if it was real or what so I started reading everything I could get my hands on about it, both pro. and con. I studied my Bible about the issues.
During this period of time I was working part time as a security guard and had a lot of time to study and dwell on these issues. One night as I was making my rounds I decided I was going to find out for myself, so I stopped in the auditorium of this building and started Praying. I said God if this Baptism in the Holy Spirit is true, I want it. Give it to me so I can be a better witness for you. The next thing I knew a heat started radiating within me from the heart and absorbing my whole body, I could only praise God for I knew He had given me what I had asked for. I did not speak in tongues.
The following week when I was on the street witnessing to this outlaw motorcycle gang that God had guided me to, to witness to, I noticed a different power about me, I spoke with boldness, with love and compassion to the people. I knew there was a great difference in my ministry. The next weekend I was back at the same building doing guard duty, again as I made my rounds I went back to that auditormy, and got down on my knees and started Praying. This time I said “alright God I know you baptized me in the Holy Ghost and I know it is real, now if this thing of speaking in tongues is true then I want it also so I can glorify you” Immediately He spoke to me and said “look at the past week, did you not speak with a new tongue” and I knew what was being said.
Yes I was baptized with the Holy Ghost, I know this for a fact and no one can ever say I was not. No I did not speak in any kind of tongues, either unknown or angels, but I spoke a new tongue as He gave utterance.
Here He was speaking of the people that accepted Him from the teachings of the disciples that were sent out to do His command. They would have the same power as the disciples in order for them to go out also and win others to God.
Mr 16:19
Mr 16:20
Now look in Luke Chapter 10 verses 1-11 and we will see another instance of Christ’s command to go, is this the same one as we found in Mark or is it a different one? I believe it to be a different situation.
Lu 10:1
Lu 10:2
Lu 10:3
Q. Where were the disciples told to go?
Now let us look at some verses in Acts but first let us look at a couple verses dealing with this special time. In Luke Christ promised a special Power, but told them to wait in Jerusalem until they received this so they would have the Power to do His will.
Lu 24:49
Now in John we find some more verses dealing with this issue.
Joh 20:21
Joh 20:22
Joh 20:23
Before Christ left His disciples, in John 20:22 He breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost and nothing was said at this time about tongues.
Not until after the ascension was the gift received in its fullness. Not until through faith and prayer, the disciples had surrendered themselves fully for His working, was the outpouring of the Spirit received.
After Christ’s ascension up into heaven, the disciples, (about 120 - Acts 1:15) assembled in the upper room.
Acts 2:1
Like they were commanded to do in Luke chapter 24 verse 49.
Lu 24:49
So these brethren and sisters were in one accord and were fully surrendered to Christ. Therefore their speaking of tongues at this point of time was to reveal to them that they could speak in other languages, and that is was time to leave the upper room and spread the gospel as they had been commissioned.
Acts 1:4
Acts 2:3
A sign that could not be mistaken as anything but from God.
Acts 2:4
Until this point all of the disciples had been saved but only those gathered together that we saw in John chapter 20 had received the Holy Ghost as promised. But here we find the rest of the followers (about 120 in all, this was all that was in the Upper Room) receiving the promise and giving the ability to talk in other languages as God selected to reach the other people assembled there.
Notice that Jesus tells them to wait for the promise of the Father to come upon them, without telling them how they will know this has happened. So whatever was going to happen, it had to be something very amazing and unmistakably the sign that they should go forth. Let us read on to see how this promise is revealed to the disciples.
Acts 2:5
Sometimes we are taught that all of these people were in the upper room and saw and heard what happened there in the upper room, but notice what the verse said above there were dwelling in Jerusalem, not in the upper room but in Jerusalem, all of these people of different Nations, (different tongues)
Acts 2:6
A language other than the Jewish language.
The disciples and those gathered in the upper room had left and were witnessing to those in Jerusalem about Christ, each was speaking the language as God guided them of those of different nations that were in the city at that time.
Acts 2:7
Acts 2:8
Acts 2:9
Acts 2:10
Acts 2:11
Each of these men heard these people speaking in their language, not really an unknown tongue except to them. Each disciple had been given the ability to speak the language of these other nations.
After the disciples had received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the priests and rulers marveled at the words which they spake, for they knew them as unlearned and ignorant men. But they took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus.
Again it is plain to see that what the disciples were given is a gift to speak in different or foreign languages.
Now let us look at the pouring out of the Spirit.
Ac 10:1
Ac 10:2
Ac 10:3
Ac 10:4
Ac 10:5
Ac 10:6
Ac 10:7
Ac 10:8
Ac 10:9
Ac 10:10
Ac 10:11
Ac 10:12
Ac 10:13
Ac 10:14
Ac 10:15
Ac 10:16
Ac 10:17
Ac 10:18
Ac 10:19
Ac 10:20
Ac 10:21
Ac 10:22
Ac 10:23
Ac 10:24
Ac 10:25
Ac 10:26
Ac 10:27
Ac 10:28
Ac 10:30
Ac 10:31
Ac 10:32
Ac 10:33
Ac 10:34
Ac 10:35
Ac 10:36
Ac 10:37
Ac 10:38
Ac 10:39
Ac 10:40
Ac 10:41
Ac 10:42
Ac 10:43
Ac 10:44
Ac 10:45
Ac 10:46
Who heard them speak this language? The ones that came with Peter, for they heard with their own ears, these unclean people speaking their Jewish language praising God. Proving that God was not a respector of person.
Ac 10:47
Ac 10:48
What about the Gentiles speaking in tongues in 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.10.46
Acts.10.47
Although Peter had been given the vision of the unclean animals in the sheet, and the voice saying "What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common." (Acts 10:9-16.), the circumcised believers were still not prepared to accept Gentiles into the church (Acts 11:1-4). So God showed these believers that he had cleansed them, by pouring His Holy Spirit upon them and causing them to speak in tongues. Peter’s response was that if God gave them the Holy Spirit, who can forbid them from being baptised. So they were then baptized and became part of the church.
Again in Acts 19 we read of more people who are baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, and start speaking in tongues.
"And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
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. They did not tarry at the altar for a sign of salvation; they were saved as soon as they believed.
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied." The Holy Ghost came on them not in them.
If all of these people were of one accord, both with themselves and with God, why did they start speaking in tongues while they were still assembled together? The gift of tongues were exactly that, a gift. It was not something that they learned. It was something that all of a sudden, quite unexplainably, they were able to do, that is, talk in a different language other than their native tongue. Because this gift was revealed to them, they could, with confidence, go to other nations with people who spoke the same as their newly acquired gift of tongues, and preach the gospel to these people.
Then the apostles set before them the great truths that are the foundation of the Christian's hope. He told them of Christ's life on this earth, and of his cruel death of shame. He told them how the Lord of life had broken the barriers of the tomb, and risen triumphant over death. He repeated the Saviour's commission to his disciples: 'All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.' He told them also of Christ's promise to send the Comforter, through whose power mighty signs and wonders would be wrought, and he described how gloriously this promise had been fulfilled on the day of Pentecost.
With deep interest and grateful, wondering joy, the brethren listened to Paul's words. By faith they grasped the wonderful truth of Christ's atoning sacrifice, and received him as their Redeemer. They were then baptized in the name of Jesus; and as Paul 'laid his hands upon them,' they received also the baptism of the Holy Spirit, by which they were enabled to speak the languages of other nations, and to prophesy. Thus they were qualified to labor as missionaries in Ephesus and its vicinity, and also to go forth to proclaim the gospel in Asia Minor
1Co 13:1
In this verse he also speaks of the tongues of angels. If the gift of tongues was given so that the disciples could speak with people of other nations and tongues, then this gift of speaking in angels tongues must have been given to Paul (and others) so as he (they) could speak with angels and with God in a very special way. I believe there are times when we are Praying, that we can not find the real words to say and our spiritual spirit takes over and prays to God in a language that only God and the angels knows. I do not feel it is discussed in the Bible except in this one situation in order to let us know there are separate tongues for praying, and tongues (languages) for witnessing. As I have written no where in the Bible does it mention the tongue for praying except in I Cor. 13:1.
Salvation is through Faith, not of Works, least any man should boast, it is a GIFT, just like all of the other gifts, but you must have this gift before you can have the others, and you may not have any of the others, depending upon your dedication to GOD
So you want Salvation, then why not receive it now, just let God know that in your heart you know you are a sinner, that you know in your heart that Christ came to live and die for your sins, and ask Him to forgive you and take away all of your sins. Just use your own Words, your own tongue, your own language and God will hear you and forgive you. Once this is done just accept that forgiving power, stand in Faith that He has done just what He said He would do. If you have prayed a true sinners prayer from the heart, then accept the fact you are saved. Where you go from here in your relationship with God and receiving what He has to give you depends on you.
God Bless and keep you.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
1Jo 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in
thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
GOD’S PRIORITIES OUR PRIORITIES
Works of the Flesh
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Fruit of the Spirit
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
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 these worketh 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.
If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it
therefore not of the body?
If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were
hearing, where were the smelling?
But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath
pleased him.
And if they were all one member, where were the body?
And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the
head to the feet, I have no need of you.
Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon
these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more
abundant comeliness.
For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should
have the same care one for another.
And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
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.
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.
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
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.
And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech.
Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech.
These are the sons of Ham, after their families, after their tongues, in their countries, and in their nations.
These are the sons of Shem, after their families, after their tongues, in their lands, after their nations.
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.
Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
A. "Into every city and place, whither he himself would come." They were not going to other nations or lands, just certain cities and places to which He would come too later, in and around Jerusalem.
Q. Were they given the gift of tongues for this assignment?
A. No.
Q. Why not?
A. Because it was not necessary, as they already spoke the language of these people.
And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent
me, even so send I you.
And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose
soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me..
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.
And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God."
There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much
alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:
He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;
And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.
On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city,
Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:
And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,
And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it
had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,
And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were
lodged there.
While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.
Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.
Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?
And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.
Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.
And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.
And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is
lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no
respecter of persons:
But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and
began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us,
who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
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.
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.
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?"
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.
