Spiritual Gifts

By Rabbi Dr. Hillel ben David (Greg Killian)

This study is most easily understood if you substitute "language" for "tongues".

No reference to tongues in the TaNaK. Some say that tongues is referenced as prophesy in:

Yeshayah (Isaiah) 28:1-12 Woe to that wreath, the pride of Ephraim's drunkards, to the fading flower, his glorious beauty, set on the head of a fertile valley--to that city, the pride of those laid low by wine! See, the Lord has one who is powerful and strong. Like a hailstorm and a destructive wind, like a driving rain and a flooding downpour, he will throw it forcefully to the ground. That wreath, the pride of Ephraim's drunkards, will be trampled underfoot. That fading flower, his glorious beauty, set on the head of a fertile valley, will be like a fig ripe before harvest--as soon as someone sees it and takes it in his hand, he swallows it. In that day the HaShem Almighty will be a glorious crown, a beautiful wreath for the remnant of his people. He will be a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, a source of strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate. And these also stagger from wine and reel from beer: Priests and prophets stagger from beer and are befuddled with wine; they reel from beer, they stagger when seeing visions, they stumble when rendering decisions. All the tables are covered with vomit and there is not a spot without filth. "Who is it he is trying to teach? To whom is he explaining his message? To children weaned from their milk, to those just taken from the breast? For it is: Do and do, do and do, rule on rule, rule on rule; a little here, a little there." Very well then, with foreign lips and strange tongues God will speak to this people, To whom he said, "This is the resting place, let the weary rest"; and, "This is the place of repose"--but they would not listen.

This is quoted in:

I Corinthians 14:21-22 In the Law it is written: "Through men of strange tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me," says the Lord. Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.

Paul uses this reference to indicate that this is a sign for unbelievers. This is clearly a foreign language as the Assyrians are the ones that conquered Israel and obviously they did not speak Hebrew.

There are five actual cases of tongues in the Nazarean Codicil:

II Luqas (Acts) 1:15 - 2:13 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) And said, "Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Yeshua-- He was one of our number and shared in this ministry." (With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) "For," said Peter, "it is written in the book of Psalms, "'May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,' and, "'May another take his place of leadership.' Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Yeshua went in and out among us, Beginning from John's baptism to the time when Yeshua was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection." So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen To take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs." Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles. When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (Both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs--we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?" Some, however, made fun of them and said, "They have had too much wine."

The foreign language occurred in the presence of the Apostles and was heard by unbelieving Jews.

II Luqas (Acts) 8:5-19 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Mashiach there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed. So there was great joy in that city. Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, And all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, "This man is the divine power known as the Great Power." They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his magic. But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Yeshua Mashiach, they were baptized, both men and women. Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw. When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, Because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Yeshua. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money And said, "Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit."

The half-breed Samaritans received the Holy Spirit by the Apostles.

II Luqas (Acts) 10:44-48 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, "Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have." So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Yeshua Mashiach. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.

The Gentiles spoke in a foreign language in the presence of the Apostles.

II Luqas (Acts) 19:1-7 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples And asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive?" "John's baptism," they replied. Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Yeshua." On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Yeshua. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all.

The first Corinthians spoke in tongues in the presence of the Apostle Paul.

Local church tongues: Corinthians

Most Pentecostals believe that the "baptism of the Holy Spirit" is usually subsequent to salvation and is ALWAYS evidenced by tongues. The tongues of II Luqas (Acts) 2 - that is, foreign languages.

1. Linguists ALL agree that unknown languages are not real languages.

2. The proof of II Luqas (Acts) 2:6-8. There was a real foreign language.

3. The proof of II Luqas (Acts) 2:4. "Other of a different kind".

2087 heteros, het'-er-os; of uncert. affin.; (an-, the) other or different:- altered, else, next (day), one, (an-) other, some, strange.

4. The usage of the Greek word for tongue. Language is the consistent use of scripture. "unknown" is KJV only. (1 Corinthians 14:2,4,13,14,19,27

5. The proof of Marqos (Mark) 16:17. "New" in quality not from the standpoint of time.

2537 kainos, kahee-nos'; of uncert. affin.; new (espec. in freshness; while 3501 is prop. so with respect to age):-new.

------------------- Dictionary Trace -------------------

3501 neos, neh'-os; includ. the comp. neoteros, neh-o'-ter-os; a prim. word; "new", i.e. (of persons) youthful, or (of things) fresh; fig. regenerate:-new young.

6. The proof of 1 Corinthinans 12:10-11. Family of language.

1 Corinthians 12:10 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:

1100 glossa, gloce-sah'; of uncert. affin.; the tongue; by impl. a language (spec. one naturally unacquired):-tongue.

7. The proof of 1 Corinthians 12:10. "Interpretation". 1 Corinthians 14:26,28. Interpretation / hermeneutics - the science of interpretation. In Luqas (Luke) 24:27 - exposition. Primarily it refers to translation: Yochanan (John) 1:39,43 Yochanan (John) 9:7, Bereans (Hebrews) 7:2.

8. Proof of Yeshayah (Isaiah) 28:11-12. Assyrians to conquer Israel. 1 Corinthians 14:21-22. 1 Corinthians 14:7-11.

* * *

The scriptural use of the baptism of the Holy Spirit:

Matityahu (Matthew) 3:11-12 "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

Q. What is the time frame for this baptism?

Q. Is it possible to separate the fire and the Holy Spirit?

Marqos (Mark) 1:4-13 And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And this was his message: "After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." At that time Yeshua came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As Yeshua was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, And he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.

Q. Was this the first time that the Holy Spirit descended on Him?

Q. Was this an example of Yeshua being baptized by the Holy Spirit?

Yochanan (John) 1:29-33 The next day John saw Yeshua coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, 'A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel." Then John gave this testimony: "I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.'

Q. Why didn't Yochanan (John) "say" that Yeshua was baptized by the Holy Spirit?

II Luqas (Acts) 2:1-4 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Q. What does "filled" with the Holy Spirit mean?

Q. Why doesn't the verse say that they were baptized with the Holy spirit?

Luqas (Luke) 1:8-17 Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, He was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside. Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, For he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous--to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

Q. Did Yochanan (John) use an unknown language while he was in the womb?

Q. Do we ever have a biblical example of Yochanan (John) using an unknown language?

Luqas (Luke) 1:39-42 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, Where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!

Q. Did Elizabeth use an unknown prayer language when she was filled with the Holy Spirit?

Q. Why does the scripture NOT say that she was baptized with the Holy Spirit?

Luqas (Luke) 1:67-68 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: "Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people.

Q. What did Zechariah do when he was filled with the Holy Spirit?

Q. Did Zechariah use an unknown language?

Shemot (Exodus) 31:1-5 Then the HaShem said to Moses, "See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts-- To make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, To cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship.

Q. What did Bezalel do when he was filled with the Holy Spirit?

Q. Did Bezalel use an unknown language?

Micah 3:5-8 This is what the HaShem says: "As for the prophets who lead my people astray, if one feeds them, they proclaim 'peace'; if he does not, they prepare to wage war against him. Therefore night will come over you, without visions, and darkness, without divination. The sun will set for the prophets, and the day will go dark for them. The seers will be ashamed and the diviners disgraced. They will all cover their faces because there is no answer from God." But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the HaShem, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.

Q. What did Micah do when he was filled with the Spirit?

Q. Did Micah use an unknown language?

II Luqas (Acts) 2:1-11 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (Both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs--we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!"

Q. What did the disciples do when they were filled with the Holy Spirit?

Q. Did the disciples use an unknown language?

Q. Were Apostles present?

II Luqas (Acts) 4:8-12 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, Then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Yeshua Mashiach of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is "'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.' Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

Q. What did Peter do when he was filled with the Holy Spirit?

Q. Did Peter use an unknown language?

Q. Were Apostles present?

II Luqas (Acts) 4:27-35 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Yeshua, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Yeshua." After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Yeshua, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales And put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.

Q. What did the believers do when they were filled with the Holy Spirit?

Q. Did the believers use an unknown language?

Q. Were Apostles present?

II Luqas (Acts) 9:8-20 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, "Ananias!" "Yes, Lord," he answered. The Lord told him, "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight." "Lord," Ananias answered, "I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name." But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord--Yeshua, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here--has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, And after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Yeshua is the Son of God.

Q. What did Paul do when he was filled with the Holy Spirit?

Q. Did Paul use an unknown language?

II Luqas (Acts) 13:9-12 Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, "You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind, and for a time you will be unable to see the light of the sun." Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand. When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord.

Q. What did Saul / Paul do when he was filled with the Holy Spirit?

Q. Did Saul / Paul use an unknown language?

II Luqas (Acts) 13:44-52 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying. Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For this is what the Lord has commanded us: "'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'" When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Q. What did the disciples do when they were filled with the Holy Spirit?

Q. Did the disciples use an unknown language?

Ephesians 5:15-20 Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Yeshua Mashiach.

Q. What are believers to do when they are filled with the Holy Spirit?

Q. Did the believers use an unknown language?

These are ALL of the non-duplicating scriptures that indicate "filled with the Holy Spirit".

Some Pentecostals say that everyone should have "tongues" (unknown language):

Marqos (Mark) 16:14-20 Later Yeshua appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen. He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; They will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well." After the Lord Yeshua had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.

The audience is the eleven Apostles.

Snakes, poison, and healings would join with foreign language to "confirm his word".

ALL are baptized by one Spirit, but, ALL do not speak in tongues. The tongues of 1 Corinthians 12 are NOT for all.

I Corinthians 12:13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

I Corinthians 12:30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?

* * *

Paul indicates that it was expected that one would receive the Holy Spirit WHEN the believed.

"when" is in the eres tense.

* * *

The view: Edification of believers:

I Corinthians 14:1-2 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.

I Corinthians 14:4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.

I Corinthians 14:11-17 If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church. For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind. If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified.

I Corinthians 14:27-28 If anyone speaks in a tongue, two--or at the most three--should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.

Unknown language:

I Corinthians 14:2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.

* * *

Prayer language is available to all believers. You are speaking to HaShem.

The gift that not everyone has is the gift that ministers to the body of believers.

This unknown tongue is called a prayer language.

II Luqas (Acts) 2:38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Yeshua Mashiach for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

1co 14:2 - Prayer language

1co 12:28-30 - Ministry gift of tongue.

Yoel (Joel) 2 - Talks about prophesy. On Israelites only. During the tribulation.

I. Authentication of the Apostles and their work.

Bereans (Hebrews) 2:3-4 How shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.

The time element is interesting. To confirm the spoken word.

Marqos (Mark) 16:17-20 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; They will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well." After the Lord Yeshua had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.

To confirm the spoken word. It is now scripture, so it does not need to be confirmed.

II Luqas (Acts) 14:1-3 At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed. But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders.

Signs and wonders confirmed the message!

I Corinthians 1:1-8 Paul, called to be an apostle of Mashiach Yeshua by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Mashiach Yeshua and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Yeshua Mashiach--their Lord and ours: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Yeshua Mashiach. I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Mashiach Yeshua. For in him you have been enriched in every way--in all your speaking and in all your knowledge-- Because our testimony about Mashiach was confirmed in you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Yeshua Mashiach to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Yeshua Mashiach.

Their spiritual gifts confirmed the Apostolic testimony.

Revelation 22:18-19 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

Don't add or take away from HaShem's word. To continue to confirm is to add to the Word.

* * *

I Corinthians 13:8-13 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, But when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Define terms: Tongues in verse 8 - The gift of tongues did cease.

Knowledge " " - The gift of knowledge did cease.

Cease - "rendered inoperative" - for knowledge and prophesy.

"abrupt stop" - for tongues.

All the early church fathers agree that foreign language "tongues" stopped in the first century.

II. Private ministry of tongues:

A. Context - Spiritual gifts:

I Corinthians 12:1 Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant.

B. Every believer has a gift to edify the body:

I Corinthians 12:7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

C. Not all believers are to speak in tongues: 1 Cor. 12:29-30

I Corinthians 12:29-30 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?

D. Every believer in Corinth was baptized by the Holy Spirit:

I Corinthians 12:13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

E. Tongues is the LEAST important gift:

I Corinthians 12:28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.

F. Certain gifts are temporary:

III. The most important thing is edification. - To build up!

A. Tongues w/o interpretation has no benefit to the congregation.

I Corinthians 14:1-5 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.

Edification is never for private benefit. Edify in terms of confirmation of HaShem's word.

B. Tongues w/o clear teaching has no value:

I Corinthians 14:6 Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction?

C. Those who speak need to pray that there is an interpretation:

I Corinthians 14:13-14 For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.

"Another" should interpret:

D. Tongues were meant to be understood:

I Corinthians 14:14-15 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.

We desperately need UNDERSTANDING.

E. W/O interpretation, someone who does not understand the language has no way to appreciate what is said:

I Corinthians 14:16 If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying?

F. Speaking in a language you understand is 2,000 times better than speaking in tongues:

I Corinthians 14:19 But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.

G. The purpose of tongues:

I Corinthians 14:20-25 Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults. In the Law it is written: "Through men of strange tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me," says the Lord. Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers. So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, And the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!"

1. Tongues are for a "sign".

2. Tongues are for the unbelievers. The people will NOT listen. To condemn them.

3. Tongues are not used to convert unbelievers.

Prerequisites for public use:

I Corinthians 14:27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, two--or at the most three--should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret.

There is one interpreter for two or three tongue speakers.

I Corinthians 14:28 If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.

I Corinthians 14:29-31 Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. As in all the congregations of the saints,

One at a time. This is a controllable gift.

I Corinthians 14:39-40 Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.

Good in it's historical context, ie. to confirm the word of the Apostles. This was true during the time when Corinthians was written.

* * *

I Corinthians 13:1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

Q. What language to angels speak? (all biblically recorded conversations were obviously Hebrew.)

Jude 1:20 But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.

Pray in the Holy Spirit? What does this mean?

We pray and the Holy Spirit intercedes for us.

Romans 8:22-27 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.

I Corinthians 2:9-16 However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"-- But God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment: "For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Mashiach.

Praying in the Spirit must me something that we can do all of the time!

Ephesians 6:14-20 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, And with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

II Tzefet (Peter) 1:19 - 2:3 And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them--bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.

Folks who are carried along by the Spirit spoke logically and intelligibly.

When the Holy Spirit speaks it is intelligible:

Marqos (Mark) 13:9-11 "You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

* * *

Yeshayah (Isaiah) 63:7-14 I will tell of the kindnesses of the HaShem, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the HaShem has done for us--yes, the many good things he has done for the house of Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses. He said, "Surely they are my people, sons who will not be false to me"; and so he became their Savior. In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. Yet they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit. So he turned and became their enemy and he himself fought against them. Then his people recalled the days of old, the days of Moses and his people--where is he who brought them through the sea, with the shepherd of his flock? Where is he who set his Holy Spirit among them, Who sent his glorious arm of power to be at Moses' right hand, who divided the waters before them, to gain for himself everlasting renown, Who led them through the depths? Like a horse in open country, they did not stumble; Like cattle that go down to the plain, they were given rest by the Spirit of the HaShem. This is how you guided your people to make for yourself a glorious name.

* * *

CONCLUSIONS:

The biblical gift of tongues (language) was one of the ways that the word of the Apostles were confirmed. It is a known language used in the presence of the Apostles. Not everyone has it, and those who have it must use it in an orderly fashion. The scriptures clearly indicate that ALL believers have been filled with the Holy Spirit when we were baptized by the Holy Spirit at conversion. The biblical gifts are a foretaste of future glory. We will one day all speak the same language, probably Hebrew, on that future Shavuot.

The Satanic counterfeit of tongues is a "babling" language. It is not the language of angels as they all spoke Hebrew in every recorded instance. It is NOT how we pray in the Spirit, else we would be "babling" all the time. It is not a "groan", it is NOT a known language. The largest investigation of this "babling" has demonstrated that it has none of the distinctives of language. The interpretations, during the study, were consistently too long or too short relative to the "babling", and can therefore be considered false as all interpretation is merely translation. This counterfeit is used by nearly every major and minor religious group in the world. Since most of these groups know nothing of the biblical God, we can conclude that the Holy Spirit is not doing this, Satan is.

Since the Holy Spirit will not share his dwelling with the Satan, I do not believe that "bablers" are necessarily demon possessed. They are certainly influenced by demons. Most believers that practice "babling" are not familiar with HaShem's word, and have not diligently compared their "experience" with the bible. I pray that they would all develop a hunger for HaShem's word, and compare all their experiences to that Word.

HEALING

The first scriptural healing, by HaShem, is found in:

Bereshit (Genesis) 20:10-18 And Abimelech asked Abraham, "What was your reason for doing this?" Abraham replied, "I said to myself, 'There is surely no fear of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.' Besides, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father though not of my mother; and she became my wife. And when God had me wander from my father's household, I said to her, 'This is how you can show your love to me: Everywhere we go, say of me, "He is my brother."'" Then Abimelech brought sheep and cattle and male and female slaves and gave them to Abraham, and he returned Sarah his wife to him. And Abimelech said, "My land is before you; live wherever you like." To Sarah he said, "I am giving your brother a thousand shekels of silver. This is to cover the offense against you before all who are with you; you are completely vindicated." Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, his wife and his slave girls so they could have children again, For the HaShem had closed up every womb in Abimelech's household because of Abraham's wife Sarah.

The healing was complete, ie. they were able to bear children.

Matityahu (Matthew) 4:23-24 Yeshua went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them.

All these healings were complete.

When time and healing are mentioned together, the healing is instantaneous.

Matityahu (Matthew) 8:2-4 A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." Yeshua reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured of his leprosy. Then Yeshua said to him, "See that you don't tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."

Matityahu (Matthew) 8:8-13 The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." When Yeshua heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Then Yeshua said to the centurion, "Go! It will be done just as you believed it would." And his servant was healed at that very hour.

Matityahu (Matthew) 9:21-22 She said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed." Yeshua turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment.

Matityahu (Matthew) 15:22-28 A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession." Yeshua did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, "Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us." He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel." The woman came and knelt before him. "Lord, help me!" she said. He replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs." "Yes, Lord," she said, "but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." Then Yeshua answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

Matityahu (Matthew) 17:14-18 When they came to the crowd, a man approached Yeshua and knelt before him. "Lord, have mercy on my son," he said. "He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him." "O unbelieving and perverse generation," Yeshua replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me." Yeshua rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment.

Matityahu (Matthew) 20:30-34 Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Yeshua was going by, they shouted, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!" The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!" Yeshua stopped and called them. "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked. "Lord," they answered, "we want our sight." Yeshua had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.

Marqos (Mark) 1:40-42 A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, "If you are willing, you can make me clean." Filled with compassion, Yeshua reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing,"; he said. "Be clean!" Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured.

Marqos (Mark) 5:25-29 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Yeshua, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, Because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed." Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.

Marqos (Mark) 10:46-51 Then they came to Jericho. As Yeshua and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Yeshua of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Yeshua, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Yeshua stopped and said, "Call him." So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Yeshua. "What do you want me to do for you?" Yeshua asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." "Go," said Yeshua, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Yeshua along the road.

Luqas (Luke) 5:12-14 While Yeshua was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Yeshua, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." Yeshua reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" And immediately the leprosy left him. Then Yeshua ordered him, "Don't tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them."

Luqas (Luke) 5:17-25 One day as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law, who had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem, were sitting there. And the power of the Lord was present for him to heal the sick. Some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Yeshua. When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Yeshua. When Yeshua saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven." The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, "Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Yeshua knew what they were thinking and asked, "Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...." He said to the paralyzed man, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God.

Luqas (Luke) 8:49-56 While Yeshua was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. "Your daughter is dead," he said. "Don't bother the teacher any more." Hearing this, Yeshua said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed." When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child's father and mother. Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. "Stop wailing," Yeshua said. "She is not dead but asleep." They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and said, "My child, get up!" Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Yeshua told them to give her something to eat. Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.

Yochanan (John) 5:5-9 One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Yeshua saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?" "Sir," the invalid replied, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me." Then Yeshua said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath,

II Luqas (Acts) 9:17-18 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord--Yeshua, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here--has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized.

II Luqas (Acts) 14:8-10 In Lystra there sat a man crippled in his feet, who was lame from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed And called out, "Stand up on your feet!" At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.

Here we have someone being raised from the dead with some 'apparent' time:

I Melakim (Kings) 17:18-24 She said to Elijah, "What do you have against me, man of God? Did you come to remind me of my sin and kill my son?" "Give me your son," Elijah replied. He took him from her arms, carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his bed. Then he cried out to the HaShem, "HaShem my God, have you brought tragedy also upon this widow I am staying with, by causing her son to die?" Then he stretched himself out on the boy three times and cried to the HaShem, "HaShem my God, let this boy's life return to him!" The HaShem heard Elijah's cry, and the boy's life returned to him, and he lived. Elijah picked up the child and carried him down from the room into the house. He gave him to his mother and said, "Look, your son is alive!" Then the woman said to Elijah, "Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the HaShem from your mouth is the truth."

How much glory does HaShem get for an incomplete healing that takes a while?

This study was written by

Rabbi Dr. Hillel ben David

(Greg Killian).

Comments may be submitted to:

Rabbi Dr. Greg Killian

12210 Luckey Summit

San Antonio, TX 78252

Internet address: gkilli@aol.com

Web page: http://www.betemunah.org/

(360) 918-2905

Return to The WATCHMAN home page

Send comments to Greg Killian at his email address: gkilli@aol.com