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Peter Christian | PentecostalTheology.com
10 Christians gathered together for prayers in a church.
Everyone speaking in tongues.
No-one can faithfully interpret a word of utterance.
10 Christians continue speaking in tongues.
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. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
1 Corinthians 14:27-28 KJV
Varnel Watson
Do you make a difference between gift of speaking in tongues and initial evidence? Do you make difference between tongues for the unbelievers and tongues to edify the believer and the church? What is your understanding?
Tim Renneberg
I do. That said, I think the above scenario has moved from initial evidence to prayer language, which also differs from the gift. As conservative as I am, I would find a “pentecostal” prayer meeting odd if there weren’t people praying in tongues.
Varnel Watson
There are many charismatic churches today that will ask you to stop praying in tongues during their regular Sunday morning service
Tim Renneberg
Yet another reason not to go to charismatic churches…
Tim Renneberg
^ intentionally painted with a broad stroke.
Terry Wiles
If it arrests the attention of those present it should be interpreted. Or, in my opinion, the speaker could speak in tongues while fitting in to the prayers of others so that it doesn’t arrest the attention of others.
Varnel Watson
Some people (and demons) tend to be louder just to arrest attention
Daniel Blaylock
Paul is referring to a public assembly where unbelievers are likely present; you described a private gathering of believers for the purpose of prayer (no mention of preaching or sacraments). That’s sloppy exegesis.
And the scenario lacks a good understanding of the way spiritual gifts operate. Paul says they are “manifestations” of the Holy Spirit; if He can sovereignly enable the gathered believers to pray in tongues, He can enable one of them to interpret if He desires to communicate with them through such means by manifesting through the gift of interpretation.
Terry Wiles
Daniel Blaylock. Paul is also talking about assemblies where there are believers who can say amen at the giving of thanks. Bottom line is they are to pray that they might interprete and if they can’t and if there is no interpreter present they are to refrain themselves by being silent or by speaking to themselves and to God.
Daniel Blaylock
The scenario Peter described was 10 believers who are all praying together and who all pray in tongues. That’s still not Paul’s described context. If I want to pray with my staff and we all end up praying in tongues for a season, that is not out of order.
Street Preacherz
Prayer is to God not men. Speaking in tongues with interpretation for the edification of the church is a separate function and anointing. Prayer in tongues is often hindered by this argument. Well meaning or not it is a hindrance to the soul seeking that heavenly rest. Pray! Seek God!!!