8.1Pentecost

Pentecost The ekklesia church is the elect of Christ who come together to discuss and make decisions concerning the Kingdom of God. Surely, if we are to make decisions concerning God’s Kingdom in our lives, we should expect that the King would have a say? That is why Jesus said, in: Mat 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (KJV) In what way do we see Christ in our midst? In the book of Acts, we see one of the most important events that happened after Christ’s salvation work on Calvary. The event came about on the Jewish Feast of Weeks called Pentecost. It was fifty days after Passover at the beginning of the wheat 1. harvest. We read in: Act 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. Act 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. Act 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. Act 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (KJV) When the Jews, who were nearby, heard the commotion made by the disciples who being filled with the Holy Spirit, they came to investigate. This was Peter’s response to their investigation: Act 2:16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; Act 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: Act 2:18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: (KJV) The church of Christ only really started to function when the Holy Spirit came upon them. Yet somehow it’s this manifestation of the Holy Spirit that has

caused a lot of confusion in the church during the past years. Why is that? The answer is quite simple. It is because of human control over something that is only to be controlled by our King and Saviour, Jesus Christ. When man tries to take control over the church, you will find either carnal behaviour or demonic manifestations, or the quenching of spiritual gifts such by the use of programmes in order to avoid the use of spiritual gifts. How did things go so wrong? Church history shows that the same spiritual gifts that we read about in the Bible were still evident throughout the first three centuries of the church, as recorded in these extracts of the church fathers’ documents and letters: Justin Martyr in 150AD remarked that – “the prophetical gifts remain with us, even to their present time…” He continues “…it was possible to see amongst us 2. women and men who possess gifts of the Spirit of God”. Irenaeus wrote around 180AD: “In like manner we do also hear many brethren in the Church, who possess prophetic gifts, and who through the Spirit speak all kinds of languages, and bring to light for the general benefit the hidden things of 3. men, and declare the mysteries of God” Tertullian, wrote around 207 AD wrote: “Let Marcion then exhibit, as gifts of his god, some prophets, such as have not spoken by human sense, but with the Spirit of God, such as have both predicted things to come, and have made manifest the secrets of the heart; let him produce a psalm, a vision, a prayer – only let it be by the Spirit,198 in an ecstasy, that is, in a rapture,199 whenever an interpretation of tongues has occurred to him; let him show to me also, that any woman of boastful tongue in his community has ever prophesied from amongst those specially holy sisters of his. Now all these signs (of spiritual gifts) are forthcoming from my side without any difficulty, and they agree, too, with the rules, and the dispensations, and the instructions of the Creator; therefore without doubt the Christ, and the Spirit, and the apostle, belong severally to my 4. God. Here, then, is my frank avowal for any one who cares to require it.” Novatian, who lived between 200 and 258 AD, wrote: “This is He who places prophets in the Church, instructs teachers, directs tongues, gives powers and healings, does wonderful works, often discrimination of spirits, affords powers of government, suggests counsels, and orders and arranges whatever other gifts there are of charismata; and thus make the Lord’s Church everywhere, and in all,

perfected and completed.

5.

Then something happened that changed all of this around 300AD. As you would recall; Constantine the emperor of Rome institutionalized the church. The church rather suddenly had places of worship, and people were placed in charge over the institutional church. These people found they had a platform to give their priestly performance while the rest of the church became spectators. What do you think happened to the spiritual gifts? Well, just look at the attitude of those who were placed in charge of this institution of man they called the church: Eusebius wrote in around 339AD about someone who had spiritual manifestations: “He became possessed of a spirit, and suddenly began to rave in a kind of ecstatic trance, and to babble in a jargon, prophesying in a manner contrary to the custom of the Church which had been handed down by tradition 6. from the earliest times. Chrysostom who lived around 344-407 AD and who, as you might recall, gave us the art of rhetoric, better known as the sermon, wrote: “This whole phenomenon [of speaking in tongues] is very obscure, but the obscurity is produced by our ignorance of the facts referred to and by their (termination), being such then as used to occur but now no longer take place. And why do they not happen now? Why look now, the cause too of the obscurity hath produced us again another question: namely, why did they then happen, and now do so no 7. more. Chrysostom’s question is valid. Why, indeed, did it happen before and no longer in his time? He just could not see it was this very institution and the religious performance of a one-man show that were quenching the spiritual gifts. Augustine of Hippo, around 354 and 430AD wrote: “In the earliest times, “the Holy Ghost fell upon them that believed: and they spoke with tongues”, which they had not learned, “as the Spirit gave them utterance”. These were signs adapted to the time. For there behooved to be that betokening of the Holy Spirit in all tongues, to show that the Gospel of God was to run through all tongues over the whole earth. That thing was done for a betokening, and it passed away. In the laying on of hands now, that persons may receive the Holy Ghost, do we look that they should speak with tongues? Or when he laid the hand on infants, did each one of you look to see whether they would speak with tongues, and, when he saw that they did not speak with tongues, was any of you so strongminded as to say, These have not received the Holy Ghost; for, had they received,

they would speak with tongues as was the case in those times? If then the witness of the presence of the Holy Ghost be not given through these miracles, by what is it given, by what does one get to know that he has received the Holy Ghost? Let him question his own heart. If he love his brother, the Spirit of God 8. dwelleth in him. Right up to the present day, many in the institutional church still hold to this philosophy of Augustine of Hippo, that the manifestation of the Spirit does not happen as it happened in the Bible anymore. He, like many today, believed that the indication that you have received the gift of the Holy Spirit is by the love you show others. In this section of the Spirit-led Church we’ll look at the Scriptural validity of such a belief. One of the proof texts that are often quoted to prove the cessation of the spiritual gifts after the time of the apostles, is: 1Co 13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 1Co 13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 1Co 13:11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 1Co 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (KJV) Cessationists argue that the perfect came when the canon of Scripture was completed. But this is clearly out of context. This passage does not refer to the canon of Scripture at all. Verse twelve, in referring to “the perfect”, has to do with us: “face to face”. The only time that we will know just as we also are known is when we see Christ face to face, as John explains in: 1Jn 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. (KJV) The perfect that comes, is Christ in all His glory, not the canon of Scripture. Right up till today we still only know in part. This is evidenced by the fact of the fragmented nature of the church. When we see Christ face to face then we will know all things as He knows us. Then those things which used to help us in our ignorance and weakness, like the spiritual gifts, will not be necessary anymore. Some might respond, but why does that, which is intended to help us in our

ignorance, apparently cause even more confusion? Well, simply put; the gifts of the Spirit were not intended to be put on a stage for religious entertainment. The consequences of this misuse of the gifts of the Holy Spirit are the promotion of man’s agendas and the manipulation of Christians. These manifestations actually counterfeit the genuine gifts of the Holy Spirit. In marked contrast to this show, the correct use of the spiritual gifts enables the members of the body of Christ to minister to one another and to spread the gospel.

1. Leviticus 23:15-21 e-Sword 13.0.0 2. Justin Martyr – Dialoque with Tryph, trans. Rev. M. Dods, M.A., 87.1.0, 88.1.0, (ANT: 1), e-Sword 13.0.0 3. Iranaeus – Against Heresies, Book 5, trans. Rev. W.H. Rambaut, 6.1.0, (ANT: 1), e-Sword 13.0.0 4. Tertullian – Against Marcion, Part 2, Book 5, trans. Dr. Holmes, 8.1.0, (ANT: 3), e-Sword 13.0.0 5. Novatian – Trinity Treatise, trans. Rev. Robert Ernest Wallis, 28.1.0, (ANT: 5), e-Sword 13.0.0. 6. Eusebius Pamphilus: Book 5 part 4, trans. Philip Schaff, D.D., LL.D., and Henry Wace, D.D., 21.2.29, (PNT: 1), e-Sword 13.0.0 7. Chrysostom: Homilies on First and Second Corinthians, edit. Philip Schaff, D.D., LL.D., T&T Clark, Edinburgh, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 112.1.18 (NT: 12), e-Sword 13.0.0 8. ST. Augustine: Homilies First John Six, edit. Philip Schaff, D.D., LL.D., T&T Clark, Edinburgh, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 17.02.5 (NT: 7), e-Sword 13.0.0

8.2Tongues and Prophecy

Tongues and Prophecy Even though a number of spiritual gifts are listed by Paul in one Corinthians twelve, we see that when the saints were filled with the Spirit in the book of Acts this was generally manifested in two ways. That is, with prophecy and with tongues. We also see that Paul spent a whole chapter in one Corinthians fourteen to deal with prophecy and tongues. Why was that? What significance do prophecy and the gift of speaking in tongues have, that is not shared by the other spiritual gifts? Well, to answer this question, let’s first look at how these two spiritual gifts functioned in the ekklesia: 1Co 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. (KJV) So, according to Paul, what should we pursue and what should we desire? First of all, we need to pursue love, for that is the basis of ministering to one another, and then we should desire spiritual gifts. We should not only accept spiritual gifts in our meetings, but actually desire them, especially prophecy. Why prophecy? Well, Paul continues in: 1Co 14:2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 1Co 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 1Co 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. (KJV) So why does prophecy seem so important? As this Scripture tells us, prophecy edifies, exhorts and comforts men. But there is something more. Prophecy literally means speaking by the inspiration of God. In other words, a prophet is a spokesperson for God. In contrast, when someone speaks in tongues, Paul wrote that that person: “does not speak to men but to God”, because no one understands the person who speaks in tongues. The person is speaking “mysteries” “in the spirit” as Paul puts it. It seems as if Paul’s explanation of tongues is a little confusing. If tongues are for personal edification, why would the Jews hear God being honoured, each in their own language, when the Spirit came upon the disciples for the first time, as we read in?

Act 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Act 2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Act 2:6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. Act 2:7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? Act 2:8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Act 2:9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Act 2:10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Act 2:11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. Act 2:12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? (KJV) Before we delve into this matter, let us first explore a theory that was made popular by a so-called bishop named Thomas Aquinas in 1265AD. Aquinas apparently believed that the gift of tongues was given for the purposes of missionary work. He even explained that Christ did not have this gift because He only ministered to the Jews. He writes: “nor does each one of the faithful now speak save in one tongue”; …”no one speaks in the tongues of all nations, 1. because the Church herself already speaks the languages of all nations”. There are those today who hold to a variant of this belief, which is that speaking in tongues could still happen but only for the purpose of mission work. Yet this view contradicts Paul who specifically wrote, in: 1Co 14:2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. (KJV) And again we read in:

1Co 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. (NJV) Tongues were not meant as a way to preach the gospel, but for personal edification. So how do we explain Acts 2, where the Jews who had returned to Israel from many regions, heard God being glorified, each in his own regional tongue? Well, Paul explains in: 1Co 14:5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. (NJV) We need to understand that the word, tongues actually just means languages. When the Spirit was poured out on the church the disciples spoke in different languages. Only those who understood the tongue that was spoken were being edified. It’s clear that those who do not understand the tongue would not be edified, as Paul explains, in: 1Co 14:6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? 1Co 14:7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? 1Co 14:8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? 1Co 14:9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. 1Co 14:10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. 1Co 14:11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. 1Co 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. 1Co 14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. (KJV) At Pentecost, when the Jews heard God being glorified each in their own

regional tongue, the writer shows us that they had not repented at that point. They might have been curious and some even mocked the phenomenon, but many of the Jews only converted when Paul preached the gospel afterwards in their common language. There is neither evidence nor example found in Scripture to suggest that tongues were a gift to use in missionary work or to preach the gospel. In that case, if the gift of tongues is not for missionary work, how does it edify the person who is speaking in tongues? Paul continues: 1Co 14:14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. (KJV) What does Paul tell us happens when we pray in tongues? Our spirit prays, but our understanding is unfruitful. That means we won’t have any comprehension of what we say when we pray in the Spirit. How does not understanding what we speak edify us? Paul writes something interesting in: Rom 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Rom 8:27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (KJV) It is as though Paul suggests that relying on the Spirit to give us words to pray beyond our understanding gives us an opportunity for our spirit to pray in the Spirit far above our natural abilities. So this gift allows us to be led by the Spirit in faith beyond our mere understanding. Paul continues to explain in: 1Co 14:15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 1Co 14:16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? 1Co 14:17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. (KJV) Have you noticed the difference Paul makes between praying in the spirit and praying with the understanding? Paul teaches that, should we pray in the Spirit then we and most probably those who hear us would NOT be able to understand what we say, because we would pray or sing in other languages. This is the

reason that Paul wrote that we can’t just pray and sing with the Spirit, but that we also need to pray and sing with the understanding. Paul then continues to explain in: 1Co 14:18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: 1Co 14:19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. 1Co 14:20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. (KJV) According to Scripture, what is more important in the gathering: speaking with the understanding or speaking with tongues? Speaking with the understanding is of greater importance in the church meeting. Paul makes it clear here that speaking in tongues (or other languages) is not meant to edify others unless there is an interpretation of those languages. So once again, we see no indication that this was a gift meant for missionary work. I will repeat that tongues are for personal edification unless the utterance is interpreted so that the church understands what is being said. It’s for personal edification because the person who speaks in tongues is learning to follow the leading of the Spirit in prayer in his or her own spirit, without having to lean on his or her own understanding. Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Pro 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (KJV)

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speaking_in_tongues

8.3A Sign

A Sign Tongues were not only for personal edification. Tongues, as well as prophecy, were given to be signs. It is these signs that distinguish them from the other spiritual gifts. Paul writes further in: 1Co 14:21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 1Co 14:22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. (KJV) What is Paul referring to here? Well Paul was quoting from the book of Isaiah, in: Isa 28:11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. Isa 28:12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. Isa 28:13 But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken. (KJV) So, in what way are tongues a sign for those that do not follow God’s precepts? As we see from Scripture, things were not going well between God and Israel. Right from the time of Moses, God gave the Law and the prophets to guide Israel. Yet Israel steered away from God’s Law and they turned their backs on the warnings of God’s prophets. They were not willing to hear God speaking to them. So God foretold through Isaiah that He would speak to them in “another tongue” and “stammering lips”. That which would have been rest and refreshing for them has become the sign that they would not hear God. When God judged Israel, He opened His Kingdom to believers from all nations and languages and so the manifestation of tongues became a sign of God’s judgment on those who reject Him: first for the Jews and then for the Gentiles. So tongues became the indication of God’s judgment on those who do not obey God’s word. Prophecy, on the other hand, shows us that God is among His people, that the gap between us and God is dissolved. Paul explains this further, in: 1Co 14:23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all

speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? 1Co 14:24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: 1Co 14:25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. (KJV) Isn’t Paul contradicting what he has just taught: that prophecy is a sign for believers and tongues a sign for unbelievers? Not really; look carefully what Paul is saying. An unbeliever might be aware of God’s presence with believers when they prophecy; but prophecy is a sign for believers that God is with them. We read that even unbelievers acknowledge that God is with believers, as the hearts of the unbelievers are exposed by the prophecy. So the acknowledgement of the unbelievers that God is there, is actually a sign of confirmation to the believers. But how can tongues then be a sign to unbelievers, if they mock this strange phenomenon? Well, Paul just explained two verses before, in: 1Co 14:21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. (KJV) The sign is that they will not hear God even if God speaks to them in other languages. This is exactly what happened at Pentecost: Act 2:12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Act 2:13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. (KJV) Some of the Jews who witnessed the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the church, recognized that tongues might be a sign. We are told this by their response: “Whatever could this mean?” The verse afterwards shows us that another group of Jews mocked the speaking of tongues by declaring the disciples to be drunk. Paul speaks of this kind of mockery, in: 1Co 14:23b … will they not say that ye are mad? (KJV) How could their own scornful response be a sign to them if they don’t recognize the sign? Well you see, biblical signs do not have to be understood by those that

they are intended for, especially the signs that indicate God’s judgment. For example, we read about the sign of the rainbow, in: Gen 9:13 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token [sign] of a covenant between me and the earth. (KJV) The sign of the rainbow is still a sign between God and earth even though you will be hard pressed today to find unbelievers recognising this to be a sign from God to the earth. Another example is when the Scribes and the Pharisees asked for a sign from Christ, Jesus answered them as we read in: Mat 12:39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: (KJV) The Pharisees and Scribes never understood that the sign of Jonah had to do with Jesus’s death and resurrection. Yet that was still a sign for their generation who did not understand that Jesus was the Christ. This is one of God’s mysteries in the way He judges the unrighteous. Tongues are a sign of God’s judgment on the unrighteous. It is a judgment from God that originated in Genesis eleven verse one to nine when God judged the people of the earth by dividing them by confusing their languages when they were building the tower of Babel. Let me now go on to consider another aspect to the sign of prophecies and tongues. Prophecy and tongues also demonstrates sign of being filled with the Holy Spirit. As said before, there are many Christians who believe that we are automatically filled with the Holy Spirit when we believe in Christ Jesus. Yet, does the Scripture teach this? The first time the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, we read in: Act 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. Act 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. Act 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. Act 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (KJV) What happened to them when they were all filled with the Holy Spirit? They

began to speak in tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Let us read another account of the Spirit coming upon people: Act 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Act 8:15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: Act 8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Act 8:17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. (KJV) Did the people receive the Holy Spirit when they accepted the gospel that Philip preached and were baptised? No they only received the Holy Spirit when the apostles laid their hands on them some time afterwards. After this we read of a very interesting occurrence: Act 8:18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Act 8:19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. Act 8:20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. (KJV) Simon, who used to practise sorcery before his conversion to Christ, thought he could purchase the ability to impart the gift of the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands. What is interesting about this is the fact that there must have been some kind of manifestation, such as prophecy or speaking in tongues, that would make Simon want to be able to impart this kind of experience so much that he would pay for it. Now let us read: Act 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. Act 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. Act 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Act 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which

have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? (KJV) What happened while Peter was preaching the gospel to the Gentiles for the first time? The Holy Spirit fell upon those who heard the word. How did those believers of the circumcision, who accompanied Peter, know that the Gentiles also received the Holy Spirit just as they did? They heard them speak with tongues and magnify God just as they did when the Spirit came upon them. Can we say that receiving the Holy Spirit is a result of being baptised? No, because these Gentiles were baptised only after they had received the Holy Spirit. Let’s look at one more incident: Act 19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, Act 19:2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. Act 19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Act 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. Act 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Act 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. Act 19:7 And all the men were about twelve. (KJV) Is it true that all disciples have received the Holy Spirit? No; because Paul would not have asked those disciples whether they had received the Holy Spirit when they believed, if receiving the Holy Spirit happens automatically when one believes in Jesus Christ for salvation. Could it not be possible that these were not actual disciples yet? The fact that the Scripture calls these men disciples means that these people were actually disciples. Also, Paul’s question as to whether they had received the gift when they believed, indicates that it is not necessarily that believers receive the gift of the Spirit when they believe. Some would ask then, whether these disciples received the Holy Spirit when they were baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus? No, because we read that they received the Holy Spirit only afterwards, when Paul laid his hands on

them. Finally, what happened to the disciples when they received the Holy Spirit? They prophesied and spoke in different tongues. So prophecy and tongues was a sign that the disciples had received the Holy Spirit. In the next section we will look at how one receives the gift of the Holy Spirit.

8.4Receiving the Holy Spirit

Receiving the Holy Spirit So, what can we conclude from the book of Acts, concerning being filled with the Holy Spirit? Firstly, when the disciples did receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, the gift manifested either through prophecy or tongues or both as they magnified God. Secondly, the disciples did not necessarily receive the Holy Spirit at the time of their conversion and baptism. This shows that just because one has become a Christian does not mean that one has received the gift of the Holy Spirit. This is hard for Christians who have never had this kind of encounter with the Holy Spirit to accept. They believe that they have received the Holy Spirit as a matter of course, through their faith. This is based on the following passage of Scripture: Joh 20:20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Joh 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. Joh 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Joh 20:23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. (KJV) The question is, did the disciples actually receive the Holy Spirit when Jesus breathed on them? If they did receive the Holy Spirit then, why would Jesus say that He first needed to depart? Joh 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. (KJV) Earlier on, Jesus also said: Joh 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. Joh 7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) (KJV)

Jesus had not departed from them nor had He been glorified at the point when He “breathed” on them. In that case, what did Christ mean by saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit” when He breathed on them? The utterance “Receive the Holy Spirit” is in the imperative. In other words, Christ was giving them a command, but in a prophetic sense. Christ was enacting and preparing them for something which would need to happen to them in the near future. That is why Jesus, just before He ascended to heaven said the following to the disciples: Act 1:4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. Act 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. (KJV) This leads us to the important question: how are we to be baptized in the Holy Spirit? We read the following passage in: Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, 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. Act 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. (KJV) We know that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a promise from the Lord and it happens after we have repented and believed in Christ Jesus. So, if we want to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit what should we do then? Well, we don’t always have to wait for some kind apostle to lay His hands on us, as we have already noticed with regards to the recorded examples in Acts. Jesus said the following in: Luk 11:11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Luk 11:12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? Luk 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? (KJV) What does Jesus say we should not be fearful of when we ask the Father for the Holy Spirit? We shouldn’t fear that we’ll receive something evil when we ask for

the Holy Spirit. God is a good Father and won’t give us a demon, like some claim, when we ask for the Holy Spirit. But, what do we do with the fact that there are so-called Christians that go around prophesying and speaking in tongues, yet who show no spiritual fruit? Well, even in the Old Testament there are examples of those who prophesied and whom we would not consider righteous people. For instance, when King Saul was in rebellion against God, he sent messengers to get hold of David so he could kill him, as David was God’s choice to be the new king of Israel. Look what happened next, in: 1Sa 19:20 And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied. 1Sa 19:21 And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they prophesied also. (KJV) We have to admit that this is not a very good environment for God’s Spirit to come upon people. Yet this just demonstrates that God does what He wants irrespective of our spiritual performance. Either way, it’s clear that prophesy was the evidence that the Spirit came upon people. Before Saul became king, Samuel said to him: 1Sa 10:6 And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man. 1Sa 10:7 And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee. (KJV) We see from Samuel’s words that the Spirit would come upon Saul for the first time and then he would prophesy and would even be turned into another man. He would receive boldness just like the disciples did in the New Testament. What does Samuel call this manifestation? Samuel calls it “these signs”, so that he will know that God is with him. Is that not interesting? Look what happened to Saul. 1Sa 10:10 And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them. 1Sa 10:11 And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another,

What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets? (KJV) What is amazing is that even though the Spirit came upon Saul, and he was changed, he still fell away and rebelled against God later on. This proves that just because someone has received the Holy Spirit this does not make him or her incapable of falling into carnal behaviour such as jealousy, pride, lust in the flesh and rebellion against God. We need to realise that the gift of the Spirit is not the same thing as the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Let’s look at the Lord’s explanation of the work of the Holy Spirit: Joh 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. Joh 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: (KJV) Does the world receive the Holy Spirit when He comes to convict them of sin, righteousness and judgment? Well Jesus said earlier: Joh 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Joh 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. (KJV) So the Spirit does work in the world by convicting people of sin, righteousness and judgment, but on the other hand, the world cannot receive the Holy Spirit. In the same way, there are disciples of Christ that have not received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, yet who sense the conviction of the Holy Spirit in their lives, and bear spiritual fruit, as we read in: Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. (KJV) It might not be a good analogy, but consider that one can drink water to quench one’s thirst, and one can also bath in water to wash oneself. These are two different experiences but the same water, and so it is with the Holy Spirit. First

of all, the Holy Spirit convicts all of us every day in our hearts as to how we should live under the lordship of Christ; which produces the fruit of the Spirit. On the other hand, the Holy Spirit also wants to fill us with His power; which produces the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Does this mean one should be able to speak in tongues or prophesy if one was baptised in the Holy Spirit? The Old Testament records the Spirit coming upon the elders of Israel in Sinai, in order for them to function in the task that God called them to do: Num 11:25 And the LORD came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not 1. cease. […and did not continue ] (KJV) What happened when the Spirit came upon the seventy elders of Israel in the time of Moses? They prophesied but only for that particular time. This means that the experience that you had when you were baptised in the Holy Spirit will not necessarily be repeated. Also, Paul asks the following rhetorical questions to help us understand something: 1Co 12:29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 1Co 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? (KJV) What was Paul getting at here? Well, Paul was asking these questions to illustrate the difference between the multiple parts of the body of Christ. He was teaching that just as each member of the body is different from another, so the gifts of the Holy Spirit are also differently distributed to each member. The answer to Paul’s questions was intended to be in the negative, in that not all are prophets or teachers and neither do all have gifts of healing or are able to speak in tongues. It is very possible that some spoke in tongues or prophesied when they were baptised in the Holy Spirit but afterwards practised other gifts such as discernment or healing.

1. Insertion is mine for language clarification.

8.5Practising Spiritual Gifts

Practising Spiritual Gifts Of all the spiritual gifts, prophecy and tongues were different in that they were a sign, as explained in the previous sections. They are a vehicle that God uses to speak to us, either through our understanding or in the Spirit. That is why they were the main expressions of the Spirit when the people were first filled with the Spirit. Paul continues his teaching on this in: 1Co 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. 1Co 14:27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. 1Co 14:28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. (KJV) Spiritual gifts in the church are for the edification of all the members. The instruction quoted above was for an ekklesia gathering. In this passage, Paul stipulates that two, or at the most three, may speak to the fellowship in different types of languages but then someone has to interpret the languages. What should happen if there is no interpretation? Well, those who speak in tongues should not address their tongues to the fellowship but rather speak just to themselves and to God in those tongues. As we have already seen, tongues are for personal edification when we pray in the spirit. Tongues are the way in which the Spirit magnifies God and His deeds in various languages. However, if no one in the ekklesia meeting receives the interpretation of those praises in various languages then no one can be edified by the utterance and no one can say, “Amen”. Act 2:11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. (KJV) Continuing with the practice of prophecy, Paul writes: 1Co 14:29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. (KJV) So what is Paul saying about the practice of the gift of prophecy in the meetings? First of all, there should only be two or three persons speaking the oracles of God in turn in a meeting, while the others in the gathering should judge what they say. That means judging whether what the prophets are saying

is really from God or not, and secondly, deciding what the saints in the ekklesia gathering are going to do about this prophetic word. How much judging of prophecy happens in the institutional churches today? I am afraid very little, if any. Paul writes in: 1Th 5:19 Quench not the Spirit. 1Th 5:20 Despise not prophesyings. 1Th 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (KJV) There seems to be a grey area with regard to quenching the Spirit and testing the Spirit in the church today. Some quench the Spirit but think that they are testing the Spirit while others allow carnal and even demonic manifestations for fear that they might quench the Holy Spirit. Why is that? Well, as I said before; when we are used to spectator oriented, programme led church meetings, you will find these two unbiblical opposing extremes. Let’s first deal with the carnal behaviour that comes about through these stageperformance style of church meetings. Spiritual gifts were not intended to be a performance. They were intended to be the ability of Christ’s body to function as a body led by the Head, Jesus Christ. The spiritual gifts are for the purpose of ministering to the church’s spiritual and physical well-being, so that the body of Christ will grow to maturity. Stage performances in churches are more focused on the individual’s needs than on the body of Christ. They focus on feelings and appearances and not necessarily the well-being of the body of believers. A popular example is the socalled “drunk in the Spirit” manifestations. People who are into getting drunk in the Spirit generally quote: Act 2:13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. (KJV) Yet it’s clear from the context that the phrase, “…full of new wine” was meant as a mockery and not an indication of what happens to those who are filled with the Holy Spirit. Just think about it; was there any indication that the behaviour of the disciples resembled those who are drunk? No, it was the phenomenon of speaking in other languages that was being scorned. What should we look for to discern which manifestations are from the Spirit of God and which are just carnal behaviour? Paul writes in:

1Co 1:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 1Co 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 1Co 1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. (KJV) Jesus said in: Joh 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. Joh 16:14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. (KJV) The above passages make it clear that no flesh should receive glory in God’s presence. In a performance based church the focus is on fleshly manifestations which have only entertainment value for those who are looking for the miraculous. These are carnal manifestations and even though they might be done using the name of Christ, they do not glorify Christ. The Holy Spirit seeks to glorify Christ and not Himself. Quenching the Spirit and despising prophecies goes hand in hand. When we are more interested in motivational speaking, eloquent narrating, dealing with personal needs, sharing the latest theological fad, or dissecting Bible verses than we are about what God has to say, then we are quenching the Spirit. Am I saying- that Scripture does not play that big a role? Of course not! Scripture is of the utmost importance. But Scripture must be used for what it is intended for, and not as a replacement for the Holy Spirit. The Bible was not meant to be used as a fortune cookie, in which to find a quick Scripture as a replacement for a real word of prophecy from God. The Bible is not some book of enchantment with magical powers. It is the historical account of saints and ordinary people, instructions from men of God, words of wisdom, words of praise to God and words from God. Each book of the Bible was written by men who were inspired by the Holy Spirit in order to help us to test what is and what is not from God. In other words, the Bible is the standard to be used to test the spirit and the hearts of men and women. Some meetings in home churches can easily turn into book clubs. By that I mean that people come together to discuss the literal and figurative meanings of some

inspirational writings. They dissect the deeper meanings and how certain words affected them and perhaps inspired them. In itself this is not necessarily bad, but often this has taken the place of actually hearing what the Spirit has to say to the church. The Bible should be used to test whether what is being said is from the Spirit, but not to replace what the Spirit is saying. These kind of Spiritled meetings are rare because of the widespread inability of the church to hear the Spirit of God. Paul continues to write in: 1Co 14:29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. 1Co 14:30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 1Co 14:31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. 1Co 14:32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. (KJV) In an ekklesia gathering there might be two or even three prophets who might bring a specific word from the Lord. As the others judge this word someone else may bring forth an additional word. In that case, Paul says that the first speaker or speakers need to give an opportunity for this additional word; as all may prophecy one by one and be encouraged and learn what the Spirit has to say. The passages that follow on from verse thirty three deal with women speaking in church. We’ll look at this in more detail in the next chapter. Paul wraps up his teaching on spiritual gifts by saying: 1Co 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 1Co 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order. (KJV) I want to stress the point again, about the general inability of the church to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. An ekklesia church shouldn’t meet to just discuss the latest doctrinal fad, share feelings, or chat about whatever comes to mind. It is about Christ conducting a meeting with His elect about His Kingdom. For that very reason we should earnestly desire to prophesy, so we can hear what our King and Saviour have to say to us. We should also not prevent speaking in tongues as long as it is followed by interpretation. When each member of the body comes together for the Lord’s Supper, this

uniting brings about a special communion with the Head that is not possible apart from each other. Yes, each one of us should learn to hear the Spirit speak to us individually in our private times with the Lord. But there’s another dimension of communion with the Lord that is only possible when we gather together. However, that dimension can only be accessed when we are conscious of Christ’s presence, and our hearts are expecting to hear from Him as His body. This should be the time and place where men and women stop talking so as to give space for the Spirit to talk in, through and to the church. It is holy, it is powerful, it is joyful, and sometimes with tears in our eyes we know we are at the feet of Jesus. It is a place where the showmanship of the flesh will be too embarrassed to parade itself. The next section will be even tougher to get through, but it is important to persevere, as I believe our understanding of this will help us to get closer to becoming the kind of fellowships who hear their Lord speaking to them. I pray that as you become the expression of the church that Christ is building that you will submit to Christ in all things, as He desires to interact with the body, His bride, the house of God. We remind you that none of these teachings should be enforced on others, but by grace and patience, study these topics together with the family of God, until the Holy Spirit brings you to a consensus about how to go further as a fellowship on this journey.

Chapter 9: Church Covering