[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by DaveC519

What is the difference between "private tongues" and the "gift of tongues"? It is the difference and diversity of the administration and operation of the Spirit of God (see above).

For example: a person can be in the church service, praying in tongues privately unto God. This same person can also possess the gift of tongues, but this is not what we are referring to now. However, if the operation of the Spirit changes, and the direction of the Spirit leads for an opening in the service whereby tongues and interpretation will go forth, then this same person, who before was speaking in tongues privately, would now be directed to broadcast a message in tongues (perhaps even the exact same words!) to the entire assembly. This then would be followed by an interpretation, and usually in courses of two or three.


If we keep this in mind, chapter 14 comes in to closer focus and better understanding. "Personal tongues" is us (the individual) speaking unto God. The "gift of tongues" is God speaking unto us, the Church.

(did that actually answer your question?)

Yes, thanks, you did answer my question, but I disagree with your assessment. It's just a minor point but I read the whole of 1 Cor 12-14 as being about the gifts of the Spirit. And someone with the gift of tongues can speak in tongues in prayer to God silently or give a message to the entire congregation if that is how the Spirit moves. If a believer doesn't have the gift of tongues, then they don't speak in tongues in prayer or to the congregation.



1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
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.
3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
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.

In context, Paul is speaking of the gift of tongues and he doesn't differentiate between someone speaking in tongues in prayer or to the congregation with the anticipation of an interpretation. And to top it off, Paul states that he wishes everyone spoke in tongues but he would prefer above everyone having the gift of tongues for them to have the gift of prophecy that the whole church would be edified because they would all understand what was being said and would not need an interpreter.

We may have to agree to disagree on this one.