How does 1 Corinthians 14:2 connect with Acts 2:4 on speaking in tongues? Passage Texts 1 Corinthians 14:2: “For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit.” Acts 2:4: “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Shared Source: The Holy Spirit • Both verses anchor the phenomenon in the Spirit’s enabling. • The Spirit is the initiator, not human effort (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:11). Purpose and Audience of Tongues • 1 Corinthians 14:2 highlights a God-ward focus—“does not speak to men but to God.” • Acts 2:4 (with vv. 6-11) shows a man-ward effect—listeners heard “the wonders of God” in their own languages. • Together they reveal two dimensions: – Private or corporate worship directed to God (mysteries of praise/prayer). – Public proclamation that can reach unbelievers when God chooses (Acts 2:11; 1 Corinthians 14:22). Complementary Perspectives • Uninterpreted tongues (1 Corinthians 14:2) edify the speaker (v.4) and require interpretation to benefit the church (vv.13,27-28). • In Acts 2 the Spirit Himself provided interpretation by giving the tongues in known languages, so no additional interpreter was needed. • Both settings affirm intelligibility as the Spirit’s goal—either by direct understanding (Acts 2) or by the gift of interpretation (1 Corinthians 14:5). The Sign Aspect • Acts 2 fulfills Joel 2:28-32, signaling the outpouring of the last-days Spirit. • 1 Corinthians 14:22 calls tongues “a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers,” matching the evangelistic impact witnessed at Pentecost. Synthesis: What We Learn • Same gift, varied expression—one Spirit, multiple functions (1 Corinthians 12:4-6). • Tongues can serve: – Vertical worship (mysteries to God). – Horizontal witness (good news to people). • The deciding factor is the Spirit’s intent in the moment; believers are to follow His leading and Scripture’s order (1 Corinthians 14:18-19,40). Related Scriptures • Mark 16:17—tongues as a promised sign. • Acts 10:46; 19:6—further examples tying Spirit filling with tongues. • Romans 8:26—Spirit-given utterance in prayer parallels “mysteries” language. Takeaway When the Spirit inspires tongues, He may direct them heavenward in prayer (1 Corinthians 14:2) or earthward in proclamation (Acts 2:4); both purposes glorify God and advance His gospel when exercised in love and biblical order. |
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