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Copyright © 2024 by Dr. Abel Damina

Concerning Spirituals
ISBN:978-978-767-847-3

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be

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writing from the publisher.

Abel Damina Ministries International

98 Nwaniba Road, P.O.B. 2901, Uyo, Akwa Ibom

State, Nigeria.

drabeldamina@yahoo.com

+234 806 800 9939, +234 803 275 6104

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION…………………………………….5

CHAPTER 1
The Indwelling of the Spirit…………………….23

CHAPTER 2
Concerning Spirituals…………………...............33

CHAPTER 3
Desire Earnestly the Best Gifts………………....55
Tongues……………………………………68
Interpretation of Tongues………………..71
Prophecy…………………………………..76

CHAPTER 4
Quench not the Spirit……………………….….113
Being filled with the Spirit………….…..120
Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs.....144

CHAPTER 5
How to get people filled with the Spirit…..…165

CONCLUSION…………………..…………………187

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 INTRODUCTION

The local church is a gathering of believers in an

identified place under the clearly defined authority
of a Pastor. It is a place where God’s word is taught,
believers are trained and instructed to walk in the
word and come to a place of spiritual maturity.

Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and

some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and
some, pastors and teachers; Vs 12 For the
perfecting of the saints, for the work of the
ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Vs 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith,
and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a
perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of
the fulness of Christ: Vs 14 That we henceforth
be no more children, tossed to and fro, and
carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the
sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby
they lie in wait to deceive;

The word “perfecting” was translated from a Greek

word that means to equip; it means to furnish to
fulfill a task. Thus, there is a goal in mind with the

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resources of men in the local church to bring the
believers to maturity. The apostle Paul explained
that the result of the ministry of the leadership of the
local church will cause them to reproduce
themselves in the lives of the believers in that
assembly. They will be furnished and equipped for
the work of the ministry and contribute to the
edifying of the body of Christ. In other words, by
their work, they build up believers who will build
up the local church and they will be ready for the
work of the ministry. Their labour will cause
believers to mature and become stable. In finality,
those believers, as they mature and become stable,
will carry out the work of the ministry. In
manufacturing terms, one can think of it as a
production line for the production of ministers of the
gospel. Thus, the curriculum in the local church is
systematic. One can therefore say that the local
church is a school of ministry; one where believers
are trained and raised to serve.

The book of Acts encapsulates this reality.

Consider how the responsibility of preaching and

teaching was done only by the 12 apostles in the
opening accounts of that treatise.

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 Acts 1:1 The former treatise have I made, O
Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and
teach, Vs 2 Until the day in which he was taken
up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had
given commandments unto the apostles whom
he had chosen: Vs 3 To whom also he shewed
himself alive after his passion by many infallible
proofs, being seen of them forty days, and
speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom
of God: Vs 4 And, being assembled together with
them, commanded them that they should not
depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise
of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of
me.

In Luke’s account above, the Lord Jesus, upon his

resurrection, instructed the apostles not to depart
from Jerusalem. They were to wait for the promise
of the Father.

Acts 1:13 And when they were come in, they

went up into an upper room, where abode both
Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip,
and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James
the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and
Judas the brother of James. Vs 14 These all
continued with one accord in prayer and

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 supplication, with the women, and Mary the
mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

Bar Judas, the eleven were fully represented as they

provided leadership for the disciples on behalf of the
Lord Jesus. It is instructive to see that they all
provided leadership by example as they all
continued with one accord in prayer and
supplication.

In the sequence of events, as presented by Luke,

Peter sets things in order and taught from the
scriptures as they had someone to replace Judas.

Acts 1:15 And in those days Peter stood up in the

midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of
names together were about an hundred and
twenty,) Vs 16 Men and brethren, this scripture
must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy
Ghost by the mouth of David spake before
concerning Judas, which was guide to them that
took Jesus. Vs 17 For he was numbered with us,
and had obtained part of this ministry. Vs 18
Now this man purchased a field with the reward
of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst
asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed
out. Vs 19 And it was known unto all the

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 dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is
called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is
to say, The field of blood. Vs 20 For it is written
in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be
desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his
bishoprick let another take. Vs 21 Wherefore of
these men which have companied with us all the
time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among
us, Vs 22 Beginning from the baptism of John,
unto that same day that he was taken up from us,
must one be ordained to be a witness with us of
his resurrection. Vs 23 And they appointed
two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed
Justus, and Matthias. Vs 24 And they prayed,
and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts
of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast
chosen, Vs 25 That he may take part of this
ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by
transgression fell, that he might go to his own
place. Vs 26 And they gave forth their lots; and
the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered
with the eleven apostles.

A notable fact to observe is that the primary activity

in their gatherings was prayer and the teaching of
God’s word. It appears that Apostle Peter taught

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and provided direction for the church leaders. In
Acts 1, Matthias was selected to replace Judas so that
he would take care of his responsibilities. In other
words, the sheep were not to be without a shepherd,
just as the Lord Jesus taught in Matthew 9:36.

This pattern continued all through the book of Acts.

A text in Acts 6 reinforces this pattern.

Acts 6:4 But we will give ourselves continually to

prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

In other words, we will continue just the way we

started. And it was clear that that must have been a
pattern that the Lord Jesus set for them. Recall
Luke’s opening statement in this book.

… of all that Jesus began both to do and teach…

Having seen this, observe the sequence of events in

Acts 6. Many pivotal moments had led up to this
point.

Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word

were baptized: and the same day there were
added unto them about three thousand souls.

Acts 5:14 And believers were the more added to

the Lord, multitudes both of men and women…

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Vs 16 There came also a multitude out of the
cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick
folks, and them which were vexed with unclean
spirits: and they were healed every one.

Acts 6:1 And in those days, when the number of

the disciples was multiplied, there arose a
murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews,
because their widows were neglected in the daily
ministration. Vs 2 Then the twelve called the
multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It
is not reason that we should leave the word of
God, and serve tables. Vs 3 Wherefore, brethren,
look ye out among you seven men of honest
report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom,
whom we may appoint over this business. Vs 4
But we will give ourselves continually to prayer,
and to the ministry of the word. Vs 5 And the
saying pleased the whole multitude: and they
chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy
Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor,
and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a
proselyte of Antioch: Vs 6 Whom they set before
the apostles: and when they had prayed, they
laid their hands on them. Vs 7 And the word of
God increased; and the number of the disciples

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 multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great
company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

As the number of disciples multiplied in Jerusalem,

the twelve apostles decided to commit
responsibilities to the hands of matured believers,
men that were the result of their labours in the local
church.

Observe how they were described.

Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven

men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and
wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

The result of the expanded leadership structure

further resulted in more growth in the churches.

Acts 6:7 And the word of God increased; and the

number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem
greatly; and a great company of the priests were
obedient to the faith.

… and a great company of the priests were obedient

to the faith…

It was obvious that the influence of the word of God

in Jerusalem spread even to the doorsteps of the
priests; men who could be seen as learned in the law.

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The word of God was growing all over Jerusalem,
and it could be traced as a direct consequence of the
multiplicity of leadership in the local church.

A case in Acts 15 comes to the fore. The believers had

questions and brought them not to the public fora
but to the apostles and elders.

Acts 15:1 And certain men which came down

from Judaea taught the brethren, and said,
Except ye be circumcised after the manner of
Moses, ye cannot be saved. Vs 2 When therefore
Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and
disputation with them, they determined that
Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them,
should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and
elders about this question.

Observe that the question was posed to the

leadership of the church. This wasn't a public
discourse where everyone was welcome to
contribute. It wasn't a town square discussion. It
wasn't one that was debated on social media or the
news media of the day. The church leadership was
saddled with the responsibility of feeding the flock
and answering their questions. Let us see the results.

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 Acts 15:6 And the apostles and elders came
together for to consider of this matter.

The elders and apostles came to consider of the

matter. It wasn't a free-for-all conversation.

This must have taken quite some time to resolve.

These theological questions were subjected to the
necessary rigour that they deserved, by chosen and
qualified men in the local church.

Acts 15:7 And when there had been much

disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them,
Men and brethren, ye know how that a good
while ago God made choice among us, that the
Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of
the gospel, and believe. Vs 8 And God, which
knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving
them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; Vs
9 And put no difference between us and them,
purifying their hearts by faith. Vs 10 Now
therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon
the neck of the disciples, which neither our
fathers nor we were able to bear? Vs 11 But we
believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus
Christ we shall be saved, even as they. Vs 12
Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave

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 audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what
miracles and wonders God had wrought among
the Gentiles by them.

By a sequence of events, James had become the

Pastor of the church in Jerusalem, hence he gave the
final verdict. He speaks authoritatively on the
subject.

Acts 15:13 And after they had held their peace,

James answered, saying, Men and brethren,
hearken unto me: Vs 14 Simeon hath declared
how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take
out of them a people for his name. Vs 15 And to
this agree the words of the prophets; as it is
written, Vs 16 After this I will return, and will
build again the tabernacle of David, which is
fallen down; and I will build again the ruins
thereof, and I will set it up: Vs 17 That the residue
of men might seek after the Lord, and all the
Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith
the Lord, who doeth all these things. Vs 18
Known unto God are all his works from the
beginning of the world. Vs 19 Wherefore my
sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from
among the Gentiles are turned to God:

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Observe their copious quoting and referencing of the
scriptures in arriving at their submission. This
answered all the questions. After this, they
communicated their conclusions by writing. This
provides a pattern for how the epistles were written-
they were written to specific local assemblies to
answer their questions and concerns. The variety of
the issues that they addressed reflects the
uniqueness of each local assembly.

Acts 15:20 But that we write unto them, that they

abstain from pollutions of idols, and from
fornication, and from things strangled, and from
blood. Vs 21 For Moses of old time hath in every
city them that preach him, being read in the
synagogues every sabbath day. Vs 22 Then
pleased it the apostles and elders with the whole
church, to send chosen men of their own
company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas;
namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas,
chief men among the brethren: Vs 23 And they
wrote letters by them after this manner; The
apostles and elders and brethren send greeting
unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in
Antioch and Syria and Cilicia. Vs 24 Forasmuch
as we have heard, that certain which went out

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from us have troubled you with words,
subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be
circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave
no such commandment: Vs 25 It seemed good
unto us, being assembled with one accord, to
send chosen men unto you with our beloved
Barnabas and Paul, Vs 26 Men that have
hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ. Vs 27 We have sent therefore Judas
and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things
by mouth. Vs 28 For it seemed good to the Holy
Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater
burden than these necessary things; Vs 29 That
ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from
blood, and from things strangled, and from
fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye
shall do well. Fare ye well. Vs 30 So when they
were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when
they had gathered the multitude together, they
delivered the epistle: Vs 31 Which when they
had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. Vs 32
And Judas and Silas, being prophets also
themselves, exhorted the brethren with many
words, and confirmed them.

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Observe also that when the letter arrived at the
destination, it took chosen men in the assemblies to
teach its content to the church. The local church is
thus where the Believer is educated concerning the
faith.

As we explore the subject matter of this study with

a bid to answering questions around things of and
pertaining to the Spirit, and a plethora of other
related questions, we will use the same approach as
the apostles did; giving full deference and total
allegiance to what the scriptures teach on the subject.

As Paul said in several of his letters, the believer

must not be in the dark. The believer ought not to be
ignorant.

To the church in Thessalonica.

1st Thessalonians 4:13 But I would not have you

to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which
are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others
which have no hope.

To the church in Corinth.

1st Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual

gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

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Considering that this was a church where in the
opening statement, he had said they came behind in
no gift, yet he had cause to teach them about the
same subject.

1st Corinthians 1:7 So that ye come behind in no

gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ:

Thus, he highlights the invaluable work of the Pastor

in the local church - to ensure that the flock are well
fed and are not tossed to and fro.

This echoes Jesus’ words to Peter. Such was the

importance of it that it formed a major part of Jesus’
conversation with Peter after he was raised from the
dead.

John 21:13 Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread,

and giveth them, and fish likewise. Vs 14 This is
now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to
his disciples, after that he was risen from the
dead. Vs 15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith
to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou
me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea,
Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith
unto him, Feed my lambs. Vs 16 He saith to him

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 again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest
thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou
knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed
my sheep. Vs 17 He saith unto him the third time,
Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was
grieved because he said unto him the third time,
Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord,
thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love
thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

The repetition to feed his sheep thus brings on the

gravity of that responsibility that the Pastor of the
local church holds on behalf of the Lord Jesus.

Hebrews 13:20 Now the God of peace, that

brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that
great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood
of the everlasting covenant…

Thus, the local church presents grounds for where

the believer is taken through a diligent study of the
scriptures on every Bible subject. Akin to how we get
an education through schools over the space of
many years, the local church provides that
environment for the believer to be taught, trained,
and instructed.

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 2nd Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by
inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness: Vs 17 That the man of God may
be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good
works.

Come along on this journey through the scriptures

to provide answers to questions on the use and
propriety of tongues in our world today.

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 Chapter One
THE INDWELLING OF
THE SPIRIT

The reality of the indwelling of the Spirit is a

pertinent fact of our salvation, that every believer
ought to understand.

Philemon 1:6 That the communication of thy

faith may become effectual by the
acknowledging of every good thing which is in
you in Christ Jesus.

The word “every” implies that Paul was discussing

more than one thing. Thus, the believer, the man in
Christ, has several good things in him (her), in
Christ. This is similar to how he taught in 2nd
Corinthians 5:17 “all things” (are become new).

Also, the word “acknowledge” here, was translated

from the Greek word “epignosis”, which implies
“precise”; “accurate” knowledge. That is, a
comprehensive understanding. In other words, the

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believer must have a precise; full recognition of
every good thing (all things) in him, in Christ

Why?

“That the communication of thy faith may become

effectual…”

The word “communication” implies sharing;

partnership; contribution; fellowship. Thus, Paul
was referring to the sharing of the believer’s faith,
that is, the Christian life.

In other words, a believer’s Christian life is only as

effective to the degree that he understands every
good thing (all things) in him, in Christ. That means,
the level of understanding that a believer has of
what he has in Christ, is equivalent to the level of
effectiveness he will have in his participation in the
faith/Christian life.

It is important therefore to know those things that

are in us, in Christ. This is not an overview but a
comprehensive understanding. Hence, we must
acknowledge by having a precise and accurate
understanding of all that we have in Christ. This
explains why the focus of Paul’s prayers in most of
his letters was knowledge (Ephesians 1:15-19,

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Ephesians, Philippians 1:9-10, Colossians 1:9-10,
Philemon 6)

Now, a vital question to ask is;

How can these things be seen or known?

Paul’s words in his letter to the Ephesians give us a

lead.

Ephesians 3:3 How that by revelation he made

known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in
few words, Vs 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye
may understand my knowledge in the mystery
of Christ) Vs 5 Which in other ages was not made
known unto the sons of men, as it is now
revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by
the Spirit;

In other words, Paul implied that we are to read and

understand every good thing in us in Christ, from
the Scriptures. Therefore, it suffices to say that the
believer can only see; know; and understand these
truths (realities) in Him (Her), in Christ; in the
written word.

Now, one of the good things in us (every believer) in

Christ, is the indwelling of the Spirit.

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 Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after
that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of
your salvation: in whom also after that ye
believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of
promise,

From Paul’s explanation in the above texts, the

indwelling of the Spirit is received at Salvation. In
essence, by faith in the gospel of Christ, every
believer is indwelt by the Spirit of God.

This explains why Paul taught repeatedly in his

letters.

1st Corinthians 2:12 Now we have received, not

the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of
God; that we might know the things that are
freely given to us of God.

1st Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the

temple of God, and that the Spirit of God
dwelleth in you?

1st Corinthians 6:17 But he that is joined unto the

Lord is one spirit… Vs 19 What? know ye not
that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost
which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye
are not your own?

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Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the
Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.
Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he
is none of his. Vs 10 And if Christ be in you, the
body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life
because of righteousness. Vs 11 But if the Spirit
of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell
in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead
shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his
Spirit that dwelleth in you… Vs 14 For as many
as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons
of God. Vs 15 For ye have not received the spirit
of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the
Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Vs 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our
spirit, that we are the children of God:

Galatians 3:2 This only would I learn of you,

Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or
by the hearing of faith? Vs 14 That the blessing of
Abraham might come on the Gentiles through
Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise
of the Spirit through faith.

Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath

sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts,
crying, Abba, Father.

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John also did in his letters:

1st John 3:24 And he that keepeth his

commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him.
And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by
the Spirit which he hath given us.

1st John 4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in

him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his
Spirit.

In his account of the Four Gospels, he also explained

that Jesus taught the same truth.

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my

commandments. Vs 16 And I will pray the
Father, and he shall give you another Comforter,
that he may abide with you for ever; Vs 17 Even
the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot
receive, because it seeth him not, neither
knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth
with you, and shall be in you.

From Jesus’ words, the Spirit of Truth (the Holy

Spirit), will abide in us forever.

The same truth is found in the Book of Ezekiel.

Ezekiel 36:25 Then will I sprinkle clean water

upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your
filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse

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 you. Vs 26 A new heart also will I give you, and
a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take
away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will
give you an heart of flesh. Vs 27 And I will put
my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in
my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments,
and do them.

Firstly, notice the use of the phrase “I will” or “will

I”, which was used 7 times, and also the personal
pronoun “my” (“my Spirit”, my statutes”, “my
judgements”). The emphasis lets us see that what
Ezekiel prophesied is God’s personal commitment –
His promise

Secondly, the “new Spirit” that God promised to put

in man (in verse 26), is God’s Spirit or the Spirit of
God (verse 27).

The word “statutes” was translated from the

Hebrew word “choq”, which implies a condition; a
state of being. In other words, what Ezekiel
prophesied was that God will put a condition in man
- His spirit (His nature / a new creature). Then, this
man (indwelt by the Spirit of God) will naturally
walk in His statutes – the Spirit.

This is the New Creature/Man in Christ!

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 2nd Corinthians 5:16 Wherefore henceforth know
we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have
known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth
know we him no more. Vs 17 Therefore if any
man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things
are passed away; behold, all things are become
new.

Ephesians 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the

enmity, even the law of commandments
contained in ordinances; for to make in himself
of twain one new man, so making peace;

Ephesians 4:24 And that ye put on the new man,

which after God is created in righteousness and
true holiness.

Colossians 3:10 And have put on the new man,

which is renewed in knowledge after the image
of him that created him:

Galatians 6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither

circumcision availeth any thing, nor
uncircumcision, but a new creature.

Conclusively, every believer (in the gospel of Christ)

has received the indwelling of the Spirit. From Jesus’
words in John’s gospel, the Spirit of God, abides in
us forever. In other words, the believer is the
permanent abode of the Holy Spirit.

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 Chapter Two
CONCERNING
SPIRITUALS

The concept of the Gifts of the Spirit especially, the

subject of Tongues is an integral part of the
Christian's worship, however, throughout the years,
it has become entangled in numerous controversies
ranging from; what is Tongues, who should speak
with tongues, is it a man's language amongst others?
The fact that it is not a human or natural language,
and beyond human comprehension makes some shy
away from it completely.

To navigate through the intricacies of these

controversies lingering in the minds of men about
speaking in tongues, it becomes imperative to rely
exclusively on the truth found in God's word as
elucidated in the scriptures. Remarkably, many of
these controversies stem from a lack of proper
understanding of certain scriptural texts. When a
text is misinterpreted, a major truth is lost. Paul, in

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the twelfth chapter of his epistle to the saints in
Corinth, delved into the explanation of the things of
the spirit and its application in the local assembly.

A closer look at 1st Corinthians 12

1st Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual

gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
Vs 2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away
unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Vs
3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no
man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus
accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is
the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Vs 4 Now there
are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. Vs 5
And there are differences of administrations, but
the same Lord. Vs 6 And there are diversities of
operations, but it is the same God which worketh
all in all. Vs 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit
is given to every man to profit withal. Vs 8 For
to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom;
to another the word of knowledge by the same
Spirit; Vs 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to
another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; Vs
10 To another the working of miracles; to another
prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to
another divers kinds of tongues; to another the

32
 interpretation of tongues: Vs 11 But all these
worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit,
dividing to every man severally as he will.

Observe verse 1, the word “gifts” is in italics. This

shows, it wasn't in the original manuscript.
Oftentimes, translators add certain words that are
not in the original manuscript to aid the
understanding of the text. However, the added
words could change the meaning of the texts. Hence,
in study, it is good sometimes to remove such words
and have the text as contained in the original
manuscripts.

Having said that, the word gifts as used here, is not

totally out of place, because everything Paul
discussed can be seen as what we have received in
Christ.

Moreover, the proper rendering ought to be:

“concerning spirituals” brethren I would not have
you ignorant.

So, Paul was not talking about only gifts, rather he

was referring to things of and pertaining to the
Spirit.

33
The word “Spirituals” also in the Greek lexicon is
“pneumatikos”, i.e. things of and pertaining to the
Spirit.

The word “pneumatikos” is also used in the

following texts.

1st Corinthians 2:13 Which things also we speak,

not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth,
but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing
spiritual things with spiritual. Vs 14 But the
natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit
of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither
can he know them, because they are spiritually
discerned. Vs 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth
all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

1st Corinthians 3:1 And I, brethren, could not

speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto
carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.

1st Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown unto you

spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap
your carnal things?

1st Corinthians 10:3 And did all eat the same

spiritual meat; Vs 4 And did all drink the same
spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual

34
 Rock that followed them: and that Rock was
Christ.

1st Corinthians 14:1 Follow after charity, and

desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may
prophesy… Vs 12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye
are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may
excel to the edifying of the church… Vs 37 If any
man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual,
let him acknowledge that the things that I write
unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

1st Corinthians 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it

is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body,
and there is a spiritual body… Vs 46 Howbeit
that was not first which is spiritual, but that
which is natural; and afterward that which is
spiritual.

Notice, we have seen the word “pneumatikos” used

for “spiritual things”, “he that is spiritual”,
“spiritual meat”, “Spiritual rock”, “spiritual gifts”
and “Spiritual body”. This shows that it can be
qualified by its proceeding noun.

Hence, as applied by Paul in this letter, the word

spiritual can refer to the message of the gospel,
persons, and activities, and as such, it must be

35
placed in its proper context to know what exactly the
writer was referring to.

However, within the context of 1st Corinthians 12, it

was in reference to the believer, the man in Christ.

So, back to 1st Corinthians 12.

1st Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual

gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Vs
2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away
unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Vs 3
Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man
speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus
accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is
the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Vs 4 Now there
are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. Vs 5
And there are differences of administrations, but
the same Lord. Vs 6 And there are diversities of
operations, but it is the same God which worketh
all in all. Vs 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit
is given to every man to profit withal. Vs 8 For to
one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to
another the word of knowledge by the same
Spirit; Vs 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to
another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; Vs
10 To another the working of miracles; to another

36
 prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to
another divers kinds of tongues; to another the
interpretation of tongues: Vs 11 But all these
worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit,
dividing to every man severally as he will.

The word “ignorant” was translated from the Greek

word “agnoeo”, which implies “a refusal to
recognize” or “willful ignorance” or “to be in the
dark” as touching things of and pertaining to the
Spirit. It was taken from two words in the Greek “a”
and “noeo”.

The word “noeo” implies to exercise the mind

(observe), that is (figuratively) to comprehend, to
heed: consider, perceive, think, to understand, while
the letter “a” is a negating article.

Hence, the word “agnoeo” will imply, “not to

exercise the mind or not to comprehend”.
Oftentimes, it portends a deliberate action.

The word “agnoeo” was used 3 times in this same

epistle;

1st Corinthians 10:1 Moreover, brethren, I would

not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our

37
 fathers were under the cloud, and all passed
through the sea;

1st Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual

gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

1st Corinthians 14:38 But if any man be ignorant,

let him be ignorant.

So, what did Paul mean by he didn’t want them

to be ignorant?

It is important to note that Paul earlier in the same

letter had informed them;

• That they came behind in no gift (1st Corinthians

1:7)

• That they had received the Spirit that is of God

(1st Corinthians 2:10)

• The things of God have been revealed to them by

HIS Spirit (1st Corinthians 2:12)

• The Spirit of God now dwells in them (1st

Corinthians 3:16)

38
• Their body is the temple of the Holy Ghost (1st
Corinthians 6:19)

• The man in union with Christ is one (the same)

Spirit (1st Corinthians 6:17)

Ignorance therefore in this context will refer to their

understanding of the subject of discourse. It will
imply, not just knowing what you have, but also
putting to practice what you now have.

It will interest you to note, that Paul had earlier

admitted in the same letter, that this Church was
enriched in all utterance and came behind in no gift.

1st Corinthians 1:5 That in every thing ye are

enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all
knowledge; Vs 6 Even as the testimony of Christ
was confirmed in you: Vs 7 So that ye come
behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our
Lord Jesus Christ:

Thus, the fact that a man is indwelt by the Spirit and

even demonstrates the diversities of gifts (1st
Corinthians 12:4), which are resident in him, does
not mean he is not ignorant of the things of the Spirit.

39
Hence, not being ignorant will also imply them
being effective in their participation in the things of
and pertaining to the Spirit.

The cure to this ignorance undoubtedly is

knowledge.

1st Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual

gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant…
Vs 3 Wherefore I give you to understand…

Recall that the essence of having this knowledge

(precise and accurate understanding of his salvation
– the New Birth!) is for the believer to be effective in
the sharing of his faith, that is, his Christian life.

Philemon 1:6 That the communication of thy

faith may become effectual by the
acknowledging of every good thing which is in
you in Christ Jesus.

Thus, when Paul said (in 1st Corinthians 12:1) he did

not want believers to be ignorant of the things of the
Spirit, it implies that the teaching and learning of the
things of the Spirit will make the believer effective in
his participation of the same.

40
That was why Paul repeatedly in the same letter (1st
Corinthians) referred to some believers as
unlearned.

1st Corinthians 14:16 Else when thou shalt bless

with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the
room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving
of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what
thou sayest?

1st Corinthians 14:23 If therefore the whole

church be come together into one place, and all
speak with tongues, and there come in those that
are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say
that ye are mad?

1st Corinthians 14:24 But if all prophesy, and

there come in one that believeth not, or one
unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of
all:

The word “unlearned” implies uninformed;

untaught; or unschooled. So, a believer can be an
illiterate in the things of the Spirit, which will be
evident in his perception, his words and his actions.
Hence, Paul equated their response (twice) to that of
the unbeliever. Definitely, this is the product of

41
being ignorant of the things of the Spirit (1st
Corinthians 12:1).

1st Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual

gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant…
Vs 3 Wherefore I give you to understand…

Their response, based on Paul’s explanation is quite

instructive.

1st Corinthians 14:16 Else when thou shalt bless

with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the
room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving
of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what
thou sayest?

• He cannot say amen…

1st Corinthians 14:23 If therefore the whole

church be come together into one place, and all
speak with tongues, and there come in those that
are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say
that ye are mad?

• He will say that you (fellow believers) are

mad

1st Corinthians 14:24 But if all prophesy, and

42
 there come in one that believeth not, or one
unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of
all: Vs 25 And thus are the secrets of his heart
made manifest; and so falling down on his face
he will worship God, and report that God is in
you of a truth.

• He acknowledges (just as an unbeliever will

do) that God is in them (of a truth), because
the secrets of his hearts were revealed, not
that he is convinced from the written word.
Thus, the confession was based on the
spectacular!

In other words, such believers do not appreciate the

activities of the Spirit when we come together, how
much more in their private lives. They behave like
men without the Spirit, yet indwelt by the Spirit!

Now, pay attention to Paul’s explanation further in

1st Corinthians 12.

1st Corinthians 12:4 Now there are diversities

of gifts, but the same Spirit.

What did Paul mean by the same Spirit?

43
He explained it in context.

1st Corinthians 12:7 But the manifestation of the

Spirit is given to every man to profit withal… Vs
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one
body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we
be bond or free; and have been all made to drink
into one Spirit.

The Spirit indwelling the believer.

Notice he had explained the same Spirit in earlier

chapters.

1st Corinthians 2:12 Now we have received, not

the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of
God; that we might know the things that are
freely given to us of God.

1st Corinthians 6:17 But he that is joined unto the

Lord is one spirit… Vs 19 What? know ye not
that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost
which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are
not your own?

Thus, the same Spirit, is the Spirit which is of God,

is “one Spirit”, is the Spirit, “the one and self-same

44
Spirit” - the Spirit indwelling the believer. And “the
Spirit” is received at Salvation (Ephesians 1:13)

Also, what did he mean by diversities of gifts?

The word “gifts” was translated from the Greek

word “charisma”, which implies supernatural
endowments; supernatural abilities. It also implies,
that once it is given to you, it belongs to you. That is
the gifts in the Spirit are supernatural abilities of
the believer.

Thus, all the diversities of gifts (abilities) are

resident in every believer.

Evidently, the phrase “diversities of gifts” was to

explain the supernatural abilities of the Spirit in or
of the believer.

In verses 8 to 10, Paul listed these abilities.

1st Corinthians 12:8 For to one is given by the

Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word
of knowledge by the same Spirit; Vs 9 To
another faith by the same Spirit; to another the
gifts of healing by the same Spirit; Vs 10 To

45
 another the working of miracles; to another
prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to
another divers kinds of tongues; to another the
interpretation of tongues:

This list by Paul, based on their operations, can be

put into the following classifications:

• Utterance Gifts: Gifts in the Spirit (of the

believer) that have to do with speaking. That
is, they are in operation in and through the
believer, via utterances. They are; Tongues,
Interpretation of Tongues, and Prophecy.

• Revelation Gifts: Gifts in the Spirit (of the

believer) that reveal or unveil facts. That is,
when they are in operation in and through
the believer, facts about people, places, events
and things are revealed or unveiled. They are;
a Word of Wisdom, a Word of Knowledge,
and Discerning of Spirits)

• Power Gifts: Gifts in the Spirit (of the

believer) that do or accomplish a task. The
task in context, will be “healings” and
“miracles”. In other words, when they are in
operation in and through the believer, the

46
 power of God (resident in the believer) will
heal the sick and work miracles. They are; the
Gifts of Healings, Workings of Miracles,
and Gift of Faith)

So, if Paul referred to them as charisma, this stresses

the fact that these abilities have now become a
faculty in the recipient, that is, they are not only free,
they are within the stewardship of the recipient, and
they cannot be lost. Thus, these supernatural
faculties to “speak, to know (perceive) and to do”
abide permanently in every believer.

It is evident therefore, that these abilities (in us)

when they are in operation, produce activities in and
through us. Thus, they are better described as the
gifts (abilities) in the Spirit (of the believer).

Jesus’ words in Mark 16 are quite instructive.

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all

the world, and preach the gospel to every
creature. Vs 16 He that believeth and is
baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not
shall be damned. Vs 17 And these signs shall
follow them that believe; In my name shall they
cast out devils; they shall speak with new

47
 tongues; Vs 18 They shall take up serpents; and
if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt
them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they
shall recover.

Observe he said …these signs shall follow them that

believe

Evidently, what Jesus said to his disciples here, was

what Paul explained as the abilities (charisma) of the
believer, which is a function of the indwelling of the
Spirit.

Therefore, by Faith in the gospel, the believer is

indwelt by the Spirit (Ephesians 1:13, 1st
Corinthians 12:7), and all the diversities of gifts
(abilities) in the Spirit are resident in the believer.

Therefore, we can;

• Speak Supernaturally: Tongues,

Interpretation of Tongues, and Prophecy.

• Know or Perceive Supernaturally: A Word of

Wisdom, a Word of Knowledge, Discerning
of Spirits.

48
 • Do Things Supernaturally: The Gift of Faith,
Workings of Miracles, Gifts of Healings.

Now, the question that readily comes to the fore is;

Why then did Paul say in verse 11 …dividing

to every man severally as he wills?

1st Corinthians 12:11 But all these worketh that

one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every
man severally as he will.

Firstly, what did Paul mean by All these?

Reading contextually, he is referring to the different

gifts he had mentioned earlier from verses 8 to 10.

1st Corinthians 12:8 For to one is given by the

Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word
of knowledge by the same Spirit; Vs 9 To another
faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of
healing by the same Spirit; Vs 10 To
another the working of miracles; to another
prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to
another divers kinds of tongues; to another the
interpretation of tongues:

49
Hence it ought to be all these gifts.

Recall that the one and selfsame spirit is the spirit he

has been speaking of in the same letter, which is the
spirit indwelling the believer, which was explained
in verse 7, as the manifestation of the spirit which
has been given to every man that believes.

So, what then did Paul mean by ...dividing to

every man severally as he will?

Whose will is spoken of here?

The word “dividing” means to distribute, to

apportion things to people. The word “severally”
implies individuals, that is, this distribution was
done to individuals.

The word “will” is from the Greek word

“boulomai”, which implies what you desire or what
you want.

Now, a synonym of the phrase “as he wills” can be

seen in other texts of Scriptures.

For instance, in the Four Gospels:

50
 John 6:11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when
he had given thanks, he distributed to the
disciples, and the disciples to them that were set
down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they
would. Vs 12 When they were filled, he said unto
his disciples, Gather up the fragments that
remain, that nothing be lost.

Hence, they received as much as they needed, until

they were filled.

In the Book of Acts:

Acts 2:45 And sold their possessions and goods,

and parted them to all men, as every man had
need.

Acts 4:35 And laid them down at the apostles'

feet: and distribution was made unto every man
according as he had need.

Thus, it is the man's will that is being spoken of. That

is, distributions were made according to people’s
needs.

So, back to 1st Corinthians 12.

Reading contextually, Paul gave them instructions

to covet earnestly; desire the gifts.

51
1st Corinthians 12:31 But covet earnestly the best
gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

He gave similar instructions in subsequent Chapters

1st Corinthians 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire

spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

1st Corinthians 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are

zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to
the edifying of the church.

1st Corinthians 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to

prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

The words “covet or desire” used in the above texts

was translated from same Greek word “zeloo”,
which implies to burn with zeal.

Notice carefully that in all these instances, the

instruction was to believers, not the Spirit. Thus, it
suffices to say, it is the believer that desires (wills) to
function with the gifts (abilities) of the Spirit,
resident in us.

Hence, what Paul implied in 1st Corinthians 12:11 is

that, functioning with the gifts (abilities of the Spirit)
resident in the us (received at salvation), is a

52
function of the believer’s desires. And desire is a
function of knowledge.

Hence, Paul said “he didn’t want them to be

ignorant of the things of the Spirit.

1st Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual

gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

This explains why he extensively taught them the

same, from the Scriptures.

53
54
 Chapter Three
…DESIRE EARNESTLY
THE BEST GIFTS…

1st Corinthians 12:31 But covet earnestly the best

gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent
way.

From earlier chapters, it has been established that

Paul explained the gifts of the Spirit from verses 8 to
10.

1st Corinthians 12:8 For to one is given by the

Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word
of knowledge by the same Spirit; Vs 9 To another
faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of
healing by the same Spirit; Vs 10 To another the
working of miracles; to another prophecy; to
another discerning of spirits; to another divers
kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of
tongues:

55
And based on their operations, they can be classified
as:

• Utterance gifts: Tongues, interpretation of

tongues, and prophecy.

• Revelation Gifts: a word of wisdom, a word of

knowledge, and discerning of Spirits

• Power gifts: the Gifts of healings, workings of

miracles and gift of faith

So, what then will Paul imply by best gifts?

Now in understanding the above statement by Paul,

we must place our minds on two key phrases in the
statement;

• Covet earnestly

• The best gifts

What did he mean by “covet earnestly”?

As earlier explained, the phrase “covet earnestly”

was translated from the Greek word “zeloo”; which
implies to be zealous; to eagerly desire.

56
Paul gave similar instructions to the Church in 1st
Corinthians 14.

1st Corinthians 14:1 Follow after charity, and

desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may
prophesy.

1st Corinthians 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye

are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may
excel to the edifying of the church.

1st Corinthians 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet

to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with
tongues.

Notice that the emphasis here was “to prophesy”.

Furthermore, what did he mean by the “best

gifts”?

The word “best” was translated from the Greek

word “kreitton”, it was gotten from the word
“kraton”. It implies stronger; best; the better; the
greater. It was used 17 times in the Greek texts of the
books of the Bible and 3 times in the Pauline epistles.
He used it in the following texts

57
 1st Corinthians 7:9 But if they cannot contain, let
them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

1st Corinthians 11:17 Now in this that I declare

unto you I praise you not, that ye come together
not for the better, but for the worse.

Now, observe how the same text was translated by

other translations of the books of the Bible.

• The Darby's translation

1st Corinthians 12:31 But desire earnestly the

greater gifts, and yet shew I unto you a way more
surpassing excellence.

• The Revised Version

1st Corinthians 12:31 But desire earnestly the

greater gifts. And still more excellent way she's I
unto you.

• 1912 Weymouth New Translation

1st Corinthians 12:31 But always seek to excel in

the greater gifts. And now I will point out to you
a way of life which transcends all others.

58
Now notice the last statement in verse 31 “...and yet
shew I unto you a more excellent way”. This implies
as we read the proceeding chapters and verses, we
will understand in context what he said in verse 31.

Notice: Paul used the same words spirituals

(“pneumatikos”) and desire (“zeloo”) in chapter
14:1, which he had used earlier in chapter 12:1 & 31
respectively.

1st Corinthians 14:1 Follow after charity, and

desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may
prophesy.

By observation, we can safely say at this point that

whatever he asked to “covet earnestly” in chapter
12:31 will be the same thing he asked them to
“desire” in chapter 14:1.

Similar to 1st Corinthians 12:1 (examined earlier),

the word “free for” was italicized, hence, the focus
of his discussion was “spirituals”.

The word “spirituals” was translated from the

Greek word “pneumatikos” or “pneumatikon”
which implies things of and pertaining to the Spirit
or activities of the Spirit.

59
The word “rather” was translated from the Greek
word “mallon”, which implies “so much more” or
“in a greater degree”. It was used 42 times in the
Pauline epistles and 9 times in this particular epistle.

1st Corinthians 5:2 And ye are puffed up, and

have not rather mourned, that he that hath done
this deed might be taken away from among you.

1st Corinthians 6:7 Now therefore there is utterly

a fault among you, because ye go to law one with
another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why
do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be
defrauded?

1st Corinthians 7:21 Art thou called being a

servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be
made free, use it rather.

1st Corinthians 9:12 If others be partakers of this

power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless
we have not used this power; but suffer all
things, lest we should hinder the gospel of
Christ.

1st Corinthians 14:1 Follow after charity, and

desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may
prophesy... Vs 5 I would that ye all spake with

60
 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… Vs 19 Yet in
the church I had rather speak five words with my
understanding, that by my voice I might teach
others also, than ten thousand words in an
unknown tongue.

From the way it was employed in the above text, it

could imply “better still”; “much more”; “in
particular”; or “a greater degree”.

The word “that” was translated from the Greek

word “hina”, which implies in order that (denoting
the purpose or the result): albeit, because, to the
intent (that), lest, so as, (so) that, (for) to. It always
speaks of the intent or purpose of an action.

Now, let us take the above grammatical analysis of

the words “desire”, “rather”, “that” into the text
under study (1st Corinthians 14:2 ...and desire
spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.)

This will be better understood as: “...covet earnestly

spirituals, particularly (much more or better still) to
the intent that you may prophesy...”

61
Hence, it can be concluded clearly that “the best
gifts” will be “prophecy” (tongues plus
interpretation of tongues).

From verse 3 we begin to see the importance of the

instruction he gave them in verse 1 to desire to
“prophesy”: for the edification, exhortation and
comfort of others.

Now,

In verse 4, he now separates tongues and prophecy

• They are both for edification however the

object of edification differs.
• Tongues is for personal edification, while
prophecy is for the edification of the church.
• So very clearly Paul was discussing ministry
in the church (local church)

Now, pay close attention to verse 5, it actually brings

meaning to verse 4.

Paul said “greater is he” that prophesies than he that

speaks in tongues excepts he interprets, this clearly
implies: tongues and interpretation when they are
used together equals prophecy (verse 5).

62
Paul here, discusses three of the gifts he mentioned
earlier in Chapter 12:8-10

• kinds of tongues, interpretation of tongues

and prophecy.

The phrase “greater is he” first brings to the mind

two sets of believers:

• The one that speaks in tongues only

• And the one who does not only speak in
tongues, but also interprets his tongues
(prophesies) to the end that he edifies his
church.

Hence, Paul very clearly was discussing the ministry

of tongues in the local assembly.

Thus, when Paul said in 1st Corinthians 12:31

...desire earnestly the greater gifts, he was referring
to the operations of tongues which is the diversity of
tongues. The greater gifts therefore are tongues and
interpretation of tongues, that is prophecy.

Again, observe, the subsequent discussion in the

proceeding verse was focused on utterances or
speaking.

63
1st Corinthians 14:2 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. Vs 3
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to
edification, and exhortation, and comfort. Vs 4
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth
himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the
church. Vs 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. Vs 6 Now,
brethren, if I come unto you speaking with
tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall
speak to you either by revelation, or by
knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?...
Vs 9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue
words easy to be understood, how shall it be
known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into
the air… Vs 11 Therefore if I know not the
meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that
speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall
be a barbarian unto me… Vs 13 Wherefore let
him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray
that he may interpret. Vs 14 For if I pray in an

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unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my
understanding is unfruitful. Vs 15 What is it
then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray
with the understanding also: I will sing with the
spirit, and I will sing with the understanding
also. Vs 16 Else when thou shalt bless with the
spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the
unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks,
seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
Vs 17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the
other is not edified. Vs 18 I thank my God, I
speak with tongues more than ye all: Vs 19 Yet
in the church I had rather speak five words with
my understanding, that by my voice I might
teach others also, than ten thousand words in an
unknown tongue… Vs 23 If therefore the whole
church be come together into one place, and all
speak with tongues, and there come in those that
are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say
that ye are mad? Vs 24 But if all prophesy, and
there come in one that believeth not, or one
unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of
all: Vs 26 How is it then, brethren? when ye
come together, every one of you hath a psalm,
hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation,
hath an interpretation. Let all things be done

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 unto edifying. Vs 27 If any man speak in an
unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most
by three, and that by course; and let one
interpret. Vs 28 But if there be no interpreter, let
him keep silence in the church; and let him speak
to himself, and to God. Vs 29 Let the prophets
speak two or three, and let the other judge… Vs
31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all
may learn, and all may be comforted… Vs 39
Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and
forbid not to speak with tongues.

There was a lot of emphasis on speaking or

utterances

Notice Paul used the word “desire” in context for

“tongues” and “to prophesy”

• ...covet earnestly the best gifts (1st

Corinthians 12:31)

• ...desire spirituals rather that you may

prophecy (1st Corinthians 14:1)

• ...be zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye

may excel to the edifying of the church.
Wherefore let him that speaketh in an

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 unknown tongue pray that he may interpret
(1st Corinthians 2:13)

• ...brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not

to speak with tongues (1st Corinthians 14:39)

Hence, from Paul's explanation in chapters 12 and

14, it is clear that the “best gifts” are “diversities or
kinds of tongues” and “interpretation of tongues”
which he taught as “prophecy”.

Now, let us examine the utterances gifts as

explained by Paul in his first letter to the
Corinthians.

1st Corinthians 12:10 To another the working of

miracles; to another prophecy; to another
discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of
tongues; to another the interpretation of
tongues:

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 TONGUES
1st Corinthians 14:2 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.

Firstly, in the context of this letter, the “he” who

speaks in tongues is the believer. This is because
“tongues” is one of the diversities of
gifts/endowments/supernatural faculties resident
in every believer.

1st Corinthians 12:4 Now there are diversities of

gifts, but the same Spirit… Vs 7 But the
manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man
to profit withal… Vs 10 To another the working
of miracles; to another prophecy; to another
discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of
tongues; to another the interpretation of
tongues… Vs 13 For by one Spirit are we all
baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or
Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have
been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Secondly, when the believer speaks in tongues he is

actively involved in a discussion with God. Thus,

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speaking in tongues is an activity in/by/from/of
the Spirit.

Notice, that the word “him” was italicized, that is, it

was imputed by the translators of the King James
Version of the Bible. Thus, what is not understood
(in the mind) is what was uttered in tongues, that
was why he further explained tongues as speaking
mysteries in verse 2b., and the understanding
(mind) being unfruitful/unproductive/at
crossroads in verse 14.

1st Corinthians 14:14 For if I pray in an unknown

tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my
understanding is unfruitful.

Hence, to the human mind, tongues is mysteries (not

understood), however, in the Spirit, the believer is
involved in a discussion with deity.

Now, recall that the word “mysteries” implies that

which needs to be explained. That was why Paul
explained consistently in the same letter that the
way tongues can be understood and the Church
(other believers) edified, is via the gift of
interpretation of tongues.

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 1st Corinthians 14:4 He that speaketh in an
unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that
prophesieth edifieth the church. Vs 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.
Vs 6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking
with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I
shall speak to you either by revelation, or by
knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

Clearly, when the believer speaks in tongues, he is

actively involved in a discussion with God (the
Father), and he edifies himself. However, when he
interprets his tongues (which equals prophecy) he
edifies the Church (other believers).

Therefore, since “tongues” is unintelligent to the

human mind, the way the mind receives direction,
leading, and guidance when the gift of tongues is in
operation is via the gift of interpretation of tongues.

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 INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES
1st Corinthians 12:10 To another the working of
miracles; to another prophecy; to another
discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of
tongues; to another the interpretation of
tongues:

As it was described by Paul, the gift of

“interpretation of tongues” will imply for it to be in
operation, the gift of tongues is in operation. That is,
the reason for the interpretation of tongues is
tongues. In essence, in the operations of the gifts in
and through the believer, tongues precede the
interpretation of tongues. That was why Paul always
mentioned it together with (or after he had
mentioned) tongues.

1st Corinthians 12:10 To another the working of

miracles; to another prophecy; to another
discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of
tongues; to another the interpretation of
tongues:

1st Corinthians 14:4 He that speaketh in an

unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that
prophesieth edifieth the church. Vs 5 I would

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 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.

1st Corinthians 14:13 Wherefore let him that

speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he
may interpret.

1st Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren?

when ye come together, every one of you hath a
psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a
revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things
be done unto edifying.

1st Corinthians 14:27 If any man speak in an

unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by
three, and that by course; and let one
interpret. Vs 28 But if there be no interpreter, let
him keep silence in the church; and let him speak
to himself, and to God.

The words “interpretation” or “interpret” were

translated from the same Greek word “hermeniea”,
which implies to explain or give meaning to. Hence,
“interpretation of tongues simply means, to give a
meaning to; to uncover; to explain; to report the

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outcome of the discussion with God (which was
spoken in tongues) to the mind.

So, it does not come from the mind; rather, it is from

the same source as tongues - The Spirit. That is, the
gift of interpretation of tongues does not mean
translation of tongues, rather, explaining to the
mind what was uttered in tongues. Since tongues is
unintelligent to the human mind, it is not possible
for the mind to translate tongues based on its
understanding of grammar in the vocabulary it has
been trained with/in or it is used to.

Hence, it is the Spirit of the believer explaining or

giving the meaning of what was uttered in tongues
to the mind in intelligible speech. This is how the
human mind is productive, that is, carried along
when the utterance gifts are in operation in and
through the believer, and consequently the Church
is edified.

1st Corinthians 14:2 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. Vs 3 But he that
prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification,
and exhortation, and comfort. Vs 4 He that

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 speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself;
but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

So, via the interpretation of tongues, the believer

brings the outcome of the discussions or fellowship
he had with the Father in tongues (in the Spirit), to
the mind.

Now, observe how Paul explained tongues and

interpretation of tongues in verse 5.

1st Corinthians 14:4 He that speaketh in an

unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that
prophesieth edifieth the church. Vs 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.

The word “rather” was translated from the Greek

word “mallon”, which implies much more or so
much the more.

In other words, Paul’s explanation here was when

the believer speaks in tongues and then interprets
what he uttered in tongues, it equals prophecy. That
is, tongues plus the interpretation of tongues is the

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how of prophecy. To prophesy is to speak in tongues
and then to interpret what was uttered in tongues.

It therefore suffices to say, that in the operations of

the utterance gifts in and through the believer,
tongues is primary. Hence, the apostolic instructions
in the Epistles for believers to be given to praying in
tongues (in the Spirit).

Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer

and supplication in the Spirit, and watching
thereunto with all perseverance and supplication
for all saints;

Jude 1:20 But ye, beloved, building up

yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in
the Holy Ghost,

Paul (the author) himself, was a worthy example.

1st Corinthians 14:18 I thank my God, I speak

with tongues more than ye all: Vs 19 Yet in the
church I had rather speak five words with my
understanding, that by my voice I might teach
others also, than ten thousand words in an
unknown tongue.

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He was given to speaking in tongues more than an
entire Church. So, the things he taught and
instructed, are the things he also practiced, privately
and publicly (in the local Church).

PROPHECY
1st Corinthians 12:10 To another the working of
miracles; to another prophecy; to another
discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of
tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

The word “prophecy” was translated from the

Greek word “propheteia”, which is a noun that is
derived from the verb “propheteuo” (to prophesy).
It implies to speak forth by the inspiration of the
spirit, and it is usually at the spur of the moment.

Recall, in Acts 2

Acts 2:16 But this is that which was spoken by the

prophet Joel; Vs 17 And it shall come to pass in
the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my
Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your
daughters shall prophesy, and your young men

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 shall see visions, and your old men shall dream
dreams:

Peter here, quoted and explained from Joel’s

prophecy.

Joel 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that

I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your
sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old
men shall dream dreams, your young men shall
see visions: Vs 29 And also upon the servants
and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour
out my spirit.

The word “prophesy” used by Joel here, was

translated from the Hebrew word “nabaar”, which
implies primarily to speak by inspiration or to speak
forth from another. It also means to predict or say
what will happen.

In Luke’s synoptic account, Jesus explained specific

things in the prophecies of the prophets concerning
his sufferings and the glory that should follow.

Luke 24:25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and

slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have
spoken: Vs 26 Ought not Christ to have
suffered these things, and to enter into his

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 glory? Vs 27 And beginning at Moses and all the
prophets, he expounded unto them in all the
Scriptures the things concerning himself.

The focus of his explanation in their prophecies

where the things they prophesied concerning
himself. Thus, the prophets were inspired to
prophesy concerning Christ’s redemptive work,
which was futuristic. So, when we read the
Scriptures (Old Testament books of the Bible), we
will see prophecies by the prophets, concerning
God’s promise or commitment of what He will do in
Christ.

Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called

to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of
God, Vs 2 (Which he had promised afore by his
prophets in the holy Scriptures,) Vs 3 Concerning
his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of
the seed of David according to the flesh; Vs 4 And
declared to be the Son of God with power,
according to the spirit of holiness, by the
resurrection from the dead:

1st Peter 1:10 Of which salvation the prophets

have enquired and searched diligently, who
prophesied of the grace that should come unto

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 you: Vs 11 Searching what, or what manner of
time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did
signify, when it testified beforehand the
sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should
follow. Vs 12 Unto whom it was revealed, that
not unto themselves, but unto us they did
minister the things, which are now reported unto
you by them that have preached the gospel unto
you with the Holy Ghost sent down from
heaven; which things the angels desire to look
into.

2nd Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by

inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness:

It is key to note, however, that today, by virtue of the

New Birth, every believer has the ability to
prophesy. This in itself was a prophecy (given by
Joel) fulfilled in Christ’s resurrection from the dead
– by the indwelling of the Spirit

Joel 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that

I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your
sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your
old men shall dream dreams, your young men

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 shall see visions: Vs 29 And also upon the
servants and upon the handmaids in those days
will I pour out my spirit.

Acts 2:16 But this is that which was spoken by

the prophet Joel; Vs 17 And it shall come to pass
in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my
Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your
daughters shall prophesy, and your young men
shall see visions, and your old men shall dream
dreams:

The phrase “this is that” implies this is the fulfilment

of Joel’s’ prophecy …your sons and daughters shall
prophesy. Therefore, “prophecy” or “prophesying”
is not an exclusive right of a select few. In Christ, it's
inclusive of every believer.

Paul was emphatic in his letter to the Church at

Corinth.

1st Corinthians 14:5 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.

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 1st Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren?
when ye come together, every one of you hath a
psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a
revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things
be done unto edifying.

1st Corinthians 14:24 But if all prophesy, and

there come in one that believeth not, or one
unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of
all:

1st Corinthians 14:31 For ye may all prophesy

one by one, that all may learn, and all may be
comforted.

Every believer can prophesy. For all the diversities

of gifts are resident in, and at work in and through
every believer.

1st Corinthians 12:4 Now there are diversities of

gifts, but the same Spirit. Vs 5 And there are
differences of administrations, but the same
Lord. Vs 6 And there are diversities of operations,
but it is the same God which worketh all in all. Vs
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to
every man to profit withal... Vs 10 To another the
working of miracles; to another prophecy; to

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 another discerning of spirits; to another divers
kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of
tongues:

That said

Now, recall Paul’s explanation of prophecy in

Chapter fourteen

1st Corinthians 14:4 He that speaketh in an

unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that
prophesieth edifieth the church. Vs 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 essence, he explained that tongues plus

interpretation of tongues equals prophecy. Clearly,
the how of prophesying in the Church is via tongues
and interpretation of tongues. Again, this shows the
primary nature of tongues.

Observe closely the preceding and proceeding

verses.

1st Corinthians 14:6 Now, brethren, if I come unto

you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit

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 you, except I shall speak to you either by
revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying,
or by doctrine?

Evidently, to speak in tongues is to speak mysteries

(in / by the Spirit), while to speak by revelation is to
prophesy (which is to speak in tongues and the
interpretation (in intelligible speech) of what was
uttered in tongues by the Spirit).

Therefore, it is safe to say, that the term to speak by

revelation or by the Spirit, which was used once by
Paul (1st Corinthians 12:3) and severally in the Book
of Acts, will mean, to speak via the utterance gifts,
which is tongues and interpretation of tongues – to
prophesy.

• In essence, every believer CAN speak by the

Spirit or by Revelation!

That was why Paul consistently, in talking about the

utterance gifts and believers (the Church), used the
word “ALL”.

1st Corinthians 14:5 I would that ye all spake

with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for
greater is he that prophesieth than he that

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 speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that
the church may receive edifying.

1st Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren?

when ye come together, every one of you hath a
psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a
revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things
be done unto edifying.

1st Corinthians 14:24 But if all prophesy, and

there come in one that believeth not, or one
unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of
all:

1st Corinthians 14:31 For ye may all prophesy

one by one, that all may learn, and all may be
comforted.

Now, pay attention to his explanation from verses

23 to 25.

1st Corinthians 14:23 If therefore the whole

church be come together into one place, and all
speak with tongues, and there come in those that
are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say
that ye are mad? Vs 24 But if all prophesy, and
there come in one that believeth not, or one

84
 unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of
all: Vs 25 And thus are the secrets of his heart
made manifest; and so falling down on his face he
will worship God, and report that God is in you
of a truth.

The word “secrets” was translated from the Greek

word “kruptos”, which implies to conceal, while the
word “manifest” implies to uncover or to reveal
what was concealed. In this context, in the heart of
man.

Thus, the statement “the secret of his heart made

manifest” infers that when the gift of prophecy
(which is tongues plus the interpretation of tongues)
is in operation, it comes with the vehicle of
revelation (revelation gifts). That was why Paul
explained further in verse 26.

1st Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren?

when ye come together, every one of you hath a
psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a
revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things
be done unto edifying.

The phrase “every one of you” actually means “each

one of you”, thus, every believer, by the virtue of the

85
New Birth, has access to the revelations in the
Spirit. Furthermore, every believer can speak by
revelation.

1st Corinthians 14:30 If any thing be revealed to

another that sitteth by, let the first hold his
peace. Vs 31 For ye may all prophesy one by one,
that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

Observe that Paul had used the word “comforted”

or “comfort” earlier in Verse 3.

1st Corinthians 14:3 But he that prophesieth

speaketh unto men to edification, and
exhortation, and comfort.

Notice also, that the word Paul used emphatically,

each time he spoke about prophecy was “edify” or
“edifies” or “edifying” or “edification”.

1st Corinthians 14:3 But he that prophesieth

speaketh unto men to edification, and
exhortation, and comfort. Vs 4 He that speaketh
in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that
prophesieth edifieth the church. Vs 5 I would
that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye
prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than

86
 he that speaketh with tongues, except he
interpret, that the church may receive edifying…
Vs 12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of
spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the
edifying of the church… Vs 17 For thou verily
givest thanks well, but the other is not
edified… Vs 26 How is it then, brethren? when
ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm,
hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation,
hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto
edifying.

In other words, the word “edify” was a compound

word he used to explain exhortation and comfort.

The word “comfort” was translated from the Greek

word which implies to provide help via information
while “exhortation” means to stand by someone.
That is, the information that is spoken via prophecy
gives direction, guidance, help, and
encouragement to believers.

Interpretation of tongues therefore is to uncover;

disclose or reveal to others (the Church) the things
that have been uttered in tongues to/discussed with
the Father, that is, to speak forth the mind, counsel,

87
and wisdom of God to another (believer(s)) to the
end that he (she) is / they are edified.

So, when the gift of prophecy (tongues and

interpretation of tongues) is in operation in and
through the believer, it is to the end that the Church
is edified and this is the theme of his exhaustive
explanation and instructions in 1st Corinthians 14.

1st Corinthians 14:1 Follow after charity, and

desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may
prophesy.

In view of the above explanation, let us proceed to

examine what happened on the day of Pentecost.

What Happened on the Day of Penetecost?

(Explaining Acts 2)

Truth is, the misconception of the events of Acts 2,

arises due to lack of proper interpretation narrative
of Luke.

Therefore, let's revisit the whole text carefully;

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Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully
come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Vs 2 And suddenly there came a sound from
heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled
all the house where they were sitting. Vs 3 And
there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as
of fire, and it sat upon each of them. Vs 4 And
they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and
began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit
gave them utterance. Vs 5 And there were
dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of
every nation under heaven. Vs 6 Now when this
was noised abroad, the multitude came together,
and were confounded, because that every man
heard them speak in his own language. Vs 7 And
they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one
to another, Behold, are not all these which speak
Galilaeans? Vs 8 And how hear we every man in
our own tongue, wherein we were born? Vs 9
Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the
dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and
Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Vs 10
Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the
parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of
Rome, Jews and proselytes, Vs 11 Cretes and
Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues

89
the wonderful works of God. Vs 12 And
they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying
one to another, What meaneth this? Vs 13 Others
mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
Vs 14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven,
lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men
of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be
this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
Vs 15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose,
seeing it is but the third hour of the day. Vs 16
But this is that which was spoken by the prophet
Joel; Vs 17 And it shall come to pass in the last
days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon
all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall
prophesy, and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams: Vs 18
And on my servants and on my handmaidens I
will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they
shall prophesy: Vs 19 And I will shew wonders
in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath;
blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: Vs 20 The
sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon
into blood, before that great and notable day of
the Lord come: Vs 21 And it shall come to pass,
that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord
shall be saved. Vs 22 Ye men of Israel, hear these

90
words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of
God among you by miracles and wonders and
signs, which God did by him in the midst of you,
as ye yourselves also know: Vs 23 Him, being
delivered by the determinate counsel and
foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by
wicked hands have crucified and slain: Vs 24
Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the
pains of death: because it was not possible that
he should be holden of it. Vs 25 For David
speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord
always before my face, for he is on my right
hand, that I should not be moved: Vs 26
Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue
was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in
hope: Vs 27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul
in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to
see corruption. Vs 28 Thou hast made known to
me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of
joy with thy countenance. Vs 29 Men and
brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the
patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried,
and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Vs 30
Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that
God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the
fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would

91
raise up Christ to sit on his throne; Vs 31 He
seeing this before spake of the resurrection of
Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither
his flesh did see corruption. Vs 32 This Jesus hath
God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Vs
33 Therefore being by the right hand of God
exalted, and having received of the Father the
promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth
this, which ye now see and hear. Vs 34 For David
is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith
himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on
my right hand, Vs 35 Until I make thy foes thy
footstool. Vs 36 Therefore let all the house of
Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that
same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord
and Christ. Vs 37 Now when they heard this,
they were pricked in their heart, and said unto
Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and
brethren, what shall we do? Vs 38 Then Peter
said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every
one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the
remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of
the Holy Ghost. Vs 39 For the promise is unto
you, and to your children, and to all that are afar
off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
Vs 40 And with many other words did he testify

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 and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this
untoward generation. Vs 41 Then they that
gladly received his word were baptized: and the
same day there were added unto them about
three thousand souls.

Notice in verse 5 that the audience were stated

clearly to be Jews, devout men out of every nation
under heaven.

In verse 6, we see what seems to be the issue, that is,

they (the audience) were said to have heard them
(the apostles, the 120) speak in their own language.

Careful reading will show us that seventeen (17)

nations were mentioned from verse 9 through to
verse 11.

Therefore, a question we need to ask is;

Why would 17 nations commonly say to each

other that they heard them speak in their
language?

Observe closely that for the audience to have been

able to communicate with one another and agree
that they heard the 120 speak (which implies they

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also agreed on what they heard them say), already
implies that the language heard was something they
all spoke together, that is, a common or binding
language was spoken by the 120 disciples (including
the apostles) and heard by everyone in the audience.

This in itself readily defeats or debunks the

assumption that the audience heard the 120 disciples
speak to them in different human languages. To
believe otherwise and to be cynical will mean that
one assumes that the 120 disciples spoke at least
seventeen (17) different languages at the same time
and it was “mysteriously” understood by seventeen
(17) different nationals who now interpreted to each
other in one commonly understood language and
came to the same conclusion that the 120 disciples
spoke of the wonderful works of God.

Again, notice what was said in verse 8.

Acts 2:8 And how hear we every man in our own

tongue, wherein we were born?

...wherein we were born?

A major issue here will be to zero down what

happened on this day of Pentecost to just speaking
with tongues, but Peter doesn't say so.

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 Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy
Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as
the Spirit gave them utterance.

Reading as a paragraph will let us see that they also

prophesied because Peter interpreted this event
from Joel's prophecy as quoted below.

Joel 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that

I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your
sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old
men shall dream dreams, your young men shall
see visions: Vs 29 And also upon the servants and
upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out
my spirit. Vs 30 And I will shew wonders in the
heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and
pillars of smoke. Vs 31 The sun shall be turned
into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the
great and the terrible day of the Lord come.

Notice that this prophecy was inclusive of prophecy

and visions.

So, what could have happened on this day of

Pentecost?

Acts 2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem

Jews, devout men, out of every nation under

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 heaven. Vs 6 Now when this was noised abroad,
the multitude came together, and were
confounded, because that every man heard them
speak in his own language.

In verse 6, the word “language” was taken from the

Greek word “Dialektos” which is translated as the
word “dialect”. This speaks of where or when you
have a conversation, that is, the things you use in a
conversation.

Now, “tongues” isn't a conversation between two or

more people (1st Corinthians 14:2), else that will
mean you will respond back in that same medium.

So, were they referring to tongues when the

word “Dialektos” was used?

Acts 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven

tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of
them. Vs 4 And they were all filled with the Holy
Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as
the Spirit gave them utterance… Vs 11 Cretes
and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our
tongues the wonderful works of God.

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In these texts, the word “tongues” was taken from
the Greek word “glossa”.

Acts 10:46 For they heard them speak with

tongues, and magnify God. Then answered
Peter,

Again, “tongues” here is from the word “glossa”.

“Glossa” means communication, that is, I'm saying

something but it is not a “Dialektos” that you can
respond to (for example, when babies are talking,
something is being said but cannot be responded to).

So,

“Glossa” refers to unintelligent speaking.

“Dialektos” refers to intelligent speaking.

Therefore, there were two distinct things going on in

Acts 2.

- Unintelligent speaking (a communication)

- Intelligent speaking (a conversation)

You'll see the word “glossa” used for tongues in the

following texts or references too.

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 Acts 2:11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them
speak in our tongues the wonderful works of
God.

Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands

upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and
they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

“Glossa” - a medium of communication. It doesn't

have to be a dialect or something you can exactly
translate to yourself.

1st Corinthians 12:10 To another the working of

miracles; to another prophecy; to another
discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of
tongues; to another the interpretation of
tongues… Vs 28 And God hath set some in the
church, first apostles, secondarily prophets,
thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of
healings, helps, governments, diversities of
tongues.

1st Corinthians 13:1 Though I speak with the

tongues of men and of angels, and have not
charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a
tinkling cymbal… Vs 8 Charity never faileth: but
whether there be prophecies, they shall fail;
whether there be tongues, they shall cease;

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whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish
away.

1st Corinthians 14:5 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. Vs 6 Now,
brethren, if I come unto you speaking with
tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall
speak to you either by revelation, or by
knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?...
Vs 18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more
than ye all… Vs 21 In the law it is written, With
men of other tongues and other lips will I speak
unto this people; and yet for all that will they not
hear me, saith the Lord. Vs 22 Wherefore
tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe,
but to them that believe not: but prophesying
serveth not for them that believe not, but for
them which believe. Vs 23 If therefore the whole
church be come together into one place, and all
speak with tongues, and there come in those that
are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say
that ye are mad?... Vs 39 Wherefore, brethren,

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 covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with
tongues.

Therefore, we can say clearly that in Acts 2, there

was a dialect they could respond to and there was
also a general speaking.

Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy
Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as
the Spirit gave them utterance.

Observe the phrase “other tongues” which was

taken from the Greek words “heteros glossa”.

“heteros” means different

“glossa” means communication

So, whilst “Dialektos” or dialect refers to our usual

mode of communication (something I can respond
to), “heteros glossa” or different tongues will thus
be a reference to a different communication, that is,
a different way of speaking.

Why then is it possible to have a challenge

with this day of Pentecost?

The challenge with this is due to the fact that there

100
are things written in scriptures that are descriptive
stories and are not prescriptive.

Observe that on this day of Pentecost, we had

different commentaries that were documented.

Apart from what those around said in verse 6, some

other made comments as quoted below.

Acts 2:6 Now when this was noised abroad, the

multitude came together, and were confounded,
because that every man heard them speak in his
own language. Vs 7 And they were all amazed
and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold,
are not all these which speak Galilaeans?... Vs 11
Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in
our tongues the wonderful works of God.

Notice that all these commentators were neither the

12 apostles or anyone from the 120 disciples who
were speaking in tongues, that is, they were not the
speakers but the audience.

Notice other commentators.

Acts 2:12 And they were all amazed, and were in

doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth
this?

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These were clearly doubters and as such are not
credible people to pick our narratives from. They
were not teachers but eye witnesses.

Acts 2:13 Others mocking said, These men are

full of new wine.

This means these people were just describing and

giving their different interpretations to what was
happening on this day of Pentecost.

Who then should we listen to?

1. Luke

What did Luke (the writer of this book) say?

Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy
Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as
the Spirit gave them utterance.

He said they spoke with tongues as the spirit gave

them utterance.

2. Peter

Acts 2:14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven,

lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men

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 of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be
this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
Vs 15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose,
seeing it is but the third hour of the day. Vs 16
But this is that which was spoken by the prophet
Joel; Vs 17 And it shall come to pass in the last
days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon
all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall
prophesy, and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams: Vs 18
And on my servants and on my handmaidens I
will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they
shall prophesy:

Peter says clearly that this was a supernatural

occurrence, that is, both the speaking and the
visions.

We can't put away either Luke or Peter's explanation

and pick our doctrine from the description of the
audience, rather we're to listen to those authorized
to speak.

So, the day of Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2 was

not just about speaking in tongues.

1. They spoke in tongues

2. They spoke in known languages

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These two (2) can occur together.

This was what happened in Acts 10 as well.

Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the

Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the
word. Vs 45 And they of the circumcision which
believed were astonished, as many as came with
Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was
poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. Vs 46 For
they heard them speak with tongues, and
magnify God. Then answered Peter,

• They heard them speak with tongues

• Then they heard them magnify God.

Then, in Acts 19 too.

Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands

upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and
they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Again, we see that tongues occurred here with the

gifts of the spirit called interpretation of tongues
which brings about what is called prophecy or
prophesying.

Another question(s) that may arise is;

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- Was this day of Pentecost unique?

- Were they speaking in tongues and the

audience miraculously or mysteriously heard
them in their own language?

Now, such an occurrence won't be an impossibility

as a working of miracle, especially since we have
scriptural evidence of a donkey braying and it was
understood by a man (miraculously) as though he
was being spoken to in his own language.

Numbers 22:28 And the Lord opened the mouth

of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have
I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these
three times? Vs 29 And Balaam said unto the ass,
Because thou hast mocked me: I would there
were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill
thee. Vs 30 And the ass said unto Balaam, Am
not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever
since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont
to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay. Vs 31 Then
the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw
the angel of the Lord standing in the way, and his

105
 sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down
his head, and fell flat on his face.

However, this day of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts

2 was not so. From the narrative, and consequently
Peter’s explanation from the Scriptures, what
happened on the day of Pentecost

• Prophecy (tongues and interpretation of

tongues)
• visions and revelations.

This was further explained and corroborated by

Peter

Acts 11:15 And as I began to speak, the Holy

Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Vs
16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how
that he said, John indeed baptized with water;
but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Vs
17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift
as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus
Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

Here, Peter shows that there's a parallel between

what happened in Acts 10 and what happened in
Acts 2.

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So, if we can unequivocally say that Acts 10 was
tongues and interpretation (as earlier seen), then
that is what happened in Acts 2.

Notice in Acts 11:17, Peter said “the like gift”, that is,
the same thing or the same way.

So, tongues occurred together with the

interpretation of tongues in Acts 10 and that was
what happened in Acts 2 as well.

Therefore, speaking in tongues isn't in human

language but it is interpreted by the speaker in
human language, and this equals prophecy.

Furthermore, this also implies that if speaking in

tongues were to be human language, then, of what
use will be the gift of the Spirit called the
interpretation of tongues. Thus, Paul’s explanation
of the “gift of interpretation of tongues”, shows that
speaking in tongues is supernatural, and for it to be
understood, the utterances in tongues have to be
interpreted supernaturally (by the Spirit) and not via
linguistics skills or abilities.

1st Corinthians 12:10 To another the working of

miracles; to another prophecy; to another

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 discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of
tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

1st Corinthians 14:5 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.

Speaking in tongues serves dual purposes.

1st Corinthians 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet

to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with
tongues.

This implies that you can forbid tongues and you

won't be disobeying God or clearly written
scriptural instructions.

So, when we speak with tongues, either in prayer or

in praise, it goes to God and it glorifies God.

Therefore, we must learn to pray often, a lot or at all

times in tongues.

Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer

and supplication in the Spirit, and watching
thereunto with all perseverance and supplication
for all saints;

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Other instances where believers spoke with tongues
in the book of Acts.

Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the

Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the
word. Vs 45 And they of the circumcision which
believed were astonished, as many as came with
Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was
poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. Vs 46 For
they heard them speak with tongues, and
magnify God. Then answered Peter,

Cornelius, a Roman centurion, and his household

received the Holy Spirit while Peter was preaching
to them. As a manifestation of the Holy Spirit, they
began speaking in tongues.

Whilst the recipients of the Spirit and consequently

all who spoke in tongues in Acts 2 were Jews, Luke
recorded a Gentile and his household receiving the
Spirit and also spoke in tongues. Such that the Jews
who came with Peter were astonished. Infact, Peter
was later called for questioning about the occurrence
in the house of cornelius.

Acts 11:1 And the apostles and brethren that

were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also
received the word of God. Vs 2 And when Peter

109
 was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the
circumcision contended with him, Vs 3 Saying,
Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and
didst eat with them. Vs 4 But Peter rehearsed the
matter from the beginning, and expounded it by
order unto them, saying… Vs 15 And as I began
to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at
the beginning. Vs 16 Then remembered I the
word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed
baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized
with the Holy Ghost. Vs 17 Forasmuch then as
God gave them the like gift as he did unto us,
who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was
I, that I could withstand God? Vs 18 When they
heard these things, they held their peace, and
glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the
Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

It is also important to note that all the audience in

the house of Cornelius who believed spoke in
tongues and Peter said the experience they had is
similar to that they had earlier on the day of
Pentecost. Hence, everyone irrespective of tribe and
culture who believes in the gospel can speak with
tongues.

Luke recorded another instance in Acts 19.

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 Acts 19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos
was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the
upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding
certain disciples, Vs 2 He said unto them, Have
ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?
And they said unto him, We have not so much as
heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. Vs 3
And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye
baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
Vs 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with
the baptism of repentance, saying unto the
people, that they should believe on him which
should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
Vs 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in
the name of the Lord Jesus. Vs 6 And when Paul
had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost
came on them; and they spake with tongues, and
prophesied. Vs 7 And all the men were about
twelve.

Paul encounters a group of disciples in Ephesus who

had only received the baptism of John. Paul teaches
them about the Holy Spirit, and upon receiving
baptism in the name of Jesus and the laying on of
hands, they speak in tongues.

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As seen in the two previous instances, all who heard
the gospel of Christ and believed spoke with
tongues.

That said, every believer has One Gift-One Spirit,

The Spirit and in that One Gift, One Spirit (in every
believer, we have all the diversities of the gifts, one
of which is the interpretation of tongues with which
believers meets needs and guides (edifies) fellow
believers (the Church).

112
 Chapter Four
QUENCH NOT THE
SPIRIT

In the previous chapters, we have examined in

detail, what Paul explained in his letter to the
Corinthians …concerning Spirituals (things of and
pertaining to the Spirit)…

He taught them concerning the things of and

pertaining to the Spirit of God, indwelling every
believer, which we all received at salvation.

An important fact also examined, was Paul’s

instruction to believers to “covet earnestly; desire”
the best gifts.

1st Corinthians 12:31 But covet earnestly the best

gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent
way.

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 1st Corinthians 14:1 Follow after charity, and
desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may
prophesy.

As earlier explained, desire is a function of

knowledge, hence, Paul taught them extensively,
concerning the things of the Spirit.

He gave further instructions “to forbid not” to speak

in tongues.

1st Corinthians 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet

to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with
tongues.

Hence, functioning with the gifts (abilities of the

Spirit) resident in the us (received at salvation), is a
function of the believer’s desires.

It is pertinent to understand that Paul gave a similar

instruction or charge in his letter to the church in
Thessalonica.

1st Thessalonians 5:19 Quench not the Spirit Vs

20 Despise not prophesyings Vs 21 Prove all
things; hold fast that which is good.

The word “Quench” implies to extinguish

something, to suppress something; to hinder.

114
This was oftentimes used for something that is
burning with fire, then put out, or used for
something that is working but stopped from
working.

For instance, Paul used it in Ephesians 6:16;

Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of

faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the
fiery darts of the wicked.

This implies that the wicked will not stop throwing

darts but because the believer has the shield of faith,
he or she will stop the darts from working.

Hence, the word “Quench” basically relates to

believers' attitude of zeal and desire. It has to do
with putting out an effect. Quench has to do with fire
which implies that to “Quench not the Spirit” will
mean to quench not the fire of the Spirit in our lives
as believers.

This implies that Paul likens the things of the spirit

(concerning spirituals) in our lives as believers in
Christ to a fire or fiery furnace that must be kept
aglow or burning at all times.

115
Since Paul taught from the Scriptures, he must have
gotten this from the clear instructions given to the
priests (a synonym for the believer today, seeing that
we are also to be found serving the Lord) as
documented in the text below

Leviticus 6:12 And the fire upon the altar shall

be burning in it; it shall not be put out: and the
priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and
lay the burnt offering in order upon it; and he
shall burn thereon the fat of the peace offerings.
Vs 13 The fire shall ever be burning upon the
altar; it shall never go out.

Moreso, Paul brings this to bear in his personal

instructions to Timothy.

2nd Timothy 1:6 Wherefore I put thee in

remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God,
which is thee by the putting on of my hands.

The word “Stir up” implies to allow something to

burn, to fan to flame. This implies (in the context of
our study here) that when it comes to the things of
the spirit or the spirit’s fire in our lives, it is up to us
to make it burn or to keep fanning the flame.

116
In other words, the believer must watch anything
that has the capacity to quench his or her hunger and
thirst for the things of the spirit

Back to 1st Thessalonians 5

1st Thessalonians 5:19 Quench not the Spirit Vs

20 Despise not prophesyings Vs 21 Prove all
things; hold fast that which is good.

The word “despise” in verse 20, implies to disregard

or to treat something with contempt. It is used for
people who are familiar with a something or
someone, thus, do not take advantage of the same.
Oftentimes, it is used for a gift that someone refuses
to accept.

The phrase “all things” in verse 21, implies “all

these things” and it must be seen in context.

In context, Paul was discussing “prophesyings”.

Hence, Paul was asking believers to “Prove

prophesyings”

The word “Prove” can be used in the positive or

negative; the context of its use will determine
whether it was used in the positive or negative.

117
However, when used in the positive, it is not used to
test whether good or bad. The word is used to
demonstrate.

For instance, in Galatians 6

Galatians 6:4 But let every man prove his own

work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself
alone, and not in another.

In other words when things are “proved or proven”

it implies they are put to work.

The phrase “Prove all things” therefore implies “put

it to work”. Hence, the next statement in 1st
Thessalonians 5:21 “…Hold fast to that which is
good”

In other words, what Paul implied was do not

suppress or put out the spirit's fire by despising
prophesying, but put the things of the Spirit to
practice and holding fast to that which is good.

That which is good is therefore “prophesyings”

The Spirit's fire is “prophesyings”

Notice that the term “Prophesyings” within this

context, will not only be in reference to the gift of

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prophecy. It is a general word for things spoken of
and by the spirit. It therefore refers to inspired
utterances that reveal, unveil a fact and addresses
our attention to a subject matter.

In other words, the utterance gifts (Tongues,

interpretation, and prophecy) work more effectively
by putting them into practice. The more the believer
practices the utterance gifts, the more skillful and
effective he would be.

This means, as believers, we shouldn’t only put the

things of the Spirit to practice in the gathering of
believers, rather, it must be a regular part of our life.

Hence, Paul stated in his first letter to the

Corinthians.

1st Corinthians 14:18 I thank my God, I speak

with tongues more than ye all:

This implies a practice; a lifestyle, that is, Paul

practiced the utterance gifts so often that he could
boldly say this to the church in Corinth.

Therefore, we can assert that not practicing the

things of the Spirit will translate to mean one is
quenching the Spirit.

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Thus, in order not to “Quench the Spirit”, believers
must be full of the Spirit, which is a deliberate action.

Now, Paul gave a similar admonition to Quench not

the Spirit in his letter the Ephesians.

Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine,

wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
Vs 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and
hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making
melody in your heart to the Lord; Vs 20 Giving
thanks always for all things unto God and the
Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

BEING FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT

The above terminology by Paul was employed by
Luke in his documentation of the event that
happened in Acts 2.

Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully

come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Vs 2 And suddenly there came a sound from
heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled
all the house where they were sitting. Vs 3 And
there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as

120
 of fire, and it sat upon each of them. Vs 4 And
they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and
began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit
gave them utterance.

Notice the statement that Luke made after the word

“and”

...began to speak with other tongues...

The word “and” was translated from the Greek

word “kai” which can either be conjunctive or
explanatory, depending on the context that it was
used by the author.

In the context of this narrative.

• In verse 1 they were gathered together.

• In verse 2 they heard.
• In verse 3 they saw.
• In verse 4 they spoke.

Hence, in this context, the word “and” used by Luke

was explanatory, that is, it was to describe definite
actions by the one hundred and twenty disciples
(Acts 1:14-15) gathered together in Solomon's porch
on the day of Pentecost as seen earlier.

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In other words, the above texts can be better
understood as:

Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy
Ghost, and (that is) began to speak with other
tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

In essence, they were filled with the spirit with a

corresponding action or they were influenced by the
Spirit to give supernatural utterances - Tongues. So,
how Luke knew that they were filled with the Holy
Spirit was by what he heard that they said... They
began to speak in tongues

Luke used the word “filled” severally in the book of

Acts. Let us examine intently how he did.

In Chapter 4

Acts 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost,

said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and
elders of Israel.

Again, Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said.

The context of what he said was recorded from

verses 9 to 13.

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 Acts 4:9 If we this day be examined of the good
deed done to the impotent man, by what means
he is made whole; Vs 10 Be it known unto you
all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the
name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye
crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even
by him doth this man stand here before you
whole. Vs 11 This is the stone which was set at
nought of you builders, which is become the
head of the corner. Vs 12 Neither is there
salvation in any other: for there is none other
name under heaven given among men, whereby
we must be saved. Vs 13 Now when they saw the
boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that
they were unlearned and ignorant men, they
marvelled; and they took knowledge of them,
that they had been with Jesus.

He boldly and supernaturally preached the gospel.

In verse 31, the term was also used.

Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place

was shaken where they were assembled
together, and they were all filled with the Holy
Ghost, and they spake the word of God with
boldness.

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Once again, the Church (with Peter and John)
including those in Acts 2 were all filled with the
Spirit and spoke (God's word with boldness
supernaturally).

In Acts 7

Acts 7:55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost,

looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the
glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right
hand of God, Vs 56 And said, Behold, I see the
heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on
the right hand of God.

Here, Stephen being full of the Spirit saw and said.

That is, in this instance it was accompanied by
supernatural revelation and utterance. This was the
same person who under the influence of the Spirit,
did great wonders and performed miracles
supernaturally.

Acts 6:8 And Stephen, full of faith and power,

did great wonders and miracles among the
people.

In Chapter 13

Acts 13:9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,)

filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,
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 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief,
thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all
righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the
right ways of the Lord.

Paul also was filled with or influenced by the Spirit

and he spoke. Luke recorded earlier that Paul was
filled with the Spirit after Ananias laid hands on
Him in Chapter 9.

Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way, and

entered into the house, and putting his hands on
him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that
appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest,
hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy
sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. Vs
18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it
had been scales: and he received sight forthwith,
and arose, and was baptized.

Hence, it is safe to say that Paul in this instance must

have spoken supernaturally (in tongues), which is
evidenced by his words in his first letter to the
Corinthians.

1st Corinthians 14:18 I thank my God, 1 speak in

tongues more than ye all:

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 Similarly, Luke used this term several times, in his
first treatise.

Luke 1:41 And it came to pass, that, when

Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe
leaped in her womb, and Elisabeth was filled
with the Holy Ghost: Vs 42 And she spake out
with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou
among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy
womb.

Elizabeth was filled with (influenced by) Spirit and

she spoke.

Luke 1:67 And his father Zacharias was filled

with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Vs
68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath
visited and redeemed his people,

Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit and he

prophesied.

Hence, in the above instances, being filled with the

Spirit was associated with or accompanied by
supernatural utterances - Prophecy

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 Luke 4:1 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost
returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit
into the wilderness.

Jesus being filled or prompted by the Spirit took

specific actions ...was led into the wilderness and
fasted for forty days.

Luke 4:2 Being forty days tempted of the devil.

And in those days he did eat nothing; and when
they were ended, he afterward hungered

Matthew 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit

into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. Vs
And when he had fasted forty days and forty
nights, he was afterward an hungred.

As his custom was, he must have prayed too.

Luke 22:39 And he came out, and went, as he was

wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples
also followed him. Vs 40 And when he was at the
place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not
into temptation. Vs 41 And he was withdrawn
from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled
down, and prayed,

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 Luke 22:39 (ESV) And he came out and went, as
was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the
disciples followed him. Vs 49 And when he came
to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may
not enter into temptation.” Vs 41 And he
withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and
knelt down and prayed,

Thus far, in all the events documented by Luke,

where he used the term “filled with the Holy Spirit
(in the book of Acts), it was to describe definite
actions taken by believers - supernatural utterances;
revelations; wonders, and miracles. In the synoptic
accounts also, it was to describe definite actions
from Zechariah and Elizabeth his wife (prophecy),
and the Lord Jesus (fasted for forty days and forty
nights in the wilderness).

So, this term was used by Luke to describe definite

actions that were taken supernaturally by the actors
as influenced or prompted by the Spirit.

Now, recall that Peter in his explanation of what

happened in Acts 2:4 (the first time Luke used this
word in the book of Acts), together with the Eleven,
quoted from Joel's prophecy

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 Acts 2:16 But this is that which was spoken by the
prophet Joel; Vs 17 And it shall come to pass in
the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my
Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your
daughters shall prophesy, and your young men
shall see visions, and your old men shall dream
dreams: Vs 18 And on my servants and on my
handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my
Spirit; and they shall prophesy: Vs 19 And I will
shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the
earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of
smoke: Vs 20 The sun shall be turned into
darkness, and the moon into blood, before that
great and notable day of the Lord come: Vs 21
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall
call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

This was quoted from Joel 2.

Joel 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that

I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your
sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your
old men shall dream dreams, your young men
shall see visions: Vs 29 And also upon the
servants and upon the handmaids in those days
will I pour out my spirit Vs 30 And I will shew
wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood

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 and fire, and pillars of smoke. Vs 31 The sun shall
be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood
before the great and the terrible day of the Lord
come. Vs 32 And it shall come to pass, that
whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord
shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in
Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath
said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall
call.

The word “I” (verse 28) in the original Hebrew texts

is very silent.

The word “pour” implies to put off, to shed; to cast.

It was used for something visible, an action, an
emotion.

The word “upon” implies on the account of; by

reason of. That is, what Joel implied in his prophecy
was an outpouring from the Spirit.

This explains why in Peter's explanation he said ...I

will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh..., and his
emphasis in verses 17 and 18 described actions taken
by the recipients of the indwelling of the Spirit
(believers) and not God (the Father)

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 Acts 2:17 and your sins and your daughters shall
prophesy...

Acts 2:18 and they shall prophesy....,

So, the statement “I will pour out of my Spirit upon”

spoken of in Joel's prophecy was in reference to
supernatural utterances – Prophesying.

As examined extensively, at salvation, the believer is

indwelt by the Spirit of God.

Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the

Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.
Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he
is none of his. Vs 10 And if Christ be in you, the
body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life
because of righteousness. Vs 11 But if the Spirit
of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell
in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead
shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his
Spirit that dwelleth in you... Vs 14 For as many
as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons
of God.

1st Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the

temple of God, and that the Spirit of God
dwelleth in you?

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1st Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your
body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in
you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your
own?

2nd Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus

Christ, and the love of God, and the communion
of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

Galatians 3:14 That the blessing of Abraham

might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ;
that we might receive the promise of the Spirit
through faith.

Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath

sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts,
crying, Abba, Father.

Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after

that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of
your salvation: in whom also after that ye
believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of
promise,

1st John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the

Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be
called the sons of God: therefore the world
knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Vs 2

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 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth
not yet appear what we shall be: but we know
that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him;
for we shall see him as he is... Vs 24 And he that
keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him,
and he in him. And hereby we know that he
abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given
us.

1st John 4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in

him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his
Spirit.

Ezekiel prophesied concerning the same truth.

Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also will I give you,

and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will
take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and
I will give you an heart of flesh. Vs 27 And I will
put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk
in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments,
and do them.

Notice the emphasis in his prophecy.

• “...I will put my spirit WITHIN you...”

• “...I will take away...”
• “...I will give you...”

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 • “…A new Spirit I will put WITHIN you…”

Clearly, the actions he described were to be carried

out by God. Thus, the New Birth (salvation) is God’s
work. The believer received what God has done (in
Christ) by faith in the gospel.

Therefore, it suffices to say that Ezekiel's prophecy

was concerning the indwelling of the Spirit (the New
Birth), which is an action to be carried out by God,
while Joel's prophecy was concerning the
outpouring from the Spirit (in or of the believer),
which are actions to be carried out by the believer
(utterances).

Thus, when Joel prophesied “I will pour out my

Spirit upon”, he was referring to the out pouring
from the Spirit indwelling the believer or the
demonstrations of the Spirit through the believer.

Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last

days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon
all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall
prophesy, and your young men shall see visions,
And your old men shall dream dreams: Vs 18
And on my servants and on my handmaidens I
will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they
shall prophesy

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That is why Peter's emphasis in his explanation was
to describe activities from the believer ...they shall
prophesy.

Hence, the terms “Spirit upon”, “pour out of my

Spirit” and also “filled with the Spirit” were used by
Luke to describe in his narrative, supernatural
actions from the believer, which were primarily
utterances.

The following are some examples in the Book of

Acts.

Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the

Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the
word. Vs 45 And they of the circumcision which
believed were astonished, as many as came with
Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was
poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. Vs 46 For
they heard them speak with tongues, and
magnify God. Then answered Peter,

Notice his words ...the Holy Spirit (Ghost) fell on all

them that heard the word.

The word “heard” implies to heed to what is said.

So, they gave heed to the gospel that Peter preached
to them from verses 39 to 43.

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 Acts 10:39 And we are witnesses of all that he did
both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem.
They put him to death by hanging him on a tree,
Vs 40 but God raised him on the third day and
made him to appear, Vs 41 not to all the people
but to us who had been chosen by God as
witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he
rose from the dead. Vs 42 And he commanded us
to preach to the people and to testify that he is
the one appointed by God to be judge of the
living and the dead. Vs 43 To him all the
prophets bear witness that everyone who
believes in him receives forgiveness of sins
through his name.”

Upon heeding the gospel, faith was birthed in them

and they believed the same (Romans 10:8-17)

Notice, Peter in Acts 15 affirmed that they believed

in the gospel.

Acts 15:7 And when there had been much

disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them,
Men and brethren, ye know how that a good
while ago God made choice among us that the
Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of
the gospel, and believe. Vs 8 And God, which

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 knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving
them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; Vs
9 And put no difference between us and them,
purifying their hearts by faith.

The question is, how Peter and they of the

circumcision knew that “on the Gentiles was poured
out the gifts of the Holy Ghost”?

Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the

Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the
word. Vs 45 And they of the circumcision which
believed were astonished, as many as came with
Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was
poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

The context explains it.

Acts 10:46 For they heard them speak with

tongues and magnify God. Then answered Peter.

Hence, what Luke described as the out pouring of

the Spirit upon the Gentiles (who had believed in the
gospel) was utterances- tongues and prophecy (they
magnified God).

Thus, these terms were used by Luke to describe

supernatural activities from believers which are seen

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and heard by others.

He used it again in Chapter 19.

Acts 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized

with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the
people, that they should believe on him which
should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. Vs
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in
the name of the Lord Jesus Vs 6 And when Paul
had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost
came on them; and they spake with tongues, and
prophesied.

Notice again that Luke explained in context what he

meant by “the Holy Spirit (Ghost) came on
them...and they spake in tongues and prophesied.”

Evidently, in the Book of Acts, the first thing the

Apostles did was to explain the facts of the
resurrection, when men believed in the same, they
were saved: indwelt by the Spirit - This is the New
Birth, and it happens once!

Luke, however, used several terms to describe

continuous actions from the believer (supernatural
utterances, revelations; wonders, and miracles).
Hence, what Luke described as “Spirit upon”;

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“poured out the Holy Spirit” and “filled with the
Holy Spirit” is the demonstrations of the Spirit IN
and through the believer.

In other words, the New Birth is what God has done

and the Spirit upon (or receiving of/from the Spirit
within) is what the believer does continually.

Recall that the book of Acts is an eyewitness account,

hence, it is in the Epistles that we have a clear
explanation and understanding of the events in the
book of Acts.

It is key to note that the terminologies “Spirit upon”

or “Holy Spirit falling upon” were not used by the
Apostles. Paul, however, in his letter to the
Ephesians used the term “filled with the Spirit”.

Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine,

wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Vs
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns
and spiritual songs, singing and making melody
in your heart to the Lord:

What spirit did he refer to here?

Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after

that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of

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 your salvation: in whom also after that ye
believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of
promise,

This is similar to his words in Chapter 4.

Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of

God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of
redemption.

By faith in the gospel, every believer has been sealed

with the Holy Spirit.

In Chapter 2, he referred to the same as “one Spirit”.

Ephesians 2:18 For through him we both have

access by one Spirit unto the Father

He repeated this in Chapter 4.

Ephesians 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of

the Spirit in the bond of peace. Vs 4 There is one
body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one
hope of your Calling:

In Chapter 3, he described the same as “his Spirit.

Ephesians 3:16 That he would grant you,

according to the riches of his glory, to be

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 strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner
man;

He expressly stated that His Spirit is in the inner

man (in the believer).

So, the phrase “Holy Spirit of promise”; “one Spirit”,

“his Spirit”; “Holy Spirit of God”, and “the Spirit”,
was used by Paul to explain the “Spirit indwelling
the believer, received at Salvation.

Thus, when Paul said in Chapter 5 ...be filled with

the Spirit...

He could not have been referring to Salvation. That

was why he emphatically stated that the believer has
been sealed with the Holy Spirit, by faith in the
gospel.

Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after

that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of
your salvation: in whom also after that ye
believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of
promise,

Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of

God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of
redemption.

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The word “seal” implies a mark of approval; a seal
of permanence. Hence, at Salvation, the believer is
indwelt by the Spirit once and forever.

Jesus alluded to this fact.

John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he

shall give you another Comforter, that he may
abide with you forever; Vs 17 Even the Spirit of
truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it
seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know
him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in
you.

Clearly, the term “filled with the Spirit” is not the

same as salvation (being sealed with or the
indwelling of the Spirit)

So, the question is;

What did Paul explain as being filled with the

Spirit? Or How will the believer be filled with
the Spirit?

The context explains it.

Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine,

wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit: Vs

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 19 Speaking to ourselves in psalms and hymns
and spiritual songs, singing and making melody
in your heart to the Lord;

The believer is to be filled with the spirit by

speaking... Hence, primarily a believer is filled with
the Spirit via utterances speaking!

Notice the three things he mentioned psalms and

hymns and Spiritual songs.

Again, was Paul referring to 3 different things?

Recall that the word “and” was taken from the

Greek word “kai”, which can either be conjunctive
or explanatory, depending on the context that it was
used by the translator.

Paul mentioned these three words also in his letter

to the Colossians.

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in

you richly in all wisdom, teaching and
admonishing one another in psalms and hymns
and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your
hearts to the Lord.

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Here, he explained it as singing with “grace in your
hearts to the Lord”.

However, let's examine Paul's teaching on the

subject of “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs”

PSALMS, HYMNS, AND SPIRITUAL

SONGS
As earlier explained, the word “spiritual” means
things of and that pertain to the Spirit. This was the
same word he used in 1st Corinthians 12:1.

1st Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual

gifts brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

He used it also in Chapter 14.

1st Corinthians 14:1 Follow after charity, and

desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may
prophesy.

Notice his explanation in context.

1st Corinthians 14:13 Wherefore let him that

speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he
may interpret. Vs 14 For if I pray in an unknown

144
 tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding
is unfruitful. Vs 15 What is it then? I will pray
with the spirit, and I will pray with the
understanding also: I will sing with the spirit,
and I will sing with the understanding also. Vs
16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how
shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned
say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he
understandeth not what thou sayest? Vs 17 For
thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not
edified.

Thus, a spiritual song refers to songs sung via the

gifts (“charisma”- abilities) in the Spirit.

Hence, when Paul said “singing with grace from

your “hearts”, he was referring to singing with
supernatural abilities resident in every believer.

Observe closely Paul's explanation in the above

texts.

…I will sing with the Spirit, and I will sing with the
understanding also…

In verses 16 and 17 respectively, he explained this as

blessing with the Spirit and giving thanks well.

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This was what he now explained in verse 26.

1st Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren?

when ye come together, every one of you hath a
psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a
revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things
be done unto edifying

Notice the use of the word “psalms” …every one of

you hath a psalm…

Therefore, the way a believer sings psalms is via

tongues and interpretation of tongues.

Recall from Paul's explanation in 1st Corinthians 14

that when the believer speaks (sings) in tongues
alone, he edifies himself only.

1st Corinthians 14:4 He that speaketh in an

unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that
prophesieth edifieth the church.

However, when he speaks (sings) in tongues and

interprets his tongues, he edifies others (the
Church).

1st Corinthians 14:3 But he that prophesieth

speaketh unto men to edification, and
exhortation, and comfort. Vs 4 He that speaketh

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 in an unknown tongue edifieth himself but he
that prophesieth edifieth the church. Vs 5 I
would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather
that but ye prophesied: for greater is he that
prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues,
except he interpret, that the church may receive
edifying.

Therefore, the use of the word “and” in Ephesians

5:19 was explanatory and not conjunctive.

Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms

and hymns and spiritual songs singing and
making melody in your heart to the Lord;

That is, Paul was not referring to three separate

things, but an explanation of the same thing. Hence,
the text can be better understood as:

Ephesians 5:18 to 19 ...Be filled with the spirit,

speaking psalms, and in doing this hymns and
spiritual songs…

The word “psalm” implies to celebrate with an

accompanying instrument; something which aids
singing. In the Old Testament, there was the usage
of musical instruments, for instance in the psalms of
David, Solomon and even Moses.

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Exodus 15:1 Then sang Moses and the children of
Israel this song unto the LORD, and saying unto
the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously, the
horse and his rider hath be into the sea... Vs 20
And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron,
took a timbrel in her hand and all the women
went out after her with timbrels and with dances.

Psalm 33:2 Praise the LORD with harp, sing unto

him with the psaltery and an instrument of string

Psalm 81:2 Take a psalm, and bring hither the

timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery

2nd Chronicles 5:12 Also the Levites which were

the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Heman, of
Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren,
being arrayed in white linen, having cymbals
and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of
the altar, and with them an hundred and twenty
priests sounding with trumpets) Vs 13 It came
even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were
as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising
and thanking the LORD, and when they lifted up
their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and
instruments of musick, and praised the LORD,
saying For he is good; for his mercy endureth for

148
 ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud
even the house of the LORD:

The word “hymns” refers to a song, sung unto God.

It is actually another way of referring to a psalm. So,
Moses, David, and the others sang hymns,
accompanied by instruments.

It was recorded in the Synoptics that Jesus also sang

a hymn with his disciples.

Mathew 26:26 And as they were eating, Jesus

took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave
it to the disciples and said, take, eat; this is my
body. Vs 27 And he took the cup, and gave
thanks, and gave it to them saying Drink ye all of
it: Vs 28 For this is my blood of the new
testament, which is shed for many for the
remission of sins, Vs 29 But I say unto you, I will
not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until
that day when I drink it new with you in my
Father's kingdom. Vs 30 And when they had
sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of
Olives

Recall that the word “spiritual” (songs) implies the

things of and pertaining to the Spirit. The same word
Paul used in 1st Corinthians 12.

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 1st Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual
gifts brethren, would not have you ignorant… Vs
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same
Spirit… Vs 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit
given to every man to profit withal.

In context, the Spirit is the Spirit indwelling the

believer.

1st Corinthians 12:7 But the manifestation of the

Spirit is given to every man to profit withal… Vs
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one
body whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether
we be bond or free, and have been all made to
drink into one Spirit.

This was the same Spirit he explained in earlier

chapters and used by other writers of the epistles.

1st Corinthians 2:12 Now we have received, not

the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of
God; that we might know the things that are
freely given to us of God.

1st Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the

temple of God, and that the Spirit of God
dwelleth in you

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 1st John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the
Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be
called the sons of God: therefore the world
knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Vs 2
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth
not yet appear what we shall be: but we know
that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him;
for we shall see him as he is... Vs 24 And he that
keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him,
and he in him. And hereby we know that he
abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given
us.

1st John 4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in

him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his
Spirit.

Hence, when Paul said “spiritual songs” (in

Ephesians 5 and Colossians 3) it was to explain the
kind of psalm or hymn he spoke about. That is, this
psalm (which is a hymn) is from or by the Spirit of
the believer. In other words, the believer will sing
songs by the abilities resident in his Spirit.

Now, since the activity spoken about is singing,

then, these abilities by or through which the believer

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sings songs will be the utterance gifts which are
tongues, interpretation of tongues, and prophecy.

1st Corinthians 12:10 To another the working of

miracles, to another prophecy, to another the
discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of
tongues; to another the interpretation of tongue

Recall that Paul in his explanations in 1st

Corinthians 14:26 used the word “psalms”.

Notice the use of the word “psalms”.

1st Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren?

when ye come together, every one of you hath a
psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a
revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things
be done unto edifying.

Here he did not mention “hymns or spiritual songs”.

As earlier explained, this is because a psalm is a
hymn, and when it is from or by the Spirit of the
believer, it is a spiritual song.

Also, notice that he said ...every one of you has... a

psalm.

Hence the Spirit in or of the believer has the capacity

or abilities to sing psalms (hymns) and edify others

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(the Church), when we come together. That is, every
believer can sing a psalm (hymn) by the Spirit,
which is synonymous to singing via the utterance
gifts (tongues, interpretation of tongues, and
prophecy).

Thus, this implies that the psalms Paul spoke of in

Ephesians 5:18-19, Colossians 3:16 and 1st
Corinthians 14:26 is not the same as singing the
Psalms of David.

Paul was emphatic in his explanation. I will sing

with the Spirit.

1st Corinthians 14:15 What is it then, I will pray

with the spirit, and I will pray with the
understanding also: I will sing with the spirit and
I will sing with the understanding also.

He explained the same in context as “blessing with

the spirit”.

1st Corinthians 14:16 Else when thou shalt bless

with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the
room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of
thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou
sayest?

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In essence, these psalms emanate from the Spirit of
the believer.

The psalms of David were so called because they

were prophetic psalms inspired of the Holy Ghost.

Jesus referred to them in the Synoptic Gospel of

Luke;

Luke 24:25 Then he said unto them. O fools, and

slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have
Vs 26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these
things, and to enter into his glory? Vs 27 And
beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he
expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the
things concerning himself… Vs 32 And they said
one to another. Did not our heart burn within us
when he talked with us by the way, and while he
opened unto us the scriptures... Vs 44 And he
said unto them, these are the words I spake while
I was yet with you that all things must be
fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses
and in the prophets and in the psalms concerning
me. Vs 45 Then he opened he their
understanding that they might understand the
scriptures,

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The psalms of David were referred to as the
scriptures and Jesus explained that they testified of
Him. In other words, those psalms were sung
prophetically concerning the Christ!

Notice that, the Apostles in their sermons in the

book of Acts referenced the Psalms of David.

Acts 2:25 For David speaketh concerning him, I

foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is
on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Vs
26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue
was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in
hope: Vs 27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul
in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to
see corruption. Vs 28 Thou hast made known to
me the ways of life, thou shalt make me full of
joy with thy countenance. Vs 29 Men and
brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the
patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried,
and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Vs 30
Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that
God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the
fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would
raise up Christ to sit on his throne; Vs 31 He
seeing this before spake of the resurrection of

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 Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither
his flesh did see corruption.

Acts 4:25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David

hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the
people imagine vain things? Vs 26 The kings of
the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered
together against the Lord, and against his Christ.

Acts 13:33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us

their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus
again; as it is also written in the second psalm,
Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
Vs 34 And as concerning that he raised him up
from the dead, now no more to return to
corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you
the sure mercies of David. Vs 35 Wherefore he
saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer
thine Holy One to see corruption. Vs 36 For
David, after he had served his own generation by
the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto
his fathers, and saw corruption: Vs 37 But he,
whom God raised again, saw no corruption.

Observe that every time the psalms of David were

quoted by the apostles in their sermons, it was to
refer to prophecies of David concerning the Christ,

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which have been fulfilled, in the resurrection of
Jesus from the dead.

Therefore, the Psalms of David have been fulfilled

today by Jesus (in the resurrection), while the Psalms
that believers can and should sing today, ought to be
the fulfillment of David's psalms. That is, our psalms
should comprise of our identity in Christ, the reality
of who we are in Christ.

2nd Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in

Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed
away; behold all things are become new. Vs 18
And all things an of God, who hath reconciled us
to himself by Jesus Christ and hath given to us
the ministry of reconciliation

Philemon 1:5 Hearing of thy love and faith,

which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and
toward all saints; Vs 6 That the communication
of thy faith may become effectual by the
acknowledging of every good thing which is in
you in Christ Jesus.

David's psalms focused on the promise of God,

which was to be fulfilled in the resurrection of Christ
from the dead. Ours should focus on every good
thing in us, in Christ!

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Hence, the Psalms, Paul spoke of in his letters
(Ephesians 5:18-19, Colossians 3:16, and 1
Corinthians 14:26) are songs by or from the Spirit of
the believer, which are via the utterance gifts. They
are referred to as hymns because they glorify or
magnify God!

Therefore, Paul's mention of only the “psalm” in 1st

Corinthians 14, helps to see that the psalm is a
compound word that incorporates singing a hymn.

James also in his letter, mentioned singing Psalms.

James 5.13 ls any among you afflicted? let him

pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.

However, it was Paul who explained the how in

detail, in his letters.

Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms

and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and
making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Notice he explained how this singing is done

...making melody in your heart unto the Lord.

Also, in Colossians 3

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 Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in
you richly in all wisdom; teaching and
admonishing one another in psalms and hymns
and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your
hearts to the Lord.

He said... singing with grace in your hearts to the

Lord.

In other words, the believer sings a psalm (hymn) by

the Spirit (a spiritual song), via the utterance gifts
(tongues and interpretation of tongues) by making a
melody with the same.

Hence, singing psalms (hymns) by the Spirit actually

means to sing out or make melody (music) in or with
tongues (which edifies the speaker only), and to sing
out interpretation in intelligible speech, and edify
the Church.

This was what Paul explained in 1st Corinthians

14:14-17.

1st Corinthians 14:14 For if I pray in an unknown

tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding
is unfruitful. Vs 15 What is it then? I will pray
with the spirit, and I will pray with the
understanding also: I will sing with the spirit,

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 and I will sing with the understanding also. Vs
16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how
shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned
say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he
understandeth not what thou sayest? Vs 17 For
thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not
edified

Observe his words in verse 17 ...thou verily givest

thanks well...

Hence, singing by the Spirit (tongues and

interpretation of tongues) is how the believer gives
thanks unto the Father well.

Now, notice the difference between Ephesians 5 and

Colossians 3.

Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine,

wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit: Vs
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns
and spiritual songs, singing and making melody
in your heart to the Lord;

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in

you richly in all wisdom; teaching and
admonishing one another in psalms and hymns

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 and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your
hearts to the Lord.

“...but be filled with the Spirit, speaking...” and “Let

the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;
teaching and admonishing one another”

Thus, what he taught as “be filled with the Spirit” in

his letter to the Ephesians is what he taught as “let
the word of Christ dwell in you richly”.

The word “word” implies utterances, what is said.

Hence, the phrase “the word of Christ” can be better
understood as “utterance(s) of Christ.

Therefore, when the believer is filled with the spirit,

he is full of utterance. That is, the evidence of being
filled with the Spirit is utterance, which is to speak
or sing as inspired by the Holy Ghost, via the
utterance gifts (tongues, interpretation of tongues
and prophecy).

Notice also, in both texts, the words “be” (Ephesians

5) and let” (Colossians 3) help to see that Paul gave
instructions to believers to be filled with the Spirit.
In other words, “being full of the Spirit: being full of
utterance, is the believer's responsibility.

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Hence, Paul stressed the importance of the believer's
desire in 1st Corinthians 12 and 14.

1st Corinthians 12:31 But covet earnestly the best

gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent
way.

1st Corinthians 14:1 Follow after charity, and

desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may
prophesy.

1st Corinthians 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye

are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may
excel to the edifying of the church.

1st Corinthians 14:15 What is it then? I will pray

with the spirit, and I will pray with the
understanding also: I will sing with the spirit,
and I will sing with the understanding also.

1st Corinthians 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet

to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with
tongues.”

Similarly, he instructed Timothy several times to.

1st Timothy 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in

thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the
laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

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 2nd Timothy 1:6 Wherefore I put thee in
remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God,
which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

In conclusion, the terminology “Quench Not the

Spirit” was an instruction Paul gave believers which
entailed not putting out the effect or not putting out
the fire of the spirit. This will be achieved by not
despising or treating prophecy with contempt or
neglecting to prophesy. Hence, believers are taught
and instructed to fan to flame the fire of the spirit by
proving prophecy which implies to put prophecy to
work, to hold fast to it, for it is good.

A similar instruction by Paul “Be Being filled with

the spirit” explains “how” or the different ways
prophecy is put to work. Luke used the term being
filled with the spirit to describe in his narrative,
specific actions from the believer - supernatural
utterances: revelations, wonders, and miracles.

Primarily, being filled with the Spirit is evidenced by

utterance.

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In the Pauline revelation, it is evident that the New
Birth (salvation) or the Indwelling of the Spirit
happens once and it is God's work, while “being
filled with the Spirit”, which is being full of
utterance, is the believer's responsibility and can or
should happen regularly. Hence, Paul consistently
instructed believers to covet earnestly, to be zealous,
and to be eager to prophesy (tongues and
interpretation of tongues) with the practice of
Psalms which is hymns and spiritual song in order
to edify one another, when we come together.

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 Chapter Five
HOW TO GET PEOPLE
FILLED WITH THE
SPIRIT

From earlier explanations in this study, it has been

established that, at salvation, every believer is
indwelt by the Spirit.

Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after

that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of
your salvation: in whom also after that ye
believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of
promise, Vs 14 Which is the earnest of our
inheritance until the redemption of the
purchased possession, unto the praise of his
glory.

1st Corinthians 2:12 Now we have received, not

the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of
God; that we might know the things that are
freely given to us of God.

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1st Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the
temple of God, and that the Spirit of God
dwelleth in you?

1st Corinthians 6:17 But he that is joined unto the

Lord is one spirit… Vs 19 What? know ye not
that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost
which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye
are not your own?

Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the

Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.
Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he
is none of his. Vs 10 And if Christ be in you, the
body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life
because of righteousness. Vs 11 But if the Spirit
of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell
in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead
shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his
Spirit that dwelleth in you… Vs 14 For as many
as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons
of God. Vs 15 For ye have not received the spirit
of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the
Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Vs 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our
spirit, that we are the children of God:

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 Galatians 3:2 This only would I learn of you,
Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or
by the hearing of faith?... Vs 14 That the blessing
of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through
Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise
of the Spirit through faith.

Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath

sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts,
crying, Abba, Father.

1st John 3:24 And he that keepeth his

commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him.
And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by
the Spirit which he hath given us.

1st John 4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in

him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his
Spirit.

Hence, all the gifts (abilities of the Spirit) are resident

in every believer.

One of such is the gift of “tongues”.

1st Corinthians 12:4 Now there are diversities of

gifts, but the same Spirit. Vs 5 And there are
differences of administrations, but the same

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 Lord. Vs 6 And there are diversities of
operations, but it is the same God which worketh
all in all. Vs 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit
is given to every man to profit withal. Vs 8 For
to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom;
to another the word of knowledge by the same
Spirit; Vs 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to
another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; Vs
10 To another the working of miracles; to another
prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to
another divers kinds of tongues; to another the
interpretation of tongues:

In the Four Gospels, Mark explained that Jesus

taught his disciples about this.

Observe his words …these signs shall follow them

that believe…

In other words, every believer (in the gospel) has the

ability to/can speak with tongues.

This explains why, in the book of Acts, Luke

repeatedly recorded scenarios where people
received salvation, and spoke with tongues (filled
with the Spirit).

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Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully
come, they were all with one accord in one
place. Vs 2 And suddenly there came a sound
from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it
filled all the house where they were sitting. Vs 3
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues
like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. Vs
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost,
and began to speak with other tongues, as the
Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at

Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the
word of God, they sent unto them Peter and
John: Vs 15 Who, when they were come down,
prayed for them, that they might receive the
Holy Ghost: Vs 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon
none of them: only they were baptized in the
name of the Lord Jesus.) Vs 17 Then laid they
their hands on them, and they received the Holy
Ghost.

Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the

Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the
word. Vs 45 And they of the circumcision which
believed were astonished, as many as came with
Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was

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poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. Vs 46 For
they heard them speak with tongues, and
magnify God. Then answered Peter, Vs 47 Can
any man forbid water, that these should not be
baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as
well as we? Vs 48 And he commanded them
to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then
prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Acts 19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos

was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the
upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding
certain disciples, Vs 2 He said unto them, Have
ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?
And they said unto him, We have not so much as
heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. Vs
3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were
ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
Vs 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with
the baptism of repentance, saying unto the
people, that they should believe on him which
should come after him, that is, on Christ
Jesus. Vs 5 When they heard this, they were
baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Vs 6 And
when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the

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 Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with
tongues, and prophesied.

Now, let us pay attention to Luke’s explanation in

Acts 8 and 19 above.

In Acts 8

Acts 8:13 Then Simon himself believed also: and

when he was baptized, he continued with Philip,
and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs
which were done. Vs 14 Now when the apostles
which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had
received the word of God, they sent unto them
Peter and John: Vs 15 Who, when they were come
down, prayed for them, that they might receive
the Holy Ghost: Vs 16 (For as yet he was fallen
upon none of them: only they were baptized in
the name of the Lord Jesus.) Vs 17 Then laid they
their hands on them, and they received the Holy
Ghost. Vs 18 And when Simon saw that through
laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost
was given, he offered them money

Notice Luke’s words in verse 18

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 “And when Simon saw that through laying on of
the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he
offered them money”

Peter’s response helps to understand what he could

have seen.

Acts 8:21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this

matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of
God.

As explained earlier, the word “matter” was

translated from the Greek word “logos”, which
implies utterance.

In verse 17, Luke recorded that after hands were laid

on them, they received the Holy Ghost.

Acts 8:17 Then laid they their hands on them, and

they received the Holy Ghost

As earlier explained the word “received” implies to

take of or take from the Holy Ghost, indwelling the
believer, which was primarily used for utterance by
Luke in the book of Acts.

Hence, this implies that what Simon (the sorcerer)

saw as hands were laid on those who had believed

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the gospel (in Samaria) was that they began to speak
in tongues and prophesied.

Notice carefully Simon the sorcerer’s statements in

verse 19

Acts 8:19 Saying, Give me also this power, that

on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the
Holy Ghost.

Firstly, the statement “give me this power” implies

that he observed and concluded that there was a
supernatural ability to it.

Secondly, the statement “…that on whomsoever I

lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost”, implies
that there was no distinction in whom (believers)
they were laying hands on, and all those who
believed that Peter and John laid hands on were
filled with the Holy Ghost.

Lastly, the statement “…that on whomsoever I lay

hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost” implies that
Peter and John taught before hands were laid.
Hence, he knew that what he saw and heard was the
“receiving of (from)” the Holy Ghost.

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Recall also that the reason why Peter and John came
was to minister to them to be filled with the Spirit.

Acts 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at

Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the
word of God, they sent unto them Peter and
John: Vs 15 Who, when they were come down,
prayed for them, that they might receive the
Holy Ghost:

Hence, it is possible to have meetings for the

purpose of having hands laid on believers to be
filled with the Holy Ghost.

Now, the question that readily comes to the fore is:

Is it only the apostles (Pastors and leaders) that

can lay hands on believers to be filled with the
spirit?

The answer clearly, is NO

Why?

Because the very next Chapter does not agree with

this notion.

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 Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way, and entered
into the house; and putting his hands on him said,
Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared
unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me,
that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled
with the Holy Ghost.

Notice his words “…the Lord, Jesus…has sent

me…that thou mightiest…be filled with the Holy
Ghost”.

Luke’s description of him was; a certain disciple.

Acts 9:10 And there was a certain disciple at

Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the
Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I
am here, Lord.

Clearly, he was not an Apostle or an Elder.

Paul in his Epistles to the Church at Corinth,

expressly stated that he speaks in tongues.

1st Corinthians 14:18 I thank my God, I speak

with tongues more than ye all

So, to say that Peter and John, who were Apostles,

were able to minister to believers to be filled with the

175
Spirit (in Acts 8) because they were apostles will be
unscriptural.

Peter’s response clearly teaches otherwise.

Acts 8:20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money

perish with thee, because thou hast thought that
the gift of God may be purchased with
money. Vs 21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in
this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight
of God.

The word “gift” was translated from the Greek

word “dorea”, which implies something that is free.

The word “part” was translated from the Greek

word “meris”, which implies to share. It means
something common for all of us, that is something
you do not have to qualify for.

Paul used the same word in his letter to the

Colossians.

Colossians 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet to be partakers of the
inheritance of the saints in light

The word “partakers” is translated from the same

Greek word “meris”, its usage typifies that which is

176
common. In other words, it is via faith in the gospel
that a man of the inheritance of the saints in light (in
Christ).

Also, the phrase “…no part nor lot…” (in Acts 8:21),
implies that whatever Peter was talking about is
function of fellowship, that is, an inheritance of
every believer. That means utterance (tongues,
interpretation of tongues, and prophecy) is a
function of being born again. It belongs to the
believer!

Notice that the reason why Simon offered Peter and

John money was to be able to lay hands on
whomsoever to be filled with the Holy Ghost.

Acts 8:19 Saying, Give me also this power, that

on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the
Holy Ghost.

Hence, from Peter’s response to Simon, it implies

that a believer can administer the things of the Spirit,
which involves ministering to other believers to be
filled with the Spirit, because he also is indwelt by
the same Spirit. Thus, the believer who is filled with
the Spirit (full of utterance) can minister the same to
others.

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In essence, every believer can and should minister to
other believers to be filled with the Holy Ghost.

Also, in Acts 19

Acts 19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos

was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the
upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain
disciples, Vs 2 He said unto them, Have ye
received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And
they said unto him, We have not so much as heard
whether there be any Holy Ghost. Vs 3 And he
said unto them, Unto what then were ye
baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Vs
4 then said Paul, John verily baptized with the
baptism of repentance, saying unto the people,
that they should believe on him which should
come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. Vs 5
When they heard this, they were baptized in the
name of the Lord Jesus. Vs 6 And when Paul had
laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came
on them; and they spake with tongues, and
prophesied. Vs 7 And all the men were about
twelve

178
Notice that Paul firstly taught them from the
Scriptures, then, he laid hands on them to be filled
with the Spirit.

Therefore, as have been examined in the scenarios in

Acts 8, 9 and 19, ministering to fellow believers to be
filled with the Spirit can be done by the laying on of
hands.

Also, every believer can minister the things of the

Spirit by laying on of hands. Thus, when people
receive the gospel as we preach, we have a
responsibility to minister to them to be filled with
the Holy Ghost. Just as Paul did in Acts 19

From the above scenarios, let us examine

practical things to do in ministering to
believers to be filled with the Spirit

1) Ensure you teach your audience God’s word

An example of this is seen in Acts 19

Acts 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized

with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the
people, that they should believe on him which
should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus
179
Observe that Paul’s explanation was based on their
response in verse 3.

Acts 19:2 He said unto them, Have ye received

the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said
unto him, We have not so much as heard whether
there be any Holy Ghost.

Much more, in context, Paul spent quality time

dealing with their mindset.

Acts 19:9 But when divers were hardened, and

believed not, but spake evil of that way before the
multitude, he departed from them, and separated
the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one
Tyrannus.

One of the key things to explain as you minister to

your audience is that tongues is not a human
language, neither is it someone's language in
another country (1st Corinthians 14:2, 14-15). This
will help them to understand that speaking in
tongues is supernatural.
So, it is important to always answer the question in
people's minds, to the end that he/she understand
and has no contrary opinion in his/her mind about
being filled with the spirit.

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 2) Go ahead and lay your hands

As seen in Acts 8 and Acts 19, hands were laid on

believers to be filled with the Spirit.

Thus, after you have taught them, go ahead and lay

your hands for them to be filled with the Spirit. This
does not necessarily mean to touch the person's head.
For instance, in Mark 5.

Mark 5:41 And he took the damsel by the hand,

and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being
interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.

Jesus here took her by the hand and ministered to

her. Hence, you could just touch or hold their hands
as you minister to them.

Notice, in some instances, your audience does not

need hands to be laid on them, like in Acts 10, where
Cornelius and his household were filled with the
Spirit as Peter, yet spoke.

Acts 10:44-46 While Peter yet spake these words,

the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the
word. Vs 45 And they of the circumcision
which believed were astonished, as many as
came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles

181
 also was poured out the gift of the Holy
Ghost. Vs 46 For they heard them speak with
tongues, and magnify God. Then answered
Peter,

However, if this doesn’t happen, then, like in Acts 8

and Acts 19, hands can be laid on them, to be filled
with the Spirit.

3) Learn to give your audience instructions

Having explained to them, and laid hands on them,

it is vital to give them instructions. Paul in his letter
to the Church at Corinth, in teaching them about the
things of the Spirit, gave them specific instructions.

1st Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren?

when ye come together, every one of you hath a
psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a
revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things
be done unto edifying. Vs 27 If any man speak
in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the
most by three, and that by course; and let one
interpret. Vs 28 But if there be no interpreter, let
him keep silence in the church; and let him speak
to himself, and to God. Vs 29 Let the prophets

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 speak two or three, and let the other judge. Vs 30
If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by,
let the first hold his peace. Vs 31 For ye may all
prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all
may be comforted.

That is, the information will now come with

instructions for them to receive. So, give your
audience instructions to receive as you minister to
them. For instance, having laid hands on them, you
can instruct them by saying; “open your mouth”;
“Speak”.

4) Guide the recipient

As they begin to speak in tongues and prophesy, it

is vital to guide them as they do. this can be done by
also joining them to speak tongues with tongues,
and giving them instructions to continue to speak.
This encourages them to participate effectively, as
you minister to them. Sometimes, you can have the
fellow speak with tongues long enough. In
interpreting their tongues, explaining to them
practically can also be of help.

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5) Encourage the recipients to interpret their
tongues.

Don’t forget to also teach them to prophesy (to speak

in tongues and interpret the same). You can practice
this for them to see, then, encourage them to do the
same.

Recall that in the instances in the book of Acts, asides

from Acts 8 and 9, believers who spoke in tongues
also prophesied (Acts 2, Acts 10, Acts 19).

Paul’s words in 1st Corinthians 14 helps to

understand how to interpret your tongues.

1st Corinthians 14:14 For if I pray in an unknown

tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding
is unfruitful. Vs 15 What is it then? I will pray
with the spirit, and I will pray with the
understanding also: I will sing with the spirit,
and I will sing with the understanding also.

In essence, the way you spoke out in tongues, is the

same way you speak out the interpretation,
however, in the understanding, which could be in

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your native language or any other language known
to the speaker. Hence, it is vital to let your audience
understand that tongues is not human language (1st
Corinthians 14:2), hence, it cannot be understood by
putting together vowels, consonants and syntaxes as
we have learnt human languages in schools.
However, it can only be understood via the
interpretation of tongues, which is an ability
resident in every believer (1st Corinthians 14:2, 5, 14-
17, 23-27, 31). You will discover that as you
encourage your audience to interpret their tongues,
they will eventually become much more effective in
functioning with the things of the spirit.

Conclusively, it is very ideal to minister to people to

be filled with the Holy Ghost upon salvation.

Recall that in all the instances examined in the Book

of Acts (Acts 2, 8, 9, 10, 19) they spoke with tongues
immediately after they were saved. Likewise, when
you preach to people for them to receive salvation, it
is vital to minister to them to be filled with the Holy
Ghost immediately.

However, when the believer has been saved for a

long time, you must learn to answer the questions

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on their minds, before ministering to them to be
filled with the Spirit.

It is evident that every believer can and should

minister to other believers to be filled with the Spirit.
An example is seen in Ananias, who was described
by Luke as a disciple. He was the one who
ministered to Paul (as instructed by the Lord, Jesus)
to be filled with the Spirit

Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way, and

entered into the house; and putting his hands on
him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that
appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest,
hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy
sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

He was not one of the Apostles, neither was he part

of the seven, chosen to serve tables in Acts 6:1-6, yet
he did exactly what Peter and John did in Samaria
and Paul did at Ephesus (in Acts 8 and 19
respectively).

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 CONCLUSION

From Paul’s words in his first letter to the

Corinthians, it is pellucid that the believer must not
be ignorant of the things of the Spirit.

1st Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual

gifts, brethren, I would not have you
ignorant. Vs 2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles,
carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye
were led. Vs 3 Wherefore I give you to
understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit
of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man
can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy
Ghost.

Such believers are those he further described in the

same letter as “unlearned”.

1st Corinthians 14:16 Else when thou shalt bless

with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the
room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of
thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou
sayest?

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 1st Corinthians 14:23 If therefore the whole
church be come together into one place, and all
speak with tongues, and there come in those that
are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say
that ye are mad?

1st Corinthians 14:24 But if all prophesy, and

there come in one that believeth not, or one
unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of
all:

The word “unlearned” was translated from the

Greek word “idiotes”, which implies uninformed;
untaught; unschooled. So, a believer can be an
illiterate in the things of the Spirit, which will be
evident in his perception, his words, and his actions.
Hence, Paul equated their response (twice) to that of
an unbeliever. Definitely, this is the product of being
ignorant of the things of the Spirit (1st Corinthians
12:1).

1st Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual

gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant…
Vs 3 Wherefore I give you to understand…

Their response, based on Paul’s explanation is quite

instructive

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 1st Corinthians 14:16 Else when thou shalt bless
with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the
room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of
thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou
sayest?

• He cannot say amen…

1st Corinthians 14:23 If therefore the whole

church be come together into one place, and all
speak with tongues, and there come in those that
are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say
that ye are mad?

• He will say that you (fellow believers) are mad

1st Corinthians 14:24 But if all prophesy, and

there come in one that believeth not, or one
unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of
all: Vs 25 And thus are the secrets of his heart
made manifest; and so falling down on his face
he will worship God, and report that God is in
you of a truth.

• He acknowledges (just as an unbeliever will do)

that God is in them (of a truth) because the

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 secrets of his heart were revealed, not that he is
convinced by the written word. Thus, the
confession was based on the spectacular!

In other words, such believers do not appreciate the

activities of the Spirit when we come together; they
behave like men without the Spirit yet indwelt by
the Spirit!

The essence of this understanding communicated by

Paul was for them to be effective and edify one
another when they came together.

1st Corinthians 14:3 But he that prophesieth

speaketh unto men to edification, and
exhortation, and comfort. Vs 4 He that speaketh
in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he
that prophesieth edifieth the church. Vs 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… Vs 12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are
zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel
to the edifying of the church… Vs 26 How is it
then, brethren? when ye come together, every

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 one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a
tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation.
Let all things be done unto edifying… Vs 31 For
ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may
learn, and all may be comforted.

Thus, when Paul said (in 1st Corinthians 12:1) he did

not want believers to be ignorant of the things of the
Spirit, it implies that the teaching and learning of the
things of the Spirit will make the believer effective in
his participation of the same and edify others when
we come together. Therefore, the things of the Spirit
(in or of the believer) can be taught, learned, and
practiced.

As also earlier examined, Paul gave instructions

repeatedly in the same letter to Corinth.

…cover earnestly…

1st Corinthians 12:31 But covet earnestly the

best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more
excellent way.

…To desire spirituals…

1st Corinthians 14:1 Follow after charity, and

desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may

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 prophesy. Vs 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.

…To covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak

with tongues…

1st Corinthians 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet

to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with
tongues.

Hence, functioning with the gifts (abilities of the

Spirit) resident in us (received at salvation) is a
function of the believer’s desires. And desire is a
function of knowledge.

He gave similar instructions to the Church at

Thessalonica.

1st Thessalonians 5:19 Quench not the Spirit Vs

20 Despise not prophesyings Vs 21Prove all
things; hold fast that which is good.

And, Ephesus

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 Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine,
wherein is excess; but be filled with the
Spirit; Vs 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms
and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and
making melody in your heart to the Lord; Vs
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God
and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ;

Thus, for believers to participate effectively in the

things of the Spirit, they have to be taught by the
Pastor of the local Church. When believers are
taught, such believers will not occupy the “room of
the unlearned”, rather, “they will covet earnestly
the best gifts; desire to prophesy; covet to
prophesy, forbid not to speak in tongues; quench
not the Spirit; be filled with the Spirit”.

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