~ Speaking In Tongues Without An Interpreter ~
~ Right Or Wrong? ~

The Bible talks about individuals speaking in tongues when the Spirit came upon them. The Spirit only comes upon those that believe in Jesus Christ.

Mark 16:17

17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

Acts chapter two speaks of the day of Pentecost when the Holy Ghost's gift of speaking in tongues came down on those residing in a house. When God first had the Holy Ghost come down upon those individuals there was no one to interpret. Why didn't God have someone there to interpret?

Devout Jewish men from every nation under heaven were dwelling in Jerusalem when they heard the noise from the people speaking in tongues. When they gathered around, they were amazed at what they heard. The reason they were so amazed was because all of the people talking in tongues were from Galilee. The Galileans should have all been speaking in their native language, yet they were speaking in languages from different nations about the wonderful works of God. God did not need anyone at Pentecost to interpret. The Jewish men realized they were hearing every man in their own tongue wherein they were born. Imagine hearing a group of people speaking in Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, etc., and understanding what is being said! But. the Jewish men didn't believe what they were hearing and observing. Peter explained to them that this is what Joel had prophesied. (Joel 2:28 - 32) Peter further explained that the promise is being fulfilled about receiving the Holy Ghost once Jesus Christ is sitting by the right hand of God. God made sure that the observers knew that a miraculous sign was taking place right in front of them. Peter was there to explain that Jesus words are true about speaking in other languages.

During spiritual gatherings, people are supposed to be filled with the Holy Spirit (also known as the Holy Ghost), when talking in tongues, but there is no one to interpret. According to the scriptures, we are not supposed to speak in tongues unless there is someone there to interpret.

I Corinthian 14:27 - 28

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.

I have been to a number of places where people are speaking in tongues but, I have yet to hear anyone interpret what is being said. I Corinthians chapter fourteen explains in detail about speaking in tongues so you can edify God. Edifying the church is better so that those that are nonbelievers might become believers and worship God.

I Corinthian 14:23 - 25

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.

The Holy Spirit coming from God, will only fill you with the spirit of speaking in tongues according to God's commandments. If you are doing something that is abominable to the Lord, do you think He will continue to pour out his gift of speaking in tongues upon those that make his place of worship look like it has a bunch of insane people in it? God wants to be know to believers as well as nonbelievers so everyone can worship him. If God's Spirit is truly in those speaking in tongues, then they would make sure the others understood what is being said, since that is what God wants.

Titus 1:15 - 16

15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

There are also congregations that say they can teach you to speak in tongues. The true gifts of the Spirit are not something that is taught. It comes from God. When the people at Pentecost started speaking in other languages, they didn't go to a class to learn and they didn't listen to someone else speak and copy them. The gift of speaking in tongues is not something that you are supposed to exploit. There is another set of scriptures that talks about prophesies failing, tongues ceasing, and knowledge vanishing away.

I Corinthian 13:8 - 10

8 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.

9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

Paul explained to the Corinthians that prophesies would fail which we have been able to see in the present day with people trying to predict the future. Some of them fail completely, others only get part of the information correct. Some of the languages that were spoken at Pentecost are out dated such as Aramaic. Greek was one of the more popular languages of the time. All of the New Testament was originally written in Greek. How many countries today speak in Greek? Now in the churches, how many people are actually speaking in another language? Are they copying what they have heard others say? Does Satan have a language all his own? Why isn't someone in the church able to control the people and have them speak with one to interpret as the Bible states? If the Spirit isn't upon them to speak according to God's will, who's spirit is it, and who are they edifying?

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