Tags: #HolySpirit #craigkenner #spiritualgifts #scholars --- Question: Are there leading scholars who believe in a “private prayer language” and what is their Scriptural references? Yes, several leading biblical scholars affirm the idea of a private prayer language (devotional tongues) and provide scriptural support for their view. Here are some of the most notable scholars and their reasoning: 1. Gordon Fee (Pentecostal Scholar, Author of God’s Empowering Presence and Paul, the Spirit, and the People of God) • View: Fee argues that Paul distinguishes between tongues for corporate edification (when interpreted) and tongues for private prayer and personal edification. • Key Scriptures: • 1 Corinthians 14:2 – “For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.” • 1 Corinthians 14:4 – “The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.” • 1 Corinthians 14:14-15 – “For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also…” • Romans 8:26 – Some scholars (including Fee) suggest that the “groanings” of the Spirit here could be related to Spirit-enabled prayer. 2. D.A. Carson (Reformed Scholar, Author of Showing the Spirit: A Theological Exposition of 1 Corinthians 12-14) • View: While Carson does not argue that all believers should speak in tongues, he acknowledges that Paul makes room for a private use of tongues in prayer. • Key Scriptures: • 1 Corinthians 14:18-19 – “I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.” • Carson notes that Paul is grateful for his use of tongues, likely referring to private use, since he does not emphasize its use in public worship. 3. Wayne Grudem (Systematic Theologian, Author of Systematic Theology) • View: Grudem affirms that tongues can function as a private prayer language, distinct from the public gift that requires interpretation. • Key Scriptures: • 1 Corinthians 14:28 – “But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God.” • Grudem argues that this verse suggests tongues can be used privately if not interpreted publicly. • Jude 20 – “But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.” While debated, some believe this supports Spirit-led prayer, possibly including tongues. 4. Sam Storms (Charismatic Reformed Scholar, Author of Practicing the Power) • View: Storms strongly supports the idea of devotional tongues, seeing it as a means of personal edification and communion with God. • Key Scriptures: • Same as Fee and Grudem, particularly 1 Corinthians 14:2, 4, 14-15. • Ephesians 6:18 – “Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” Storms suggests this could include tongues. 5. Craig Keener (Biblical Scholar, Author of The Gift and the Giver) • View: As mentioned earlier, Keener recognizes that tongues can function as a personal means of prayer, based on Paul’s emphasis in 1 Corinthians 14. • Key Scriptures: • 1 Corinthians 14:5 – “Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy.” • Keener highlights that Paul desires tongues for all believers but does not make it a requirement. Summary of Scriptural Basis for a Private Prayer Language: 1. 1 Corinthians 14:2 – Tongues as speaking to God, not men. 2. 1 Corinthians 14:4 – Tongues as a means of self-edification. 3. 1 Corinthians 14:14-15 – Praying in the Spirit contrasted with praying with the mind. 4. 1 Corinthians 14:18-19 – Paul’s private use of tongues. 5. 1 Corinthians 14:28 – Silent personal use of tongues if no interpretation is available. 6. Romans 8:26 – The Spirit intercedes with groanings. 7. Jude 20 – Praying in the Holy Spirit. 8. Ephesians 6:18 – Praying at all times in the Spirit. These scholars generally agree that while not all believers are required to speak in tongues, the New Testament provides a biblical basis for a private, devotional use of tongues as a form of personal prayer and edification.