On 5-24-15 Acts 2:1-7, 12; 1 Corinthians 14:13-19 will be our Adult Sunday School/ Uniform Series/ International Sunday School Lesson, herein is my commentary. This lesson is known by some as Gift of Languages

Gift of Languages

Acts 2:1-7, 12; 1 Corinthians 14:13-19

Commentary 

by

Jed Greenough

Is anyone confused by the gift of tongues? I think for a lot of us if you read today's scripture you might be. 

On one hand when you read today's scripture from Acts you see rather clearly that all these foreigners who spoke different languages could all understand. Though the ones speaking were from Galilee these foreigners again who spoke different languages understood. 

However when we move over to today's scripture from 1 Corinthians Paul is speaking for the need for an interpreter. See the confusion? Of course confusion is not what God is about. 

Clearly just as the gift of encouragement exists or the gift of healing, so too does the gift of languages. Confusion reigns when people deny the gift's existence and when the gift is used in a manner that causes confusion. 

Paul said in the not included verse 9 in the same chapter of 1 Corinthians 14, "So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air." And in today's verse 19, "But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words than ten thousand words in a tongue". And I would add that no one understands. 

Again, as it has been for many weeks now, it isn't about us it is about everyone else. We read, "...so that the church may be edified." Verse 5 and "...try to excel in those that build up the church." Verse 12. 

God's word and its order are always consistent and that's not confusing at all, is it? 

For Discussion: 

1. Discuss if you are confused by the gifts of the Spirit
2. Discuss how God would be incapable of being a part of confusion
3. Discuss what the foreigners must have felt and the success of gaining converts that day
4. Discuss your gifts that might not be commonly known such as healing
5. Discuss our continuing theme

Upcoming Lessons 

May 31 The Greatest Gift is Love 1 Corinthians 13 

June 7 God Passes Judgment or Judgement on Israel and Judah Amos 2:4-8