The Purpose of Tongues as Practiced in the Apostolic Era

By E. Jardinel
tongues2

The church in the New Testament was founded and commissioned by Jesus Christ to proclaim God's message, baptize, and teach the truth (Matt.28: 18-20). When Christ ascended to heaven, members of the Lord's first church assembled and tarried in Jerusalem as commanded by the Lord, to receive the empowering of the Holy Ghost in their witness (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8). On the day of Pentecost, the assembly was baptized in the Holy Spirit and the disciples spoke in tongues (Acts 2:1-4). Speaking in tongue, means speaking in foreign language. The ability to speak in foreign languages without efforts in learning them is a demonstration of God's power. It was a temporary gift because it ceased upon the completion of the Bible (I Cor. 13:8,10; James 1:25).

Q.1

What is the scope of the Great Commission? *

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
-Matthew 28:18-20.

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
-Mark 16:15.

All nations of the world
One nation only
Jews only

Q.2

Did Christ promise the empowering of the Holy Ghost? *

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
-Acts 1:8.

Yes
No

Q.3

Where did the first church tarry in order to receive the empowering of the Holy Ghost in her witness? *

And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
-Luke 24:49.

Samaria
Egypt
Jerusalem

Q.4

Were there Jews who came from other nations and were present in Jerusalem during the Jewish feast called "Pentecost"? *

And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
-Acts 2:5-11.

Yes
None

Q.5

What spiritual gift or ability did the members of the first church receive on the day of Pentecost? *

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
-Acts 2:4.

Ability to preach
Ability to speak in tongues
Ability to sing

Q.6

Did the Jews who were born in other countries, hear the disciples spoke the languages of the nations where they were born? *

Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
-Acts 2:6-8.

Yes
No

Q.7

If they heard the disciples spoke their own languages, were they able to understand and receive the word? *

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
-Acts 2:41.

No
Yes

Q.8

In what way was the church edified or strengthened by their proper use of the gift of tongues? *

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
-Acts 2:41.

Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
-Acts 2:47.

The church was strengthened because the people who came from other countries were able to understand the message of salvation and were saved, baptized and added to the church.
The church was strengthened because the people were impressed with their speaking ability even if they do not understand it.

Q.9

Name: *

First Name

Last Name

Q.10

Email: *

Email