The Orthodox Gift of Tongues
What is “the gift of tongues”? This has become somewhat of a controversial issue for some churches. Apostle Paul mentions nine gifts in 1st Corinthians ch.12:5-11 and one of these gifts is the “gift of Tongues”. The Greek word for “tongues” is glossolalia. This word can refer to actual languages and also to a “different” or “strange” tongue (language). The fact is, the ancient orthodox Greek church and Ancient Antiochene church properly understands these two different references regarding tongues.
In the ancient city of Corinth, the Christians were practicing the
spiritual gift of tongues by speaking a “strange” or “angelic” tongue
(language). This gift was honored by apostle Paul who also claims to have the
same gift. However, Paul was concerned as to how they were using this gift in
Corinth. Apostle Paul instructed the Corinthian Christians to not use the gift
of “prayer tongue” and “prophecy tongue” openly in the church unless there was
another person there who had the “gift of interpretation”.
God had also given the gift of interpretation to others so
that the gift could be shared to edify the rest of “the body of Christ” (the
Christian Church). This gift of praying, singing, and or prophesying in an
“unknown tongue” could be used and should - but within the confines of
Christian maturity and responsibility.
Today, many American denominations do not believe in the
gift of “strange tongues” and state that apostle Paul was only referring to
“known languages” when he talked about this gift. The context of Paul’s letter
to the Corinthian church and the Greek language would certainly disagree with
this strict interpretation. The sad fact is, many American Pentecostal churches
have turned people away from this gift by their abuse of it. Most Pentecostals
like to “show off” this gift and many of them state that unless a person
displays this gift, he or she is not a true “born again” Christian.
The Bible does not teach that all Christians manifest this
or any other of the nine listed supernatural gifts (1st Corinthians
12:5-11). Paul also states that not all Christians have the gift of tongues. (1st
Corinthians 12:29-31).
Now, when we talk about the gift of “strange tongues” it
must be understood that the person practicing the gift is expressing
intelligent words to God but not to the person uttering them. He or she is
compelled to give external expressions – the person enters a passive state,
human reason (understanding) becomes inactive yet the person is edified and
spiritually satisfied by the act. The Holy Spirit gives confidence and peace to
the soul.
This special gift should not be openly practiced
during public worship or during regular church services. Apostle Paul states;
“…however, in the church I desire to speak five words with my mind so that I
may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.” (1st
Corinthian 14:19)
Apostle Paul concludes the subject with; “Set your hearts,
then, on the more important gifts. Best of all, is the following way….” He goes
on to explain the most important gift of all, agape LOVE.
We must respect all spiritual gifts, including the “gift of
unknown tongues”. We are not to forbid its practice amongst our fellow
believers. (1st Corinthian 14:39-40)
We hope that this has helped our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to understand the important topic of “tongues”. Please continue your
Bible studies with us here at “The Shepherds Way & Nugget of Truth”. Watch
Presbyter King’s talks, sermons, and lectures when you can and share what you
learn.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
AACG (March 28th 2026)
Orthodox Gift of Tongues
Above: Presbyter King explains the reality of the "gift of tongues".
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The John Class are the last-day Christians who have accepted all seven counsels to the seven churches and recognize the Seventh Angel (the celestial angel) as the angel “coming up from the east” (Revelation 7:2) which has this final message, the “seal” of God. This special message “seals” the true saints in their “foreheads” (minds) and is ultimately handed down to the 144,000 before the final Great Tribulation.
