General References of the 12 Apostles.

³³ And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

³⁴ Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

³⁵ And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

³⁶ And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

³⁷ Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. (Act 4:33-37 KJV)

¹² And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch. (Act 5:12 KJV)

¹⁸ And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.

¹⁹ But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,

²⁰ Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

²¹ And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

²² But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told,

²³ Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.

²⁴ Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.

²⁵ Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.

²⁶ Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.

²⁷ And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,

²⁸ Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.

²⁹ Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

³⁰ The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

³¹ Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

³² And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

³³ When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.

³⁴ Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;

³⁵ And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.

³⁶ For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.

³⁷ After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.

³⁸ And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:

³⁹ But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

⁴⁰ And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

⁴¹ And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

⁴² And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

(Act 5:18-42 KJV)

⁶ Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. (Act 6:6 KJV)

¹⁴ Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: (Act 8:14 KJV)

¹⁸ And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, (Act 8:18 KJV)

²⁷ But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. (Act 9:27 KJV)

And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. (Act 11:1 KJV)

And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

² When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

³ And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

⁴ And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.

⁵ But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.

⁶ And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. (Act 15:1-6 KJV)

²² Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

²³ And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: (Act 15:22-23 KJV)

⁴ And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. (Act 16:4 KJV)

⁵ Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? (1Co 9:5 KJV)

²⁸ 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.

²⁹ Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? (1Co 12:28-29 KJV)

¹⁷ Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. (Gal 1:17 KJV)

²⁰ And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; (Eph 2:20 KJV)

¹¹ And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (Eph 4:11 KJV)

¹⁷ But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; (Jud 1:17 KJV)

Specific Examples:

The 12 Apostles

² Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; (Mat 10:2 KJV)

¹⁴ And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, (Mar 3:14 KJV)

¹³ And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles; (Luk 6:13 KJV)

¹⁵ And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)

¹⁶ Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

¹⁷ For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

¹⁸ Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

¹⁹ And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.

²⁰ For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.

²¹ Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

²² Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

²³ And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

²⁴ And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,

²⁵ That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.

²⁶ And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. (Act 1:15-1 KJV)

¹⁴ And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. (Rev 21:14 KJV)

Paul

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Rom 1:1 KJV)

¹³ For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: (Rom 11:13 KJV)

Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, (1Co 1:1 KJV)

Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) (Gal 1:1 KJV)

⁷ Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. (1Ti 2:7 KJV)

Peter

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, (1Pe 1:1 KJV)

Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: (2Pe 1:1 KJV)

God promised healing.

Exodus 15:26  And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.

2 Chronicles 7:14  If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Psalm 103:3  …who healeth all thy diseases;

Isaiah 53:5  But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Matthew 8:16-17  ⁶ When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:  ¹⁷ That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

Mark 16:17-18  ¹⁷ And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;  ¹⁸ 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.

1 Corinthians 12:9  …to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

James 5:14-15  ¹⁴ Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:  ¹⁵ And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

Jesus not only bought our salvation (the gospel of Jesus Christ- death, burial, and resurrection, which we apply through repentance, baptism in Jesus name, and being filled with the gift of the Holy Ghost- Acts 2:38), but He also bought our healing through His wounds, bruises, chastisement, and stripes. Jesus took those stripes so that we can have healing. He promised healing to each of us. Jesus performed many healings.

Matthew 4:23  And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

Matthew 8:3  And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Matthew 8:16  When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:

Matthew 9:35  And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

Matthew 12:13  Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.

Matthew 12:22  Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.

Matthew 14:36  And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

Matthew 15:30  And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus’ feet; and he healed them:

Matthew 17:18  And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.

Matthew 19:2  And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.

Matthew 21:14  And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.

Mark 1:31  And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

Mark 10:52  And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.

Luke 7:21  And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.

Luke 13:13  And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

Luke 17:14  And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

Luke 22:51  And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

John 4:50  Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.

John 5:9  And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

John 9:6-7  ⁶ When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,  ⁷ And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

There are many examples of the Apostles performing healings.

Acts 3:7  And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

Acts 5:16  There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

Acts 9:34  And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

Acts 14:10  Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

Acts 16:18  And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

Acts 19:12  So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

Acts 28:8-9  ⁸ And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.  ⁹ So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:

The Gifts of Healing was given to the Church and is for everyone everywhere. Healing does not stop with the first century Church. Healing is still for us today.

1 Corinthians 12:9  …to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

There is nothing that God can’t heal. God created all things by speaking the universe into existence. It stands to reason that God can heal anything. As long as we believe that God can heal and have faith that He will, just as it says in His Word, God will heal. It takes faith on our part.

Matthew 9:22  But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

Matthew 9:29  Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

Matthew 15:28  Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

Mark 5:34  And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

Mark 5:36  …Be not afraid, only believe.

Mark 9:23-24  ²³ Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.  ²⁴ And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

Mark 10:52  And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.

Acts 3:16  And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

Acts 14:9-10  ⁹ The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,  ¹⁰ Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

2 Chronicles speaks of God healing our land.

2 Chronicles 7:14  If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

This includes everything that affects us. Healing can refer to physical, mental, or spiritual restoration (Bernard, p. 135). We all receive spiritual healing, including forgiveness of sins, at conversion (Bernard, p. 137). Sometimes healing is instant, other times healing is progressive (Bernard, p. 143). Jesus expects us to have faith that He is willing and will heal. As we see in this verse He also expects us to obey His Word. We should always pray for healing and have faith that God will heal. Jesus said that healing is according to our faith.

Matthew 9:29  Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

Jesus also told us to ask and that if we believe we can have what we ask for.

Matthew 7:7-11  ⁷ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:  ⁸ For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.  ⁹ Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?  ¹⁰ Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?  ¹¹ If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

There are too many cases in scripture, and too many testimonies, to think that God is not willing to heal today. God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving. He does not wish us to suffer in any way. He wants us to obey Him, ask what we need of Him, and have faith that He will answer our prayers. God wants to heal us. Jesus paid too big of a price for us to not except His healing. Ask in prayer, believe He will heal, and obey His Word.

References

Bernard, David K., (1997). Spiritual Gifts

            Hazelwood: Word Aflame Press

David Bernard Spiritual Gifts

The idea of speaking in tongues was not a new concept to those in the upper room awaiting the gift that Jesus told them to wait for. They had read the Old Testament Prophets that had prophesied about God using tongues in the new covenant. Isaiah prophesied that God’s people would speak with tongues.

Isaiah 28:11-12  ¹¹ For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.  ¹² To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.

Jesus taught that we would speak in other tongues.

Mark 16:17  And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

There are four clear passages in the New Testament speaking with tongues. Three of those passages are cases where those who received the gift of the Holy Ghost spoke with tongues. Another case in Acts indicates external evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost.

The 120 in the upper room spoke with tongues on the day of Pentecost.

Acts 2:1-4  And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  ² And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.  ³ And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.  ⁴ And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Cornelius spoke with tongues.

Acts 10:44-47  ⁴⁴ While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.  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.  ⁴⁶ For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,  ⁴⁷ Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

The disciples of John spoke with tongues.

Acts 19:6  And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

These verses are clear that when they received the Holy Ghost they spoke in tongues. Speaking in tongues was used as external evidence that the Holy Ghost had been received.

The Samaritans spoke with tongues.

Acts 8:17-19  ¹⁷ Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.  ¹⁸ And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,  ¹⁹ Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

Simon witnessed that the Holy Ghost had been received. He saw external evidence. In all other cases the external evidence was speaking with tongues. It is doctrinally and logically sound to expect that the evidence Simon witnessed was speaking in tongues.

The book of Acts describes tongues as the initial evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost. The scriptures do not discuss the idea of receiving the Holy Ghost without speaking in tongues (Bernard, p. 236).

There are several reasons that God chose tongues. For one, tongues as a sign for unbelievers.

1 Corinthians 14:22  Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

The tongue is the most difficult member of the body to control.

James 3:2-6  ² For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.  ³ Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.  ⁴ Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.  ⁵ Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!  ⁶ And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

Speaking in tongues is universal. Regardless of nationality and language, people can recognize speaking in tongues (Bernard, p. 237, 238).

Speaking in tongues provides certainty in receiving the Holy Ghost (Bernard, p. 238). There is no other sign given as the initial evidence that someone has been filled with the Spirit.

Another clear passage is 1 Corinthians chapters 12 and 14. Paul is teaching of the different types of tongues. The first type of tongues, the tongues that everyone that is born of the Spirit will have, is the tongues of self-edification. This is the tongues that is the initial evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost. The second type of tongues is the Gift of Tongues. This is tongues that is used to give a message to the Church. Not everyone will have the Gift of Tongues, but everyone that is born of the Spirit will have the evidence of tongues (Reeves, p. 30). The Gifts of Tongues is what Paul was talking about when he asked ‘do all speak with tongues”? We see a difference in Paul’s writings between the various types of tongues.

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:

1 Corinthians 12:30  Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

1 Corinthians 13:1  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

1 Corinthians 13:8  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.

1 Corinthians 14:1-15  Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.  ² For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.  ³ But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.  ⁴ He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.  ⁵ I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.  ⁶ Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?  ⁷ And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?  ⁸ For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?  ⁹ So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.  ¹⁰ There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.  ¹¹ Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.  ¹² Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.  ¹³ Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.  ¹⁴ For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.  ¹⁵ What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

1 Corinthians 14:18-28  ¹⁸ I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:  ¹⁹ Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.  ²⁰ Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.  ²¹ In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.  ²² Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.  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.  ²⁶ How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.  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.

1 Corinthians 14:39  Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

In these verses Paul is teaching the differences between self-edification and edification of the Church. If there is no interpreter then we are to speak quietly because it is a tongue for self-edification. If the message in tongues is for the edification of the Church we will know the difference and there will be an interpreter. Paul did not say it was wrong to speak in tongues. Paul was saying to use the gift in the correct manner, just as every gift should be used in the correct manner. When Paul asked “do all speak with tongues?” he wasn’t asking “do all speak with tongues when they receive the Holy Ghost?” He was asking “do all speak with the gift of tongues to edify the Church?” These verses were written to those that have already received the Holy Ghost because all of Paul’s writings are written to the Churches. Paul included himself, showing that he spoke with tongues.

Speaking in tongues is of God and for the Church today. Speaking in tongues is given to us for an initial sign of receiving the Holy Ghost, for personal edification, and for edification of the Church. Speaking in tongues should be expected as a normal relationship with God, including personal devotion and public worship. Speaking in tongues is an important part of our relationship with God in growing spiritually and allowing God to rule in our lives. Speaking in tongues by allowing God to speak through us is placing God first.

References

Bernard, David K. (1984). New Birth, The

            Hazelwood: Word Aflame Press

Reeves, Kenneth (1966). Holy Ghost with tongues, The

            Granite City: Inspiration Books

David Bernard The New Birth

Kenneth V. Reeves The Holy Ghost with Tongues

1 Corinthians 12:7-12  ⁷ But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.  ⁸ For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;  ⁹ To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;  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:  ¹¹ But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.  ¹² 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.

The Gifts of the Spirit are miraculous and fall within one of three categories: gifts of revelation, gifts of power, and gifts of utterance (Bernard, p. 86).  

Gifts of Revelation

Word of Wisdom is guidance for a specific situation. God can tell us what to do or say in a situation. An example can be seen in Acts 27:9-11.

Acts 27:9-11  ⁹ Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,  ¹⁰ And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.  ¹¹ Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.

Word of Knowledge is when God reveals something to us about a situation. As example would be Acts 5:1-11.

Acts 5:1-11  But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,  ² And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.  ³ But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?  ⁴ Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.  ⁵ And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.  ⁶ And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.  ⁷ And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.  ⁸ And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.  ⁹ Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.  ¹⁰ Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.  ¹¹ And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

Discerning of Spirits is perceiving what type of spirit is influencing someone. We can feel the presence of a Godly or demonic influence. An example would be Acts 16:16-18.

Acts 16:16-18  ¹⁶ And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:  ¹⁷ The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.  ¹⁸ And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

Gifts of Power

Faith is a special gift of faith that transcends normal faith. It is used for hopeless situations. An example of the gift of faith would be Acts 27:21-25.

Acts 27:21-25  ²¹ But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.  ²² And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship.  ²³ For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,  ²⁴ Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.  ²⁵ Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

Gifts of Healing is healing that God works through us. Healing can be instant or progressive, and includes both physical and mental diseases. Gifts of Healing shows that healing is for us today. An example would be Acts 5:12-16.

Acts 5:12-16  ¹² And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.  ¹³ And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.  ¹⁴ And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)  ¹⁵ Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.  ¹⁶ There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

Working of Miracles is when God performs a miracle using us as a vessel. Working of Miracles shows that miracles are for us today. A few examples would be Acts 20:7-12 and Acts 28:1-6.

Acts 20:7-12  ⁷ And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.  ⁸ And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.  ⁹ And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.  ¹⁰ And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.  ¹¹ When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.  ¹² And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.

Acts 28:1-6  And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.  ² And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.  ³ And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.  ⁴ And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.  ⁵ And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.  ⁶ Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

Gifts of Utterance

Prophecy is a message from God. Prophecy includes anointed testimonies, preaching, or even praise.

1 Corinthians 14:3-4  ³ But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.  ⁴ He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

1 Corinthians 14:29-33  ²⁹ Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.  ³⁰ If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.  ³¹ For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.  ³² And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.  ³³ For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

Revelation 19:10  And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

Kinds of Tongues, not to be confused with the evidence of tongues, is a message from God that is in another language. Kinds of Tongues will be interpreted by someone using another gift – interpretation of tongues.

1 Corinthians 14:5  I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

1 Corinthians 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.

If tongues are spoken without interpretation, it is meant for personal edification.

1 Corinthians 14:4  He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

1 Corinthians 14:15  What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

1 Corinthians 14:18  I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

1 Corinthians 14:28  But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

Interpretation of Tongues is when God gives someone the interpretation of a message that has been given in tongues.

1 Corinthians 14:5  I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

1 Corinthians 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.

The ultimate purpose of the Gifts of the Spirit is to exalt our Lord Jesus (Bernard, p. 42). The gifts of the Spirit proclaim in our lives the atonement work of Jesus Christ. The Gifts of the Spirit are still for us today. They did not end with the first generation Church. God can do a work in our lives, and He can use us as vessels just like He said in the scriptures. If we have the Spirit of God dwelling in us (Spirit baptism), then we should also be used of the Spirit to do the work of God. This includes the gifts that He has given us to edify the Church. We must allow God to work in our lives. We must seek the gifts of the Spirit.

References

Bernard, David K., (1997). Spiritual Gifts

            Hazelwood: Word Aflame Press

David Bernard Spiritual Gifts