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Question 1

Give a brief definition of speaking in tongues.

Answer 1

“The supernatural gift of speaking in another language without its having been previously learned” (p. 220).

Question 2

a. Are tongues ecstatic, unintelligible, meaningless utterances?
b. How does Scripture describe tongues? Cite a supporting verse.

Answer 2

a. No.

b. The language of angels or men. I Corinthians 13:1 (p. 221).

Question 3

a. What Old Testament passage did Paul quote as prophecy concerning tongues?
b. Where can Paul’s use of that passage be found?

Answer 3

a. Isaiah 28:11-12.

b. I Corinthians 14:21-22 (p. 222).

Question 4

In what two parallel passages in Acts does Peter make a connection between “the rest and refreshing” of Isaiah 28:11-12 and the gift of the Spirit?

Answer 4

Acts 2:38 and 3:19 (p. 221).

Question 5

Given the apostles’ understanding of Isaiah 28:11-12, how do we reconcile that with the interpretation of Isaiah 28 as a prophecy of Israel’s invasion by Assyria?

Answer 5

This is a possible instance of prophecy having an immediate fulfillment and distant fulfillment. This is called “the law of double reference” and is commonly found in prophecy and typology (p. 222).

Question 6

What are two major objections to Mark 16:17 as scriptural support for the phenomenon of tongues?

Answer 6

a. The following verse, Mark 16:18, is misunderstood and misapplied, thus the credibility of verse 17 is attacked. Commonly, the practices of “snake handlers” are cited in an effort to discredit verse 17.
b. Two important ancient manuscripts do not include the passage of Mark 16:9-20 (pp. 222-223).

Question 7

What answer can be given to the first major objection to Mark 16:17?

Answer 7

The proper approach is to understand both of these verses. Verse 18 does not give authority to handle snakes as a test of faith, for we are not to tempt God (Matthew 4:7). Rather, this verse is a promise of protection in case of accidents (Acts 28:1-6). The spiritual application of verse 18 might be found in Luke 10:19, wherein evil spirits are represented as serpents and scorpions (pp. 223-224).

Question 8

a. Is either the Codex Sinaiticus or Codex Vaticanus complete or accurate in and of itself?
b. Do other ancient manuscripts include Mark 16:9-20?

Answer 8

a. No. Both contain several apocryphal books and the Vaticanus omits all of the New Testament after Hebrews 9:14.
b. Yes. The third oldest manuscript, Codex Alexandrinus, does, among many others (p. 224).

Question 9

Why is this passage in Mark attacked so eagerly?

Answer 9

Modern critics reject this passage because of its support of the miraculous as a sign of the power and legitimacy of God’s Word. From ancient times, this passage became questionable as most of Christendom lost contact with the Holy Spirit and the use of spiritual gifts (p. 225).

Question 10

Would the Bible support the doctrines of Mark 16:16-20 if this passage were excluded?

Answer 10

Yes. These doctrines are found in other scriptural passages (p. 225).

Question 11

a. List the three signs that accompanied the outpouring of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost and describe what each signified.
(1)
(2)
(3)
b. Unlike the sound of wind and tongues like fire, speaking in tongues is a recurring sign of an
________________ ______ ______.

Answer 11

a. (1) Sound like wind—coming of the Spirit.
(2) Visible flame-like tongues—availability of the Spirit for each individual.
(3) Speaking in tongues—individual filling.
b. Individual Spirit baptism (p. 227).

Question 12

What Old Testament prophecy did Peter use to identify the phenomenon of speaking in tongues?

Answer 12

Joel 2:28 (p. 228).

Question 13

a. How did God use speaking in tongues to make the apostles understand that the gospel was available to all mankind, including the Gentiles?
b. Did God use any sign other than tongues to demonstrate conclusively to Peter and the apostles that Cornelius had received the Spirit baptism?

Answer 13

a. When Cornelius and his household spoke in tongues, Peter realized that God had poured out His Spirit on Gentiles. This meant that one need not convert to Judaism to be saved.
b. No. Speaking in tongues alone convinced Peter of Cornelius’ Spirit baptism (pp. 228-229).

Question 14

What important lesson is illustrated by the Ephesian believers’ Spirit baptism with accompanying tongues?

Answer 14

This account demonstrates that the baptism of the Spirit with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues is for all believers and was not only for the first group of Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles (pp. 229-230).

Question 15

The account of the Samaritans’ receiving the Holy Ghost does not mention tongues. List three reasons for concluding that the Samaritan believers spoke in tongues:

Answer 15

a. Despite joy, miracles, belief, and water baptism, everyone knew that these believers had not received the Spirit. Philip, Peter, and John all expected a particular sign and knew the Samaritans did not have the Spirit due to the absence of this sign.
b. Everyone knew that the Samaritans received the Spirit when the apostles laid hands on them.
A definite sign, different from the miracles which had occurred, must have been observed.
c. The sign must have been an unmistakable, supernatural sign for Simon the Magician to be impressed enough to attempt to buy it (pp. 231-232).

Question 16

The Bible does not describe how Paul received the Holy Ghost, but Paul’s teachings emphasize that speaking in tongues comes by the Spirit. What might we conclude about his conversion experience in light of the fact that he spoke in tongues, as he noted in I Corinthians 14:18?

Answer 16

That he spoke in tongues when he received the Spirit, as did everyone else (p. 233).

Question 17

a. Do the Acts accounts of the Spirit baptism consistently indicate any immediate, individual outward manifestation of the Spirit baptism other than tongues?
b. Did the apostles accept any other accompanying manifestation of the Spirit as sufficient proof of the Spirit baptism?

Answer 17

a. No.

b. No.

Question 18

What fact about the tongue makes it a unique bodily member with which God can display His presence and control?

Answer 18

It is the most difficult member to direct or control; it is the unruly member (p. 237).

Question 19

Compare or contrast speaking in tongues in the church to the experience of mankind at the Tower of Babel.

Answer 19

One caused unity, the other disunity. Man was separated from man by a confusion of language at Babel. Beginning with Pentecost, God began to bring together a body of believers who were united as a spiritual family by the sign of tongues (p. 237).

Question 20

Why are tongues a universal and valid sign under any circumstances?

Answer 20

Regardless of nationality, language or locale, people can recognize speaking in tongues when it
happens to them (pp. 237-238). 21. a. No.
b. Love, according to John 13:34-35 (p. 239).

Question 21

a. Is speaking in tongues alone proof of the abiding presence of the Spirit?
b. What is the ultimate test of discipleship?

Answer 21

a. no

b. love according to john 3:34-35

Question 22

How might one have a continuing ability to speak in tongues and not be saved?

Answer 22

This ability only indicates that one has faith for a particular gift and can yield to God for that particular purpose. Such a person could have resumed a sinful life or embraced false doctrine. Yet God will honor the faith he does continue to show, in the manner He might honor a sinner’s prayer. Also, we might conclude that Romans 11:29 has a general application; so that a spiritual gift, once bestowed, is never entirely revoked by God. It is also possible that the human brain learns words once given by the Spirit. Finally, we cannot overlook the possibility that man or even the power of Satan will cause counterfeits of tongues, in the manner of mockery or imitation of God’s miracles (pp. 240-241).

Question 23

If a person continues to speak in tongues frequently, is this in itself a sign of great spirituality?

Answer 23

No. Scripture gives no example or teaching to indicate that speaking in tongues is a necessary sign of great spirituality after the initial Spirit baptism (p. 242).

Question 24

Paul wrote that we should covet the best gifts. What gives spiritual gifts—whether tongues, prophecy or any other—their true value?

Answer 24

Love (p. 244).

Question 25

How does prophecy differ in purpose from that of tongues?

Answer 25

Speaking in tongues edifies the speaker, but prophecy edifies others (I Corinthians 14:2-4) (p. 244).

Question 26

Which has greater importance in the public meeting, prophecy or tongues?

Answer 26

Prophecy, unless the tongues are interpreted (I Corinthians 14:5) (p. 244).

Question 27

Paul encouraged the Corinthians to be mature in their understanding of when tongues-speaking is or is not appropriate in the public assembly. What does he conclude about unregulated speaking in tongues in church?

Answer 27

That this is not beneficial. Observers will think the tongue-speakers are insane. Perhaps initially the unbelievers’ attention will be captured by speaking in tongues, but this is no cause to devote
the whole service to tongues. Rather, it is preferable to prophesy in a known language so that the listeners can be led to God (I Corinthians 14:23-25) (p. 245).

Question 28

List seven guidelines for the use of tongues and prophecy in a public meeting of believers, as derived from I Corinthians 14.

Answer 28

a. Let there be two or three public messages in tongues, at the most.
b. Take turns in giving messages.
c. Let someone interpret each message.
d. If there is no interpretation, the one speaking in tongues should stop giving public messages; but he can speak in tongues for his own private benefit.
e. Let there be at most two or three messages of prophecy.
f. The listeners should judge for themselves if the message is of God.
g. Take turns at prophecy, for everyone is allowed to prophesy (I Corinthians 14) (pp. 245-246).

Question 29

What is one reason we know that I Corinthians speaks of the same phenomenon of speaking in tongues as described in Acts?

Answer 29

The same Greek word is used in both books (p. 246).

Question 30

What are two purposes for tongues in the life of the Spirit-filled believer?

Answer 30

a. For edification of the individual in personal devotion.

b. For edification of the church as a whole when interpreted (p. 247).

Question 31

Some critics say that Pentecostals overemphasize the Holy Spirit, implying a subordination of Christ to the Spirit. What would be the appropriate reply to this objection for a Oneness Pentecostal?

Answer 31

We believe the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ; we receive Christ when we receive the Spirit. The
doctrine of the Spirit baptism magnifies Christ above all (p. 248).

Question 32

Some argue that miracles are not for the church today, because miracles occurred only in the early church as God confirmed His Word in powerthrough the apostles. Reasoning from Scripture, how can this argument be shown to be faulty?

Answer 32

Tongues were given to many besides the apostles. Stephen and Philip also performed miracles by God’s power. God healed Paul through the laying on of Ananias’ hands. The church at Corinth practiced many spiritual gifts and Paul instructed that body in their application; he expected these gifts to be developed and used until Christ’s return. These are examples of the fulfillment of the Great Commission, with miraculous signs bringing confirmation of the gospel message. If that same commission applies today, the same signs and gifts should accompany the gospel message until Christ’s return (pp. 249-251).

Question 33

Some people identify “that which is perfect” in I Corinthians 13:10 with the completed New Testament and argue that tongues ceased with its completion. When do the Scriptures indicate that the spiritual gifts will end?

Answer 33

According to I Corinthians 1:2 and 7, the gifts willoperate until Christ’s return (p. 252).

Question 34

a. Taking a close look at the use of the Greek word for “perfect,” can we conclude that I Corinthians 13:10 refers to the Scriptures?
b. If not, to what does “perfect” refer?

Answer 34

a. No. Its gender is neuter and its number is 137 singular, indicating a reference to something other than the Scriptures, which are always referred to in the feminine plural in Greek.
b. The Second Coming of Christ (p. 252).

Question 35

I Corinthians 13:8 indicates that prophecies will fail and knowledge will vanish at the same time tongues cease. Has the completion of the New Testament brought an end to these gifts?

Answer 35

No. Along with other miracles, they operate in the church today to confirm the Word of God and to edify the church. The same is true of tongues. Those gifts are actively complementary to the Word of God. The completion of the New Testament did not cause them to cease (p. 252).

Question 36

I Corinthians 13:11 refers to “childish things,” and some believe that this means tongues are spiritually immature. What is the implication of such a conclusion?

Answer 36

That Paul himself was spiritually immature (pp. 252-253).

Question 37

What is the proper biblical emphasis on speaking with tongues and receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit?

Answer 37

Speaking in tongues accompanies the Spirit baptism and has no importance apart from the Spirit. The biblical emphasis is on believing and receiving the Spirit.