PLEASE NOTE:

The following "book" has been selected to provide you, dear reader, with an interesting and challenging subject for your consideration. You will find that much contained herein, varies with traditional teachings and beliefs. However, it is my 'burden' to encourage as many as will, to honestly consider with an open heart and mind...then, trusting the Holy Spirit to teach each one as HE WILLS. =)

FOREWARD

Having listened to the Author of this book (Bro. Chesnut) deliver these sermons on “True Bible Tongues Their Proper Place and Use In the Church” over the radio, it gives me great pleasure to write a Foreword, and recommend this book to the reading public who really want to know what the Bible teaches on this subject.

I have read many, many books both for and against the “Speaking In Tongues,” and for a number of years I was vitally interested and made it a special study. After much, study, searching, and praying, without reservation I recommend this as being the best exposition of the subject of “Speaking in. Tongues” that it has been my privilege to read. You will find this treatise to be Biblical, clear, concise, reasonable, and sound in theory and practice.

There has been much exagerated and unscriptural teaching concerning the gift of tongues, which, has caused untold harm to many, and responsible for them being led into deception. Jesus tells us plainly that it is His Word that will judge us in the last day. Therefore, with love let me say, get your Bible and prayerfully peruse this book with this one thing in mind, that what I believe and teach must be Biblically sound.

PREFACE

In the early part of the year 1948, I delivered a series of messages on the subject, “True Bible Tongues, Their Proper Place and Use In The Church” over Radio Station K. L. P. R„ Oklahoma. City, Oklahoma, daily for three weeks. These messages gained such wide-spread favor, and created such demand in radio land for it to be in book form, so untold numbers could be privileged to have it for study, and continued reference, that I feel justified, and it my duty to launch this work.

With this pressure of demand, in addition to a definite leading from God, (I have compiled these series of messages into book form just as I preached them over the radio, in many revival meetings, and in my pastorate here.)

For many years I have been vitally interested concerning the Scriptural teaching on this subject, along with all other doctrines of the Bible. With many long hours of earnest prayer and diligent study, searching the pages of the Bible and history, I have emerged with what I definitely and sincerely feel to be the true revelation of God and His Word on this subject.

Perfection is not claimed, but I have endeavored to adhere strictly to the teaching of the Bible, and recorded facts. As you study closely the contents it is believed that you will be impressed with the sincere, brotherly, free and unbiased approach and treating of the subject given.

A number of years ago, feeling that God especially favored me in unfolding this truth, I have lived with a strong desire to share it with others. It is not my intention to wound, hurt or crush anyone, but rather to send forth a guiding light, and helping hand, to honest, true, sincere, truth seeking hearts. Since there is so much confusion, misconstrued opinions and deception, on, and about a simple Bible truth, it gives me great pleasure to accept a broader field the Lord has opened unto me, and send forth this book which I feel will be light and comfort to many honest sincere Christians.

As you travel the distance, walk the depths, and study the contents, may the Holy Spirit be with you in a special way, and grant unto all a revelation of God’s glorious light and truth that saves and keeps unto the end.

THE PROMISE

Jesus told His disciples, who had been with Him for about three and one-half years, to go to the City of Jerusalem and tarry until they be endued with power from on high. In Luke 24:49, we read some of the last words of our Lord, “And behold I send the promise of My Father upon you, but tarry ye in the City of Jerusalem until ye be endued with power from on high.”

The need of this power was great, and designed to enable them to witness boldly, and consistently for Christ is Jerusalem (home), Judea (neighbors), in Samaria (despised neighbors) and unto the uttermost part of the earth. The Word of God is bold to declare the effect of the reception of Holy Ghost. Acts 1:8, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Many scriptures could be brought forth to bear upon the subject of the coming of the Holy Spirit, but it is assumed that all readers will accept the fact of the Holy Spirit of promise as taught in the Bible, the Word of God.

There is a gift of tongues (languages) taught in the Bible. It is one of the nine gifts recorded in 1 Corinthians, 12:28. The Word of God says, “And God set some in the church, first Apostles, secondarily Prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” We note the tongues is the least of all gifts, yet it has, and is causing more confusion than all the other gifts combined. The Bible is clear on this, and it is our desire to set forth the truth strictly from the scriptural point of view, and as it is taught in the Word of God.

There is no such thing taught in the Bible as Baptism of Tongues, but the Bible does clearly and definitely teach there is a gift of tongues or languages. It can be proven beyond all question there was no such thing known as the baptism of tongues in the days of the Apostolic Church. This will be treated further on in this book.

PROPHECY OF THE HOLY GHOST COMING

There is no greater, or authorative source to go to than the Bible, therefore we will adhere closely to its teaching. We cite to some scriptures that are prophecies of the coming of the Holy Ghost. First we will notice the words of John in Luke 3:16, “John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose, He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.” The same statement is recorded in Matt. 3:11.… “He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.” The Holy Ghost and fire is mentioned in these texts, and stands as symbols of two great truths. The fire stands as a symbol of the illumining, cleansing, purifying, and consuming element in the work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Ghost stands as an expression of power that is contained in the work of the Holy Spirit, “And ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.” Acts 1:8.

“God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost, and with power; who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil, for God was with Him” Acts 10:38. “And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” John 20:22.

We will now notice where the gift of the Holy Ghost is spoken of, Acts 2:38, “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.” Again we read in Acts, 11:15–17, “And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. 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.” Bear in mind the foregoing scriptures of prophecy concerning the coming of the Holy Ghost, not a word is said about tongues. No such thing as the baptism of tongues was even hinted at. There is a prophecy in the New Testament, prophesying of the gifts of tongues, Mark 16:17, “These signs shall follow them that believe. In My name they shall cast out devils, they shall speak with new tongues,” meaning languages.

Since the Bible teaches beyond all question a gift of tongues, we will proceed, and show from the scripture its proper place and use in the Church of the Bible.

THREE INCIDENTS WHERE THEY RECEIVED THE HOLY GHOST AND SPOKE IN TONGUES (LANGUAGES)

1. The Day of Pentecost Acts 2:1–8. This was to the Jews.

2. Cornelius Household Acts 10:44–47. This was to the Gentiles.

3. The Twelve at Ephesus Acts 19:1–6. This was to the Samaritans.

The three foregoing incidents set forth the gift of true Bible tongues, which we will take up one by one, and verse by verse. For a better understanding later it is well to take special note that neither of these three places state they all spake in tongues, or received the gift of tongues (languages). If it appears to you they did, we will not unchristianize, but we will go into detail and find out what the real truth is. The Bible when rightly understood will be clear, and will give us something solid and satisfactory to stand on.

Another great thing to take special notice of is, those who spoke with the gift of tongues, spoke understandable languages of the day, and needed no interpreter. As I stated, we will go into each account in detail as given, but before we do, there is one more point to consider to properly present a balanced truth.

WHERE THEY RECEIVED THE HOLY GHOST AND DID NOT SPEAK IN TONGUES

1. In case of Stephen, Acts 3:6–8, “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. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the Word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude, and they chose Stephen”… V. 8, “And Stephen full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.” Being full of the Holy Ghost and faith was stressed, but no hint of tongues being required for qualification.

2. The Account of Peter and John at Samaria, Acts 8:14–17, “Now when the Apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John; who when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost. (For as yet He was fallen upon none of them, only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.”

3. We now go to Paul’s Experience, Acts 9:17–18, “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. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales; and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.” Paul was a converted man before the Lord sent Ananias to pray for him that he might receive the Holy Ghost. We notice that he was quite bold to call him Brother Saul, signifying that he recognized him as a saved individual.

4. The last incident we cite you to on this point is the receiving of the Holy Ghost by the five thousand at Jerusalem, 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:” I have given the three incidents where when receiving the Holy Ghost the gift of tongues was manifested. Then, I have given you four places where they received the Holy Ghost and no mention is made of tongues. The Bible gift of tongues is manifested only when there is a need. Three of the recorded occasions there was a need, and a real necessity. With the others there was no need. You never hear of one with the gift of healing going around trying to heal a well man, he is not sick, and there is no need. This would be rank foolishness to attempt this, or to think that one should do it. Likewise, it is just as foolish to hold that man is to speak with the gift of tongues when there is no need. The Holy Ghost only empowers when and where there is a need. So we conclude that a demonstration when there is no necessity would be a false one, and prompted from some source other than God. We will now take up the three recorded incidents where they received the Holy Ghost and spoke with the Bible gift of tongues.

THE DAY OF PENTECOST

We wish to read first the account as it is recorded in the Bible. “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them Cloven Tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue wherein we were born” Acts 2:1–8. Now we go to the explanation.

The Day of Pentecost means the 50th day after the resurrection of our Lord. We cannot Biblically call ourselves Pentecost today unless one would first turn the world back more than 1900 years, and this would be an impossibility. Pentecost means the 50th day after the resurrection of Jesus.

“They were all with one accord, in one place” Acts 2:1. This has reference to those whom Jesus had commanded to go to Jerusalem and tarry until they were endued with power from on high, who were assembled in the upper room at Jerusalem. They were in a sitting and intelligent position, Acts 2:2; “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.” Notice with special care, they were in a sitting position, not even asking for tongues, just worshipping and praising God, and waiting for the promise. No where does it say they even expected the tongues which sets forth the truth that tongues is just one of the many gifts of the Spirit, and that they had no idea that it was to be the evidence of the reception of the Holy Ghost which gift He is to impart to us, but that it is our place to get the Holy Spirit, and let Him give the gift as seemeth best to divine wisdom.

It came in the sound of a rushing mighty wind. The wind is used in the Bible as a symbol, or emblem of the Holy Ghost, conveying the thought that it is powerful. “Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you …” Acts 1:8. It signifies also that it is independent. “The wind bloweth where it listeth.… “John 3:8. Again, we see this thought expressed, “But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing severally as He will,” 1 Cor. 12:11. The wind also stands as a symbol of reviving and refreshing. “Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, Prophesy, Son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord God; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live. So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, and exceeding great army.… And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land; then shall ye know that I the Lord have spoken it, and performed it, saith the Lord.” Ezekiel 37:9, 10, 14.

“And there appeared unto them Cloven Tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.” Acts 2:3. The Cloven (or forked) tongues were for a sign, symbolizing the two phases of the work of the Holy Spirit, namely, the cleansing and empowering elements. The sitting upon each of them denoted that the cleansing and empowering they had received was very marked and noticeable on each one. They all had an individual experience.

We go now to Acts 2:4. “And they were all (120) filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues (languages) as the Spirit gave them utterance.” “And they were all,” Meaning (120) those who had obeyed the command of Jesus, and were waiting for the descension of the Holy Spirit. Goodspeed, a late authorized version on Acts 2:4 gives it as, “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to say in foreign languages whatever the Spirit prompted them to utter.” There are two things that we must not overlook here. First, when they received the Holy Spirit, they spoke in other tongues, or languages. This conveys the fact they were already speaking in tongues, or languages before they received the Holy Ghost, carrying with it the truth what they uttered was understandable. The very expression, of “other tongues” denotes they were able to talk in an understandable language before and after the receiving of the Holy Ghost. Going a little farther and noticing the statement as given by Goodspeed, “Began to say in foreign languages whatever the Spirit prompted them to utter.” Language always denotes tongues as being something intelligent, and understandable, which is always characteristic of True Bible Tongues. If the scripture is taken to mean as it reads, the foregoing facts cannot be denied.

THE REASON FOR THE GIFT OF TONGUES, OR LANGUAGES

Acts 2:5 gives the key. “And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.” In verse six the Bible states, “Now when this was noised abroad (meaning the people heard it) the multitude came together, and were confounded (troubled in mind) because that every man heard them speak in his own language.” The emphasis in this text confirms the fact that it was a language, and understandable. Being empowered to speak in other languages did not create so much astonishment, as the people being able to hear in their own language, or Mother tongue.

Goodspeed renders Acts, 2:1 as, “On the Day of Harvest Festival, they were all meeting together.” This was the time of year when the Jews came from a large area, far and near for the special set time and occasion. There were literally thousands who had gathered at Jerusalem, and the Lord timed it so the Holy Ghost would descend at this time.

Let us notice together some Biblical facts of the setting. During the time of the Apostles there was a different language, or dialect spoken about every twenty miles. This makes it easy for us to understand how so many people could be gathered together, speaking so many different languages in Palestine during the time of our Lord on earth. In Acts 2:9–11, there is eighteen different bodies and nationalities assembled on the Day of Pentecost. We will name them and you can count them for yourself. “Parthians, Medes, Elamites, Dwellers in Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappodocia, In Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, In parts of Libya about Cyrene, Strangers from Rome, Jews, Proselytes, Cretes, Arabians, and the Apostles who were Galileans,” making the number eighteen. According to Acts 2:5, “There were dwelling at Jerusalem, Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.” To properly understand the setting will go far to help us understand the scripture, and the proper use of the Bible gift of tongues. Here we have many different bodies, able to speak and understand just one language, or tongue. “Every man heard them speak in his own language.” Acts 2:6. This confirms beyond all question that what was done and said was intelligent and understandable. Another statement that strongly supports this truth is found in Acts 2:8, “And how hear we every man in our own tongue wherein we were born.”

We can at a glance visualize the fruitlessness today of having all peoples of our present known world together in one body, and attempt to get the Gospel to all by speaking in one language. This would be an utter impossibility, for all do not speak and understand the same language. This illustration contrasts to our minds the condition on the Day of Pentecost, only in a smaller degree. The Apostles on the Day of Pentecost were of one body (Galileans) and only spoke one language. The Bible definitely teaches that, “God is no respecter of persons,” and that the Gospel is a universal Gospel; given for all the world. Since the preachers on the Day of Pentecost only spoke one language, one can readily see that it was vitally necessary that the preachers be supernaturally empowered to speak other languages, or else only a small minority would have heard, and learned of the wonderful saving power of the Gospel of Christ.

Where all speak and understand the same language there is no necessity for the gift of tongues being manifested. True Bible tongues is only one of the nine recorded gifts in 1 Cor. 12; and is only to be used when and where there is a need. Another gift is the gift of healing. One would think it foolish, and out of order for an individual with the gift of healing going around trying to heal those who are well, and have no need of healing. The Bible states, “They that are well need no physician, but they that are sick.” Likewise, it could be said that it would be, and is gross foolishness for those who understand and speak the same language be required to seek for the empowering of supernatural languages when there is no need. If all will let the Holy Ghost have His complete right away, He will supply the Church with the needed gifts without our seeking them. Our need is to be possessors of the Holy Spirit, and His work is to impart the gifts as the need requires. Again, I wish to emphasize that where all speak and understand the same language there absolutely is no need or place for the manifestations of the gifts of tongues. In fact it will be impossible for anyone to do so, for the. Holy Ghost only acts where there is a need. Any demonstration of tongues where all understand and speak the same language cannot be of God. It is contrary to, and out of harmony with the teaching of the Scriptures. No where does the Bible teach that tongues is an evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost, but those who had received Him were empowered on the great Day of Pentecost, to speak the various languages of people gathered, because it was vitally necessary that the then known world might know of the Gospel.

All who received the gift of languages in the Bible was unexpected. No where were they asking for it, nor were they even expecting it. This is in complete contradiction to many modern tongue theories of today. Tongues, or the gift of languages is one of the gifts of the Spirit, hence must not be, and cannot be used only when there is a necessity. It is impossible to speak in Bible tongues (or languages) unless the Holy Spirit empowers for same, and the Holy Spirit only moves when there is a need. It is clear that the multitudes did not speak in tongues, for we read in Acts 2:6–8, “Now when this was noised abroad, the multitudes came together.” The question may be asked, what was noised abroad? The answer to this is given in Acts 2:2–4, meaning the descension of the Holy Ghost, and its effect upon the 120 receiving it. When the multitudes came together, they were confounded, Why? Because, “That every man heard them speak in his own language, And they were all amazed, and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans, and how hear we every man in our own tongue wherein we were born.

The acts that confounded the multitudes, was not the fact that they were talking in an unknown tongue, but what confounded the multitude was when the multitude came together, they heard them speak in an intelligent, understandable manner the native tongues of all the seventeen nationalities that were present. At no time did they need an interpreter. The Holy Ghost did not empower the speakers to speak in an unknown tongue, as some would have us believe, and then have to perform another miracle by supernaturally bestowing on another the power to interpret. This would be employing two miracles to do the work of one, which would be needless and superfluous. God never resorts to extravagance, but always supplies the need direct. He only did one act in that He empowered the speakers to speak in a clear and distinct voice, and understandable languages, hence needed no interpreter, when the True Bible gift of tongues was inaugurated. Anything unknown does not contribute to edification, but the understandable spoken word edifies.

Paul states in 1 Cor. 14:11, “Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian (uncivilized) and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.” In verses 18–19, “I thank my God, I speak with tongues (languages) more than all! 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.” It can be easily seen the value Paul placed on unknown speech. He considered it worthless in a public, service. Understanding, and edification is the true Bible standard throughout. Again, may it be remembered there is no such thing mentioned in the Bible as baptism of tongues, and the gift of tongues, but the gift of tongues only.

The Word of God shows we are sanctified by the Holy Ghost, Rom. 15:16. In Heb. 10:14, we find, “For by one offering He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified.” The Biblical standard is not to seek any specified gift of the Spirit, but we are to seek, and receive the Gift Giver, the Holy Spirit, and let Him impart the gift that seems best in the mind of God. We are not Biblical when we demand and attempt to dictate the policies of the Holy Spirit, and demand of Him to do something that is clear out of harmony with the Word of God. The Word and Spirit agree, and He only operates in the realm of the Word. To demand any set demonstration is minimizing the power of the Holy Ghost, adding to the Bible, and nothing short of dictation. The Holy Ghost has power enough to do His own witnessing, and never resorts to the inferior to do His convincing for Him. To demand any set sign is lowering to the inferior, and the lesser, which always terminates in questioning and much confusion. God’s way is always clear, definite, intelligent, and understandable.