In the previous lesson, we focused on the gifts of the Holy Spirit mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11. Here we are going to talk about the other two. They are found in verse 10: “to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to others the gift of interpreting tongues.” (NIV)

The first is speaking in different kinds of tongues. We see this many times in the book of Acts, and the first example is in Acts 2:4 when the Spirit came with power upon the disciples and they were all baptized in the Spirit. It says, “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages, as the Spirit enabled them to speak.” (NIV) It is the same today when someone receives this baptism in the Holy Spirit. With this, they can be used in this gift for the church.

But there is something about this that has sometimes been a source of confusion for the church. There are two parts to speaking in tongues. We who have been baptized in the Spirit already have these tongues to pray and praise personally, and it is a great help. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 14:4, “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself.” (NIV)

And in verse 18, Paul said, “I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.” (NIV) Paul showed us that there are edification and blessings when we pray in the tongues of the Spirit, and he did it a lot.

In chapter 14, Paul taught us about the difference between these personal tongues that edify us and tongues as this gift of the Spirit when we are with other believers in a service or meeting. This is when this gift is manifested. Someone who is already filled with the Spirit and feels led by the Spirit in a meeting can then speak aloud in these tongues among everyone. Then this gift works together with the next gift, which is interpreting tongues. And Paul taught the church in Corinth that if there is no one in the church who has this gift of interpreting these tongues, then it is better not to speak in tongues so as not to cause confusion. But if there is someone in the church with this gift of interpretation and someone feels led by the Spirit, then they can speak out in tongues. So, there is a difference between praying in tongues personally by ourselves and being used by the Spirit with a message in tongues in a service when there is interpretation. This speaking in tongues in a service is a message from God to the church, but this gift of interpretation is also needed so that everyone understands God’s message.

The gift of interpretation is like prophecy. God gives the supernatural ability to understand what the Spirit is saying to the church through this message in tongues. Then this person gives the interpretation in English or in the language of that place so that everyone can hear God’s message. These two gifts working together have been a great help to the church and to the brethren.

As I mentioned, it is a supernatural message like prophecy to the church to help and bless. Many times, I have been edified and strengthened by hearing a message in tongues followed by interpretation. All of this is a blessing and are supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit. And I have been used to speak in tongues like this, and at other times to interpret the message, because of these gifts.

Paul taught a lot about this in 1 Corinthians 14. He said in verse 27, for example, that there should be no more than three messages in tongues with interpretation in a service. He also said in verses 29-33 that there should be no more than three prophecies in a service, and all of this is subject to the leaders of the church. If the pastor or other prophets feel that it is not the time for gifts in the service, we must obey what they say. All this is so that there may be order in the church.

You should study 1 Corinthians 12 and 14 if you have questions about these gifts. There are also many books and other good studies to help you understand more about the gifts of the Spirit.

As we have mentioned, they are a blessing to everyone and continue to operate in the church and in our lives. Thank God for these gifts.

In the next lesson, we will talk about how these gifts can be used and the right attitude to have when using them.

God loves you and has help for your life today.