Baptism by the Holy Spirit in the New Testament

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9. The one who "speaks in tongues", “in the Spirit”


However, the Holy Bible uses one other term when referring to the faithful who are "in the Spirit". Notice the words of the Apostle Paul below, and the way the terms "in the Spirit" and "speaking in tongues" alternate, as he uses them for the same reason:

"...as for the one who speaks (λαλών) a tongue, he speaks (λαλεί) not to people, but to God.  For no-one hears him, as his spirit speaks (λαλεί) mysteries.  However, one who prophesies to people speaks (λαλεί)constructively... whereas the one who speaks (λαλών) in tongues edifies himself only. And though I want all of you to speak (λαλείν) in tongues, I would rather that you prophesied; for he is greater who prophesies, rather than the one who speaks (λαλών) tongues; for when I pray in a tongue, my spirit is praying but my nous (mind) is unfruitful.   What, therefore?  Let me pray in the spirit, and let me also pray with the mind. Let me chant in the spirit and let me also chant with the mind...  Because if you bless (minister, officiate) in the spirit, then how shall they who are in the place of the laity respond with "Amen" when you are giving thanks (eucharist)? Because they will not know what you are saying... More than all of you, I speak (λαλών) in many tongues.  But in Church, I would rather speak (λαλήσαι) five words with my own mind... rather than ten thousand words in a tongue (εν γλώσση) ... if  someone speaks (λαλεί) in a tongue, let there be one who interprets.  Otherwise, let him be silent in church, speaking (λαλείtv) only to himself and to God."   [1 Corinthians 14:2-6, 14-19, 27, 28]

Hence, the presence of "glossolalia" (the speaking of tongues) and the other gifts of the Holy Spirit are the displays of a Christian's state when he is "in the Spirit".

We can now understand those verses that we saw, which refer to those who were baptized and spoke in tongues.

 


 

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Article published in English on: 18-4-2010.

Last update: 18-4-2010.

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