First and the Last

In addressing this perspective, it's important to recognize the divine inspiration of all Scripture and its application across various contexts. While Paul, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, did issue directives to the Corinthian church, these instructions were shaped by the unique cultural and situational challenges faced by the early church. The command for women to remain silent in the Corinthian assembly was specific to the context of maintaining order during worship and addressing disruptions that were occurring at that time. We must balance these historical directives with the broader scriptural witness that affirms the active roles of women in ministry, such as Priscilla, who taught Apollos more accurately the way of God (Acts 18:26), and Phoebe, a deacon and servant of the church (Romans 16:1). Therefore, while we respect the command given, we also seek to understand its intent within the cultural and historical framework of the early church. The principle of authority and submission within the Godhead, particularly the relationship between Jesus Christ and the Father, serves as an example of humility and obedience. We understand that Jesus, in His humanity, submitted to the divine will of the Father, demonstrating perfect obedience and servanthood. This does not imply inequality within the Godhead but highlights the distinct roles assumed for the purpose of our redemption. In a similar manner, roles within the church are to reflect order and mutual respect, rather than inherent inequality. The active involvement of women in various ministries is consistent with the scriptural principle of mutual submission and the acknowledgment of spiritual gifts bestowed upon all believers, regardless of gender. Jesus' declaration, "I and my Father are one," underscores the essential oneness and unity of God's nature. In His prayer at Gethsemane, Jesus exemplified submission to the divine plan, illustrating the harmony between His human will and the divine will (fully resident in Him and omnipresent at the same time). This example teaches us about the nature of true obedience and servanthood within the kingdom of God. It does not suggest a hierarchy of value or worth but a functional distinction for the sake of God's redemptive mission. In the church, we are called to emulate this attitude of humility and service. The participation of women in ministry reflects the shared mission and unity within the body of Christ, where every member is valued and empowered to fulfill God's purpose. By acknowledging the contributions of both men and women, we honor the oneness and diversity within the body of Christ.

It is about culture. In countries where strict cultural and religious norms require women to be completely covered and silent in public, the consequences for violating these rules can be severe. The specific repercussions can vary depending on the country, the local laws, and the degree of conservatism in the community. Generally, the consequences may include: Social Ostracism: Women who do not adhere to these norms may face significant social stigma and exclusion. They might be shunned by their families, friends, and the wider community, which can lead to isolation and loss of social support. Legal Penalties: In some countries, there are legal mandates enforcing dress codes and public behavior for women. Violating these laws can result in fines, arrests, or even imprisonment. The legal system in such contexts often supports these cultural norms with strict enforcement. Physical Punishment: In more extreme cases, women might face corporal punishment. This can include public flogging or other forms of physical discipline, intended to serve as a deterrent to others. Honor-Based Violence: In some communities, violating strict cultural norms can provoke honor-based violence. This can range from verbal abuse and physical assault by family members to, in the most extreme cases, honor killings. Economic Repercussions: Women who defy these norms might lose their jobs or face economic sanctions. Employers in conservative regions may terminate their employment, and businesses may refuse service to them. Educational Barriers: Young women and girls might be expelled from schools or universities if they do not conform to the expected dress and behavior codes, severely impacting their educational and career opportunities. These thing wouldn't happen in America. So, therefore it is culture. But as we all know Scripture has Spiritual application to ALL peoples.

Look again all 40 verses are there. 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, "Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law 35. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church." Is understood within its historical and cultural context. We must recognize that this directive was specific to the cultural norms and issues of the Corinthian church in the first century, where disruptions and disorder during worship services were a concern. Today, we affirm the active participation of women in the church, including roles in ministry, teaching, and leadership, as evidenced by other scriptural examples where women prophesied, prayed, and played significant roles in the early church. The emphasis is on maintaining order and respect within the worship setting, aligning with the principle that God is not the author of confusion but of peace. Thus, this verse is interpreted not as a blanket prohibition against women speaking in church, but as an instruction to maintain orderly worship practices, with recognition of the valuable contributions women make in the life and ministry of the church.

Some also believe that the 5 fold ministry also stopped after the Apostolic Age. Here is more clarity for those who don't know. Ephesians 4:11, "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers," Highlights the diversity and unity within the body of Christ through the distribution of spiritual gifts and ministries. These roles are seen as divinely appointed to equip and edify the church, each serving a unique function in the spiritual growth and maturity of believers. Apostles are often viewed as foundational leaders, establishing churches and providing overarching guidance. Prophets speak God's truth and revelation, offering direction and correction. Evangelists focus on spreading the Gospel and winning souls to Christ. Pastors shepherd local congregations, providing care, teaching, and spiritual leadership, while teachers instruct and deepen believers' understanding of biblical truths. Together, these ministries work harmoniously to build up the body of Christ, fostering unity, spiritual maturity, and effective ministry, ultimately fulfilling God's purpose for His church on earth.

I have an exposition on 1 Corinthians Chapter 14 on Tongues and Interpretation found here: In the context of Pentecostal beliefs regarding speaking in tongues and interpretation, the alignment between the speaker and interpreter is crucial for the accurate communication of spiritual messages. According to biblical teachings, these gifts are intended to edify the church and should ideally be exercised with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul's writings in 1 Corinthians 12-14 emphasize that these gifts should be used for building up the body of believers. Specifically, he instructs that if someone speaks in tongues, they should pray for the ability to interpret, or someone else should interpret so that the congregation can benefit. This underscores the importance of alignment between the initial message and its interpretation for the spiritual benefit of those present. Ideally, both the speaker and the interpreter are believed to be led by the Holy Spirit, ensuring that the message and its interpretation are in harmony. However, human fallibility means that errors can occur. To mitigate this risk, Pentecostal churches often rely on several safeguards. These include accountability structures within the church leadership, such as oversight by a plurality of elders or external denominational bodies. They also emphasize the importance of discernment among believers, encouraging the congregation to test the spirits and compare any message with biblical truth. This process helps to confirm the validity of spiritual messages and interpretations, ensuring they align with the teachings of Scripture and contribute to the spiritual growth of the church community.

Plain and simply shortly after the Apostolic age the Church stopped focusing on receiving it or shut it out completely. Historical Accounts and Reasons Consolidation of Church Doctrine: After the apostolic age, the early Christian church focused on consolidating doctrine and combating heresies. The emphasis shifted towards establishing a unified, orthodox theology, particularly through the ecumenical councils (e.g., Nicaea in 325 AD). The miraculous gifts of the Spirit, including speaking in tongues, were less emphasized during this period. Rise of Institutional Church Structure: As the church became more institutionalized and structured, the spontaneous and charismatic expressions of faith, including glossolalia, were viewed with suspicion. The focus was on order, liturgy, and the sacraments, which left less room for charismatic practices. Montanism and Its Rejection: In the 2nd century, Montanism, a movement led by Montanus, emphasized prophecy and speaking in tongues. The mainstream church eventually deemed Montanism heretical due to its extreme practices and claims of new revelations. This association with heresy likely discouraged the continuation of speaking in tongues within the broader church. Medieval Mysticism: During the medieval period, there were reports of ecstatic and mystical experiences among certain saints and mystics, but these were not widespread or systematically encouraged by the institutional church. The dominant theological and ecclesiastical authorities often viewed such experiences with skepticism. Reformation Focus: The Protestant Reformation (16th century) focused on correcting doctrinal errors and abuses within the Catholic Church. Reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin emphasized the authority of Scripture and doctrinal purity over charismatic experiences. While the Reformation sparked many spiritual renewals, speaking in tongues was not a primary focus. Enlightenment and Rationalism: The Enlightenment (17th-18th centuries) brought a focus on reason, science, and skepticism towards supernatural phenomena. This cultural shift further marginalized charismatic practices within Christianity, including speaking in tongues. Revival in the Modern Era Topeka, Kansas (1901): The modern revival of speaking in tongues is often traced back to January 1, 1901, when Agnes Ozman, a student at Charles Parham’s Bible school in Topeka, Kansas, spoke in tongues. Parham and his students had been studying the Book of Acts and praying for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which they associated with speaking in tongues. Azusa Street Revival (1906): The Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles, led by William J. Seymour, was a pivotal event in the Pentecostal movement. Starting in 1906, this revival featured widespread speaking in tongues, along with other charismatic manifestations. The revival drew people from various backgrounds and led to the spread of Pentecostalism globally.

Speaking in tongues and interpretation in a church setting is deeply meaningful and rooted in biblical principles. According to 1 Corinthians 14, Paul explains that speaking in tongues is a gift from the Holy Spirit meant to edify the church, and he emphasizes the importance of interpretation so that the congregation can understand and be built up. When someone speaks in tongues and another person interprets, the interpretation should align with the message spoken in tongues, conveying its meaning in a language the congregation understands. This ensures that the church is edified and encouraged. In practice, interpreters often sense a clear understanding of what the Spirit is communicating. Additionally, it is possible for the person who speaks in tongues to interpret their own message, as Paul encourages them to pray for this ability. When someone interprets their own tongues, they often experience a sudden clarity or understanding given by the Holy Spirit, which they then articulate to the congregation. If you speak in tongues and someone else interprets, you may find that the interpretation resonates with what you sensed in your spirit. Though you might not understand the exact words spoken in tongues, the interpretation should align with the overall sense or burden you felt from the Holy Spirit. Conversely, if you interpret your own tongues, you might experience a sudden clarity or understanding of the message, which you can then share. It’s important for the church to exercise discernment and maintain order during these spiritual manifestations, with leadership providing guidance to ensure the messages and interpretations align with Scripture and the Holy Spirit's direction for the service. Interpretation of tongues is not a word-for-word translation but rather a conveyance of the meaning and intent of the message, enabled by the Holy Spirit to be understood in a way that edifies the congregation. This highlights the unity and cooperation of the body of Christ, where different members contribute their gifts for the common good. The experience of speaking in tongues and interpreting is a profound demonstration of the Holy Spirit's work within the church, requiring faith, sensitivity to the Spirit, and a heart for edifying others. When practiced according to biblical guidelines, it brings encouragement, exhortation, and comfort to believers, strengthening the unity and faith of the congregation. With the baptism of the Holy Ghost comes the gift of discernment. If the message is against God, the Holy Spirit within you will alert your spirit. If you don't feel good about it in your spirit, then chances are it's a false message. The spirit is subject to the one speaking, so there is always the possibility for human error. In all my experiences throughout my 20+ years, I have never seen a false message given under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost.

Hello my Christian friend. Now that you have the Holy Ghost with speaking in tongues. Read this carefully its a chapter about correct order for tongues in the Church. If you have any questions let me know.

What a beautiful testimony to what I have been trying to tell people all along here and on talkjesus.com Your testimony and scriptural references together demonstrate that receiving the Holy Spirit is a distinct and powerful experience promised to all believers. Jesus' words in John 3:16, Luke 11:13, and Acts 1:8 collectively affirm that through faith in Christ and by asking in faith, believers can receive the Holy Spirit, who empowers and transforms them for God's purposes. When you prayed, believing in your heart and confessing with your mouth, you activated the promise Jesus made. By asking the Father for the Holy Spirit, you received what was promised, as God is faithful and true to His word. Your experience is a testament to the living power of God's promises and the reality of the Holy Spirit’s presence in the life of a believer.

It's wonderful that you are considering what has been shared, and it's important to cherish the blessings you have received from the Lord. Being content with His blessings is a beautiful attitude. However, it's also good to remain open to all that God has for you, including the gift of speaking in tongues. Sometimes, stepping out in faith and seeking more of His presence can lead to new and profound experiences. Remember, God desires to pour out His Spirit abundantly on all His children. Continue to seek Him with an open heart, and trust that He will guide you into all that He has prepared for you.

I appreciate your response and understand where you’re coming from. My intention wasn’t to diminish your perspective or imply that you have nothing valuable to contribute to the discussion. Rather, I wanted to emphasize the importance of personal experience, especially when discussing something as profound and personal as speaking in tongues. Just as firsthand experience with Jesus and heaven would offer a deeper understanding, experiencing the baptism of the Holy Ghost and speaking in tongues provides a unique, firsthand insight into this spiritual phenomenon. When we discuss spiritual experiences, it's often challenging to fully convey their depth and impact to someone who hasn't personally encountered them. Speaking in tongues, for instance, is not just an intellectual concept but a deeply transformative and personal encounter with God's Spirit. It is akin to trying to describe the beauty of a sunset to someone who has never seen one; words can capture only so much. I certainly did not mean to suggest that your lack of experience in this particular area invalidates your insights or your ability to contribute meaningfully to our conversation. Your thoughts and questions are incredibly valuable, and they help us all to think more deeply and articulate our faith more clearly. My point was simply to highlight that experiencing something firsthand often brings a depth of understanding that goes beyond theoretical knowledge. We all have different journeys and experiences with God, and I am always open to learning from your insights as well. Our shared goal is to grow in our understanding and relationship with God, and that requires both sharing our own experiences and being open to the experiences of others. Thank you for engaging in this discussion, and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow together. Blessings to you, my brother.

while Acts provides historical narratives of the Spirit's manifestations at specific moments in the early church's history, the epistles offer doctrinal teachings that affirm the enduring role of the Holy Spirit in the church today. The consistency lies not only in the historical accounts but in the timeless truth that the Holy Spirit continues to empower believers, fulfilling Jesus's promise to baptize His followers with the Holy Spirit and fire (Matthew 3:11; Acts 1:5). As pastors and believers, it is our privilege to embrace both the historical accounts and the doctrinal teachings, seeking the Spirit's guidance as we live out our faith and minister to others in His power. 1 Corinthians 12:29-30, "Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?" Addresses the diversity of spiritual gifts within the body of Christ, emphasizing that not every believer will have the same role or gift. The church is likened to a body, with each member having a distinct function, and all are necessary for the health and growth of the church. This diversity ensures that the church operates effectively, with apostles, prophets, teachers, miracle workers, those with gifts of healing, and others each contributing uniquely to the mission of the church. It is important to distinguish between the different types of speaking in tongues mentioned in the New Testament. The Bible teaches that speaking in tongues serves different purposes and contexts. First, there is speaking in tongues as the initial evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit, which is a private and personal experience for every believer baptized in the Holy Ghost. This experience is a sign of the New Birth and is distinct from the spiritual gifts described in 1 Corinthians 12. The passage in 1 Corinthians 12 refers to the specific gift of tongues used in a public worship setting. This gift, meant for the edification of the church, typically occurs during quiet spiritual moments and requires interpretation. Not all believers will possess this particular gift, just as not all are apostles, prophets, or teachers. This public exercise of the gift of tongues, accompanied by interpretation, is different from the personal prayer language experienced by individuals when they receive the Holy Spirit. In summary, while every believer is encouraged to seek and receive the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues as a personal experience, the specific gift of tongues used in church settings for communal edification and requiring interpretation is given according to God’s sovereign will and purpose. This distinction clarifies the different roles of speaking in tongues within the body of Christ, both for individual spiritual growth and for the edification of the church. Tongues are a gift given by God's grace to believers for edification, prayer, and worship (1 Corinthians 14:4, 14-15). They serve to build up the individual believer and the church body, but they do not constitute a necessary condition for salvation itself. Not a work. While tongues serve as a sign or manifestation of the Holy Spirit's presence and work in a believer's life, they are not a work but a gift. The Holy Spirit's gifts, including tongues, are given freely to believers to empower them for service and to glorify God. Therefore, tongues as a sign of salvation should be understood within the broader framework of God's grace and the transformative work of the Spirit in the lives of those who believe in Him. If you have never experienced speaking in tongues I find it hard pressed for you to talk on this topic.

In matters of faith and doctrine, it's essential to ground our beliefs firmly in the authoritative Word of God rather than relying solely on personal experiences. The Bible serves as our ultimate guide, revealing God's will and His plan for our lives. When we speak of receiving the Baptism of the Holy Ghost and speaking in tongues, it's not merely based on personal experiences but on the consistent biblical pattern and promises found throughout Scripture. Acts 2:38 declares, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." This promise is not limited by denominational or theological differences but is available to all who repent and seek God with a sincere heart. Acts 2:4 affirms that those who received the Holy Ghost spoke in tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. This biblical pattern continues throughout Acts and in the epistles, demonstrating that the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking in tongues, is a consistent experience for believers. While personal experiences can vary, the biblical truth remains constant and reliable. My view concerning the Baptism of the Holy Ghost is not shaped by personal preferences or denominational traditions but by the clear teachings of Scripture. Therefore, it is our responsibility to align our beliefs with the Word of God, allowing Scripture to guide and shape our understanding of spiritual matters. As believers, we must encourage others to seek God earnestly, according to His Word, trusting that He will fulfill His promises to those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6)

So it was good enough for the Apostle but not for us. That would be ridiculous.

Believe me those who heard Peter's message (3000 souls) who were so convicted by the power of God as how to be saved? Not for one moment will you get me to believe they didn't follow Acts 2:38 to the letter. (including speaking in tongues)