Speaking Gifts: Prophecy, Tongues, and Interpretation of Tongues

Pr Enos Mwakalindile
Aug 14
3 min read

People in robes with flames above their heads gather, praying in a dark setting, conveying a spiritual and solemn mood.

🌿 The Voice of God and the Vision of His Kingdom

In Eden, God and humanity walked together in close fellowship, sharing in the stewardship of His world (Gen. 3:8)—a picture of His Kingdom vision. When sin broke that harmony, Babel (Gen. 11:7–9) became a sign of a fractured world and scattered languages. Through prophets like Moses (Deut. 18:18) and Isaiah, God proclaimed His plan to reunite the nations. Pentecost (Acts 2:4–11) revealed the beginning of that restoration, fulfilling the prophecy of Isa. 2:2–3.

🚨 Challenges and Clashing Perspectives

Fear and disdain: Some believers see these gifts as irrelevant history, like ignoring a light shining in darkness. Yet Acts 2:17–18 shows the Spirit still pours out His gifts today.
Cessationist view: Some believe prophecy ended after the first century, like doors shut forever; but 1 Corinthians 14:3 affirms prophecy still builds and encourages.
Abuse for personal gain: These gifts are sometimes used as platforms for wealth, echoing the false prophets of Jer. 23:16–17, contrary to the call to holiness.
Fear of deception: Others avoid them entirely, fearing falsehood—like refusing food for fear of poison. 1 Thessalonians 5:20–21 teaches us to test by the light of truth, not reject.

🌈 Biblical Definition and Fulfillment in the Gospel

Prophecy: A unique calling from God to deliver His heart to His people at key moments in history. Amos 3:7 confirms God does nothing without revealing it to His prophets. We see this in Agabus (Acts 21:10–11) warning the church beforehand, as Joshua did Israel before crossing the Jordan (Josh. 3:5), or Elijah confronting Ahab to bring national reform (1 Kgs. 18:17–39).
Tongues: A sign of God’s promise to save all nations, fulfilling the Torah’s promise that all nations would be blessed through Abraham’s seed (Gen. 12:3). Pentecost (Acts 2:4–6) reversed Babel’s curse into spiritual unity, a sign of the Kingdom breaking language and cultural barriers (Deut. 32:43; Isa. 2:2–3). 1 Corinthians 14 shows tongues build up the individual (v. 4) and, with interpretation, the entire community (vv. 5, 12, 26).
Interpretation of Tongues: The unique gift of translating spiritual mysteries so the whole church can understand, be built up, and strengthened (1 Cor. 14:27–28), just as Moses conveyed God’s commands to Israel (Exod. 19:7–8) so all could enter the covenant with one mind.

🛤️ Steps to Live in the Speaking Gifts

Pray boldly—imagine standing before a crowd, feeling the Spirit’s wind fill you, knowing the words you speak will be like seeds sown into thirsty soil.
Collaborate with the church—sit at the table with brothers and sisters, weighing each word like mapmakers confirming the route before the journey.
Use with love and respect—make sure your words lift and strengthen, like hands building a bridge connecting hearts to the heart of God.

🙋 Discussion Questions

Why are prophecy and tongues pillars for building the coming Kingdom? Consider how God’s voice through these gifts unites hearts and gives spiritual direction.
Have you witnessed an interpretation transform an ordinary gathering into a place of spiritual unity? See how interpretation breaks barriers and joins souls.
How can we guard against misuse of these gifts? By testing them with love and truth, ensuring they build rather than destroy.

🙌 Sending Blessing

“May the Lord open your mouth to speak words of life, give you ears to hear His voice, and make you a bridge between heaven and earth, so that every word you speak becomes a fountain of comfort and hope.”