of prophecy. At this point in the Scriptures, a higher value is placed on inter-
pretation than on the tongues themselves, because the message of the Spirit
can only be understood through the interpretation.
The importance of interpretation is further discussed in 1 Corinthians
14:27–28:
- If anyone speaks in a tongue, two – or at the most three – should speak,
one at a time, and someone must interpret. 28. If there is no interpreter, the
speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.
The academic literature refers to this form of tongues as “glossolalia” (Mills
1986:2). This is the form of tongues that is enacted in modern Pentecostal
churches.
In churches, pastors discern the nature of spiritual messages. To discern
means that they decide whether spiritual messages should be accepted as
legitimate expressions of the Holy Spirit or treated as illegitimate expressions.
Illegitimate expressions are described as stemming from an individual’s fleshly
desires, the impact of an unclean spiritual influence oppressing an individ-
ual, or from the possession of an individual by an unclean spirit. If they are
legitimate they require interpretation. If they are illegitimate they do not.
There are three primary issues that come into play when discerning the
spirit of public expressions displayed during worship services. First, a gift
of tongues mustbe accompanied by an interpretation. The purpose of Spiritual
gifts is to transmit Spiritual guidance, so the congregation needs to understand
the message (1 Corinthians 14:1–25). Any public expressions that do not get
interpretations are not considered appropriate. Second, any gift expressed
must be an expression of love. It must offer support and comfort to the con-
gregation. And, Third, all gifts must be expressed in an orderly and uplifting
manner. Thus, messages with a sad or disorderly tone will not be legitimated.
The pastors give the second criterion, the expression of “love,” a Biblical
basis in 1 Corinthians. 1 Corinthians 13:1–13 speaks of the importance of faith,
hope and love in relationship to spiritual gifts. Love is considered primary.
Speaking in tongues and prophecy are mentioned specifically in 1 Corinthians
13:1–2.
- If I speak in the tongues of men and angels, but I have not love, I am
only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2. If I have the gift of prophecy
and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that
can move mountains, but I have not love, I am nothing.
266 • Bonnie Wright and Anne Warfield Rawls