10 TOP MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE Baptism in the Holy Spirit
If you believe any of these 10 statements, go to that section and read about it.
(All scriptures used are NASB unless otherwise quoted)
1. You received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit when you accepted Jesus as Messiah and Savior
2. Speaking in tongues is not the sign or the evidence of being baptized in the Holy Spirit
3. The Bible says there is only one baptism into the Body of Christ and that is baptism by water
4. The fruits of the spirit are proof you are spirit filled, not speaking in tongues
5. Speaking in tongues was given only to bridge a language barrier in the Book of Acts
6. Speaking in tongues passed away after the completion of the Cannon of Scripture
7. Speaking in tongues is only one of the nine spiritual gifts, so everyone doesn’t need it
8. Prophecy is a greater gift than speaking in tongues
9. Speaking in tongues in a church service would be out of order
10. I need to get better first before Jesus will baptize me with the Holy Spirit
Note: This exercise means you only need to read individual concepts rather than taking a complete study. After reading any statement you believe, go to the page number listed on the right and read about it.
After you are done, you may become interested in learning more about the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. You can go to the full study Entitled “Spirit Baptism by Jesus” on the home page. There you will also learn more about the benefits, the help, and hindrances to receiving it. There is more about how the early church disciples demonstrated it was a separate experience from becoming a believer in Jesus. In addition, you will discover it foretold in the Old Testament prophecies. When a Bible doctrine is important like Salvation, it is found in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. This is also true about the baptism in the Holy Spirit. If you do not know what “the promise of the Father is” you should read the study. This revelation will open up the Bible for you in some new ways.
Once you study it, receive it, and are blessed by it, you will be confident to teach others the truth about the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. This would be beneficial to the church because there is much confusion about the subject. Thank you for visiting livingthespiritfilledlife.com. If you liked this, please press the “I liked it” button.
1. You received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit when you accepted Jesus as Savior
The Apostle Paul. Did he get baptized in the Holy Spirit when he believed? No! He became a believer after Jesus knocked him off his donkey, blinded him and told him to go wait in Damascus. Later God told Ananias to go pray for Paul to be healed and get baptized in the Holy Spirit.
Acts 9:10-19. Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit”; and he arose and was baptized.
Paul needed God’s power after believing just like Jesus promised the other believers when they got baptized in the Spirit back on the Day of Pentecost. It doesn’t actually say Paul spoke in tongues in Acts 9, but we know he did because he tells us in 1 Corinthians 13:1. Then in chapter 14:15-18 Paul makes several comments about it. The context here is when believers are assembled in church. He wants them all to pray in tongues. He thanks God he prays in tongues more than all the Corinthians who were sometimes misusing the gift. He says do not forbid people to speak in tongues and He considers it his responsibility to correct parishioners when they were misusing it.
Then in Acts 19 Paul clearly demonstrates he knows it is important that even John the Baptist’s disciples get baptized in the Holy Spirit. He asks them if they had received the Holy Spirit since they believed. Then he laid hands on them and prayed for them, and they spoke in tongues.
Acts 19:1-6. Paul came to Ephesus and found some disciples and said to them. Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? They said to him, "No, we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” Paul laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking with tongues.
The Apostle Peter. Acts chapters 10 and 11 make it clear that the Gentiles also received the baptism in the Holy Spirt just like the 120 believers did back on the day of Pentecost.
When Peter is directed to Cornelius’ house so they can receive Salvation, he is surprised they also received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues. Then Peter must go back to Jerusalem and explain to the rest of the disciples how God poured out His Spirit on the Gentiles. This was in fact fulfilling the prophecy in Joel 2 that God was going to start pouring out His Spirit on all flesh (if they would believe and freely receive).
Acts 10:43-48. (Peter preaching at Cornelius’ house) All the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins. While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. All the circumcised believers (Jews) who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out upon the Gentiles also. For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God. Then Peter answered, "Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?"
Acts 11:15-18. (Explaining all this to the disciples at Jerusalem) 15 As I was speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, just as He did upon us at the beginning (This means the day of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2). I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit. If God gave to them the same gift as He gave to us also AFTER BELIEVING in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?
It clearly says they received it after believing. In Luke 11:13 Jesus says believers must ask for it. Even Christ’s 120 believers had to wait for it at Pentecost as He commanded them. Weren’t they already believers? The crowd asked Peter what they should do after they got convicted by his preaching. He told them to repent and get baptized so they could also receive the Holy Spirit as promised by the Father. Jesus didn’t even send it until after He had ascended (Acts 2:33). Hopefully, you can see it comes after believing in Christ. How many times and ways does the Bible have to say it!
Note. Jesus never baptized anyone in the Holy Spirit while he was on earth. Some people think John 20:22 says He did.
John 20:19-23. When therefore it was evening, on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst, and said to them, "Peace be with you." 20 And when He had said this, He showed them both His hands and His side. The disciples therefore rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus therefore said to them again, "Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you." 22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit.
Let me show you another scripture that will clear up this misconception of receiving it before they actually got it on the day of Pentecost. The red text in both scriptures show how they are parallel passages.
Luke 24:33-49. They arose that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found gathered together the eleven and those who were with them, 34 saying, "The Lord has really risen, and has appeared to Simon." 35 And they began to relate their experiences on the road and how He was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread. 36 And while they were telling these things, He Himself stood in their midst. 37 But they were startled and frightened and thought that they were seeing a spirit. 38 And He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have." 40 [And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet.] 41 And while they still could not believe it for joy and were marveling, He said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" 42 And they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish; 43 and He took it and ate it before them. 44 Now He said to them, "These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." 45 Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and He said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and rise again from the dead the third day; 47 and that repentance for forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high."
Harmonization of the Gospels is where different authors write about the same event but tell the story a little differently. Both passages are the period after Jesus’s resurrection when he is appearing and instructing his disciples before his ascension. The harmonization is that John is saying Jesus breathed upon them to receive the Holy spirit. Luke omits that but note that Jesus said they have to go and wait for it in Jerusalem, which they did. That means both had to happen, not just the one. This harmonizes the Bible instead of making it look like it contradicts itself. The truth from Acts 2 shows that they actually did receive it after Jesus ascended on the day of Pentecost. We know they did because they ALL spoke in tongues. After reading this, I hope you can see the Bible is clear on the subject. You can learn more by taking the entire study of the Spirit Baptism by Jesus.
2. Speaking in tongues is not the sign or the evidence of being baptized in the Holy Spirit
People claim the Bible does not say that speaking in tongues is the sign of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit since the Bible doesn’t say those exact words. Paul, writing to the Corinthians, does say that about a scripture in Isaiah. Also, Acts chapter 2, 10 and 19 make it very clear.
Isaiah. 28:11-12. Indeed, He will speak to this people through stammering lips and a foreign tongue. He who said to them, "Here is rest, give rest to the weary, but they will not listen.”
Paul. 1 Cor. 14:20-22. Brethren, in your thinking be mature. In the Law it is written, by men of strange tongues and by the lips of strangers I will speak to this people, and even so they will not listen to Me says the Lord. So then tongues are for a sign.
Paul says this Old Testament scripture refers to speaking in tongues. Here it says that while the New Testament believers are assembled in church that speaking in tongues is a sign to the unbeliever. That means unbelievers would know God gave the Baptism in the Holy Spirit to the Christian that were speaking in tongues. That is another way of saying tongues is the sign!
The 120. In Acts chapter 2 there were about 120 people gathered in the upper room waiting for the promise of the Father. ALL of them spoke in tongues. It was surely a sign for them. Otherwise, how would they know?
This is confirmed by verse 33 when it says Jesus ascended and poured it out on those they saw and heard.
Acts 2:33. Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear (120 speaking in tongues).
Peter. Peter and the circumcised that went with him knew it was the sign when they went to Cornelius’ house in Caesarea.
Acts 10:43-48. While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. All the circumcised believers (Jews) who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out upon the Gentiles also for, they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God. Then Peter answered, “Surely no one can refuse water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did.”
Acts 11:15-18. As I was speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, just as He did upon us at the beginning (This means the day of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2). I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit. If God therefore gave to them the same gift as He gave to us also after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?
Can we honestly say that Peter did not think the sign of receiving the Baptism in the Holy Spirit here was speaking in tongues? Who in the church today has the authority to question either Peter or Paul?
3. There is only one baptism into the Body of Christ and that is baptism by water
In Ephesians we read that there is one baptism. In Hebrews is says the doctrine of baptisms (plural).
Ephesians 4: 4-6. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.
Hebrews 6:1-3. Therefore, leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
The question becomes, how can we explain this? We know there is a baptism by water and a baptism by Spirit. John says clearly.
John 1:24-34. The Pharisees said to him, “Why then are you baptizing, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet? John answered them saying, "I baptize in water, but among you stands one whom you do not know. After me comes a Man who has a higher rank than I. I have beheld the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and He remained upon Him. He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining is the one who baptizes in the Holy Spirit. And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God."
If there are two baptisms mentioned in Ephesians, to which of these baptisms does it refer to—water or Spirit? Water baptism is our public portrayal that we will allow the risen Christ through the Spirit to work in our hearts until we are dead, and He is alive. That is why the emphasis throughout scripture is placed on the work of the Spirit in us beginning at being Born of the Spirit.
1 John 5:1. Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.
Gal 2:20. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.
Eph. 3:14- 4:8. I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, I the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling.
Rom. 8:9-14. You are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if any man has not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. If Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwells in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. If you live after the flesh, you shall die; but if you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
2 Cor. 3:16-18. Whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. We all, with unveiled faces, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.
1 Thes. 4:3. This is the will of God, your sanctification.
If seems obvious from these scriptures that Spirit baptism and being Spirit led is the baptism that is important to God so He can help mature us.
4. The fruits of the spirit are the proof you are Spirit-filled, not speaking in tongues
Yes, the fruit of the Spirit is the way that we as well as non-believers tell we are true Christians. However, most of us are still in process so we are not aways manifesting all the fruits all the time. This of course is what sanctification is all about after becoming born again. Some are just beginning to go on to maturity after believing in Jesus and some of us are further along the way. None of us are perfect yet.
In the book of Jude, we get insight as to how we can build up our faith to abide in the love of God through the Spirit.
Jude 20. These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit; but you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith; praying in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God.
This clarifies that keeping oneself in the love of God is connected to praying in the Holy Spirit. That makes praying in the Spirit relevant to the fruits of the Spirit. If we are built up in faith it is easier to walk in the Spirit, meaning we will not pursue the works of the flesh but abide in the fruits of the Spirit. This is why Paul said, “I thank God I pray in tongues more than you all” to the Corinthian church that was misusing the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues (I Cor. 14:18). That is why he said I wish you ALL spoke in tongues (v.5) and do not forbid people to speak in tongues (v.39). Therefore, we all need to pray in tongues if we want to speak mysteries unto God. Paul said this edifies our spirit (I Cor. 14:4), which Jude also expanded to help us stay in the love of God in verse 20.
The Bible does say that by your fruit they shall know you are a Christian. It also says that the letter kills but the Spirit brings life. That means we need the Helper Jesus promised to give us after he ascended. More fruit comes by pruning and we need God’s Spirit to help us through the trials of life. Romans 8:14 sums it up by saying, “As many as are led by the Spirit of God are the Sons of God.” They have the fruit!
5. Speaking in tongues was only used to bridge a language barrier in the Book of Acts
Acts 2. The intent behind people who say speaking in tongues on Pentecost was only to bridge a language barrier are claiming that is the only reason anyone should be speaking in tongues. Actually, that purpose was never mentioned or emphasized! The 120 were glorifying God in other languages, and not told ahead of time they would be conversing with the people from the other regions. Those foreigners hearing their own languages were amazed that Galileans were speaking/praising in their foreign/native tongue, but they also thought the 120 were drunk! However, the different tongues spoken by the 120 did demonstrate to the foreigners that God must be doing something supernatural. We see afterwards that Peter addressed the crowd and 3,000 got saved during the day. They all understood him speaking in Aramaic without an interpreter. That’s because Jews even those dispersed spoke Aramaic as a common language. So, bridging a language barrier was not the reason Jesus disciples spoke in tongues.
They were being endued with power from on high to be witnesses for Jesus who was now gone. After the Feast of Pentecost in the Bible we see supernatural power to take the gospel out everywhere but bridging a language barrier was never mentioned. A careful examination of what took place in Caesarea at Cornelius’ house when the Spirit was poured out on the gentiles substantiates this.
Acts 10:43-48. While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those Gentiles who were listening to the message. All the circumcised believers (Jews) who had come with Peter were amazed when the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the Gentiles also for they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God. Then Peter answered, “Surely no one can refuse water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did.”
Peter had to go back and explain all this to the believers in Jerusalem who didn’t understand that according to Joel 2:28 that God was going to pour His Spirit out on all flesh, not just Israelites.
Acts 11:15-18. As I was speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, just as He did upon us at the beginning (This means the day of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2). I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit. If God therefore gave to them the same gift as He gave to us also after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?
God poured out the Baptism in the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles even though the Jews as a nation had rejected their Messiah. God promises and gives the Baptism in the Holy Spirit to all who believe for two reasons: to receive power to be witnesses from Acts 1:8, and to lead us into the truth and cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness (John 16:8-13). The Israelites who believed, received it and told everyone about it. It never passed away! Today, millions speak in tongues, receive power to witness and exercise supernatural gifts.
6. Speaking in tongues passed away after the completion of the canon of scripture
Here is the proof text for people who believe speaking in tongues was only in effect from the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2 until the Bible was completed around 400 AD and then somehow miraculously ceased.
1 Cor. 13:8-11. Love never fails but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; tongues will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away for we know in part, and we prophesy in part; but when that which is perfect comes, the partial will be done away.
First, this whole concept is based on the assumption from one scripture that “perfect” means the completed Bible. Second, Scripture was completed over a long period of time. How and where in history do we ever see that all those who were speaking in tongues were ever directed to stop. Third, if it was the completed Cannon, there would be no more prophecy, and most mistakenly, knowledge would have to be done away with since the verse mentions both of these as well. By implication, this would mean all the following supernatural gifts would be gone now as well, rendering the church without any power from heaven to accomplish its mission.
1 Cor. 12:4-13. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues but one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, is one body, so also is Christ!
The word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues and interpretation of tongues would all be gone. Are they? No! Obviously, “PERFECT” here could not mean the completion of scripture. That which is perfect has not come. Ephesians chapter four tells us to keep a good spirit among us until we come to the “perfect man.” Paul tells us this is a great mystery concerning Christ and His Body, which is not yet complete. As for him Paul said he would continue to press in until he gained Christ (likeness) which is perfect, so he could attain the resurrection out from among the dead ones. When that happens and we are in the presence of God as the sons of God, we will no longer need the gifts of the Spirit that we needed in an earthly body.
7. Speaking in tongues is only one of nine spiritual gifts listed, so everyone doesn’t need it
Because the Bible is not a systematic study by subject, we must do concordance searches to find out about subjects. They are spoken about here and rarely fully explained. If we don’t know what the author understood, we can easily misinterpret something. This is the problem understanding spiritual gifts, especially speaking in tongues. Let’s see if we can clear up some misunderstanding on this important subject.
This is a list of the nine supernatural gifts spoken of by the Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 12.
1 Cor. 12:4-13. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many are one body, so also is Christ!
The dilemma originates in not understanding the context of I Corinthians chapter 14 where all of these gifts were operating through the people. First, Paul is addressing questions asked of him without our knowing what was actually asked. We do know that as the leader, he is obligated to correct the misuse of spiritual gifts. The context of this chapter is not about what happened on the day of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2 when 120 believers received the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues. It says 14 times in chapter 14 that when believers are assembled in church, the use of supernatural gifts are to be orderly so all members might be edified. In this context it is true that speaking in tongues is just one of the spiritual gifts. It is true in the sense that during a service if someone publicly speaks a message in tongues, it must be interpreted in order for all the members to understand what has been spoken in tongues. However, we can see from the Book of Acts that speaking in tongues was also the sign of receiving the Baptism in the Holy Spirit in the first place. It was not a church service. The purpose for the gathering was because Jesus commanded them to wait there until they received God’s promise of His Spirit being poured out.
From the Book of Acts, we understand that speaking in tongues is the evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit not just one of the gifts. It starts in Acts 2 on the Day of Pentecost. There were about 120 all spoke in tongues. If speaking in tongues is only one of the gifts, why did ALL 120 speak in tongues? Verse 33 says the crowd knew because they heard them speak with tongues when Jesus poured it out. That refers to the 120 speaking in tongues, not them exercising the other gifts. If tongues is only one of the nine spiritual gifts here, we should see the distribution of all these gifts divided up among the 120, but the other manifestations were not given to the 120 there. Peter goes on to make it clear that Spirit baptism is for everyone!
Acts 2:38-39, Peter said to them, "Repent, and let each of you be (water) baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. "For the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God shall call to Himself."
His list of people includes everyone! How would they know if they did not speak in tongues like those on the day of Pentecost? Acts 2, 9, 10, 11, and 19 also discuss speaking in tongues. They all support this. This is important. It shows the book of Acts is mostly about receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. In contrast, the context of I Corinthians 14 is about Paul addressing the misuse of supernatural gifts when the church is assembled for group edification.
8. Prophecy is a greater gift than speaking in tongues
This is not true. People frequently say this, but it comes from a misunderstanding of 1 Corinthians chapter 14 where it is written in verse 5. First of all, the verse says prophecy is greater (or better than) speaking in tongues UNLESS OR EXEPT the message in tongues is interpreted. Both are needed and necessary in the operation of tongues and interpretation when assembled in church. Do you notice the same verse says that Paul wishes everyone spoke in tongues? If speaking in tongues is inferior, why would Paul say anything like that? Why would he say in verse 39 that I thank God I speak in tongues more than all the Corinthians (who were misusing praying in tongues while in church) if tongues were truly inferior? Why does he say forbid not to speak in tongues (in church) in verse 39? If they were misusing it, why doesn’t he say to quit doing that? The answer is obvious. We ALL need it, and we need to use it right when we are assembled in church.
God could have just used prophecy in church, but He wanted tongues to be a sign to the unbeliever there (v.22). If you were there as an unbeliever, wouldn’t you ask what the tongues part was all about? While they are amazed, it gives us an opportunity to tell them about God’s supernatural signs.
Second, the context of chapter 14 is about Paul correcting the misuse of any spiritual gift when people are assembled in church where the goal is edification of everyone gathered. A message in tongues is a message but it is not understood (vs.2). Therefore, it must be interpreted (v.27). That is the only context in which Paul is saying prophecy is greater than tongues, or any other gift. Actually, the best gift is any one that God is moving on a person to exercise at any point in time. Paul says God does give different gifts to different people.
1 Cor. 12:4-13. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons; but to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues; but one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ!
However, if you are out somewhere and God wants to use you, He will call on you to use one of these supernatural gifts at some point.
Mark 16:17-18. These signs will accompany those who have believed: In My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it shall not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover. "
When we focus on only the gift we think is the best for us, we may miss what God really wants for us. We hope you can see that speaking tongues is not inferior or that prophecy is greater than any of the other gifts.
9. Speaking in tongues in a church service would be out of order
This is important to know. I Corinthians 14 is not a chapter about receiving the Baptism as in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2. It is about the Corinthians correctly using all the gifts of the Spirit when assembled for the edification of the church, especially speaking in tongues. It mentions “edification” and “assembled” about 20 times. Read the chapter to prove this.
1 Cor. 14:5. Now I wish that you ALL spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy. Greater is one who prophesies than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.
Do you notice the verse says that Paul wishes everyone spoke in tongues? If speaking in tongues is inferior, why would Paul say anything like that? Why would he say in verse 39 that I thank God I speak in tongues more than all the Corinthians (who were misusing praying in tongues while in church) if tongues were truly inferior? Why does he say forbid not to speak in tongues (in church) in verse 39? If they were misusing it, why doesn’t he say to QUIT? The answer is obvious. We ALL need it, and we need to use it correctly when we are assembled in church.
1 Cor. 14:26-33. What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and let one interpret; 28 but if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God. 29 And let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment. 30 But if a revelation is made to another who is seated, let the first keep silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn, and all may be exhorted; 32 and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets; 33 for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
Here we see we are not to avoid supernatural gifts in the assembly, but rather to allow them and to use them correctly. This is a joint responsibility given by God to both the church government and the assembly. God has not changed His mind by somewhere along the way negating them. The leaders are the parents, and the congregation are the children. The children at Corinth were just starting and did not know much about the operation of the gifts. They became ecstatic and fanatical about them. Paul was not afraid of that. He directed them and did not forbid their use. These days, church government either does not know about them, or doesn’t teach Christians how to use them correctly, neither of which is an option.
So how do leaders handle praying in tongues before, during and after services? Before and after service is not disruptive to the service so people can pray in tongues. If leaders are concerned about visitors being offended, they can provide a separate room. It is good for people to pray early about service beforehand as well as after about the message or for others. During the service a message in tongues should be accompanied by an interpretation for edification. There is only one exception to this. Verse 4 says a person who speaks in tongues edifies himself. If during worship a majority of your church speaks in tongues this may happen. At the worship crescendo, people may break into singing in the Spirit for a brief period since they would all be edified. You can restrict this, but visitors will definitely comment about it, and it is a good opportunity to tell them about the operation of the gifts in church. Visitors will witness that this was providential.
10. I need to get better first before God will baptize me with the Holy Spirit
The Bible says, “There is a way that seems right unto man but the end of that is death” (Proverbs 16:25). People’s fallen conscience tells them they need to do something to get right with God before they meet Him. Our biggest misconception is not acknowledging that God, who formed us from the womb and put an eternal spirit in us, wants to help us. The truth is we need to come to the Lord in order to get better.
John 15:5. Apart from me you can do nothing.
John 16:5-16. I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (the Holy Spirit John 14:26) shall not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you and when He comes, He will convict the world concerning sin, and righteousness, and judgment. I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now; but when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth for He will not speak on His own initiative. Whatever He hears He will speak, and He will disclose to you what is to come. He shall glorify me for He shall take of mine and shall disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are mine. Therefore, I said, He takes of mine, and will disclose it to you.
This is the Lord’s promise. He wants God’s Spirit working inside us to make us into what He wants us to be (Phil. 2:13). We cannot get good enough before we come to him (Isa. 64:6-8). He helps us restore our fallen nature to become Sons of God through the Spirit (Rom. 8:14).
Summary
Thank you for reading these concerns about the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. They were developed from the study on “the Spirit Baptism of Jesus” on the home page. Hopefully, this piqued your interest to know more.
The complete study is so Christians can completely understand God’s purpose for pouring out His Spirit through the glorified Christ in the New Testament. God wanted to empower Israel in a way that the Law of Moses could not do. Unfortunately, as a nation, the religious leaders kept the people from receiving their Messiah and what He could do for them. Fortunately, God wanted all the nations to benefit from His promise. So, the Israelites who did receive it obediently delivered it to the nations.
If you have not received it and want to know more, please read the entire study. If you have received it and you think it is important for Christians and others to know more about it, please refer them to this web site.
Once you study it, receive it, and are blessed by it, we know you will be confident to teach others about the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. This would help the church because there is much confusion about this subject.
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May the blessings of the Lord be yours,
Roger and Pam Anderson