Tags: #HolySpirit #speakingintongues #craigkenner #spiritualgifts BOTTOM LINE- He has no problem with it being a thing and a language. He is skeptical of it being a private, angelic language. —— Dr. Michael Heiser addressed the topic of speaking in tongues in various contexts, particularly focusing on its biblical background and how it should be understood in light of Scripture. While he acknowledged the role of tongues in the New Testament, he was skeptical of certain modern charismatic interpretations, especially the idea of tongues as a private prayer language. Here’s a summary of his main points: 1. The Biblical Context of Tongues (Acts 2 and 1 Corinthians 12-14) Heiser emphasized that the gift of tongues in Acts 2 involved real human languages, not an ecstatic or angelic language. The disciples spoke in known languages, and their speech was understood by the diverse crowd present in Jerusalem. In 1 Corinthians 12-14, Paul discusses tongues as a spiritual gift, but Heiser pointed out that the context suggests a focus on edification of the church, not just personal experience. 2. Does the Bible Teach a Private Prayer Language? Heiser was skeptical of the idea that tongues were primarily for private prayer. He discussed 1 Corinthians 14:2 (“For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God...”), noting that Paul may be describing what happens when no one understands the language being spoken, rather than promoting a private prayer language. He pointed out that in 1 Corinthians 14:13-19, Paul emphasizes the need for interpretation in public worship, reinforcing that tongues were meant to be understood, not just uttered privately. 1. Tongues as a Sign Gift, Not a Normative Private Practice Heiser leaned toward the idea that tongues were a sign gift meant to authenticate the gospel’s expansion, particularly in the early church. He highlighted 1 Corinthians 14:22, where Paul says tongues are a sign for unbelievers, not necessarily for private spiritual edification. Heiser believed that while God can enable supernatural speech, the modern practice of tongues as a repetitive, personal prayer language lacks strong biblical support. 2. Charismatic Practices and Modern Tongues While Heiser did not dismiss all charismatic experiences outright, he was critical of how tongues are often practiced today. He questioned whether many modern occurrences of tongues genuinely reflected the biblical gift or were more of a learned behavior within certain church traditions. He warned against making tongues a requirement for spiritual maturity, as some Pentecostal groups do. Conclusion: Heiser’s View on Private Prayer Language Dr. Heiser did not find strong biblical evidence for tongues as a private prayer language. He maintained that: 3. The original biblical gift of tongues involved real languages. 4. Paul’s discussion in 1 Corinthians suggests tongues were meant to be understood and interpreted, not used privately without meaning. 5. The idea of a personal prayer language is based on a misreading of 1 Corinthians 14:2. 6. Modern charismatic practices often deviate from the biblical pattern.