1 Corinthians 12

Do We Need to Identify Our Spiritual Gifts?

Kirk E. Miller

Does the Bible ever instruct us to “identify our gift(s)”? Or rather, does it simply assume one will know their gifting, and instruct us more on the reason they are giving (i.e., edification)?

I don’t want to argue that identifying one’s gift is unimportant. If you don’t know where you are gifted, that may create barriers to utilizing those gifts (alternatively, you might just end up using them intuitively without fully realizing it). My point, though, is, “identifying” gifts just doesn’t seem to be an emphasis in the scriptures anywhere. This sort of talk, I worry, can treat Spiritual gifts almost like some otherwise mysterious thing we need to diagnoses through a series of tests. I tend to think it’s not that complicated. I think Paul and Peter are more likely just saying, “Hey, God’s gifted you all in different ways to serve each other. Now go do that.” The focus is on the using of gifts–as if their identity is somewhat obvious to all–not the identification of them, as if that’s something still needing to be done.

But again, that’s not to say that in some cases it’s not helpful to help someone recognize the ways God has gifted them.

What Is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?

Kirk E. Miller

“The baptism of the Holy Spirit has been a subject of debate and much discussion among Christians over the years. What exactly does it mean to be baptized in the Spirit? Is it a distinct event that occurs after conversion, as some maintain, or an integral part of salvation universally experienced by all believers? And what is its significance redemptive-historically, particularly as it finds expression at Pentecost (Acts 2)?

In this article, we’ll seek to answer the question, ‘What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit?’ by examining the biblical evidence, analyzing various interpretations, and attending to its theological significance.”

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Tongues | The Nature and Function of Tongues Speaking

Kirk E. Miller

The following belongs to a series on the continuation or cessation of the miraculous phenomena of tongues-speaking. Read the previous post here.

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One of the most significant and decisive factors concerning the cessation or continuation of tongues is the purpose that tongues had/has, or said differently, the essence of the presence of tongues. Temporary function and provisional existence would argue for the momentary presence of tongues. But on the other hand, a continual function and permanent nature would necessitate continuation.

A Sign

Of the Hardening of Israel

In 1 Corinthians 14:1 Paul begins an argument that prophecy is to be preferred over tongues, namely, uninterpreted tongues (14:1-25). Paul’s first reason is that uninterpreted tongues do not edify the congregation (14:2-19; cf. 12:7; 13:1-3). Paul’s second reason, found in verses 20-25, is that tongues repel unbelievers1 due to its apparent bizarre manifestation when uninterpreted (v.23). Paul says this repelling effect is due to the fact that tongues is not primarily for the church. The essence of tongues’ existence is found in it being a sign to Israel of their hardened hearts (vv.21-22).2 However, prophecy, which is given for the congregation’s good (v.22),3 can serve to draw the unsaved to repentance (vv.24-25).

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Tongues | A Historical Theology of Tongues-Speaking

Kirk E. Miller 5 Comments

The following belongs to a series on the continuation or cessation of the miraculous phenomena of tongues-speaking. Read the previous post here.

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“Reinventing the wheel” has never been an efficient venture. Contemporary theology owes much to the theological progress made before it. Although it certainly does not have the final word in the matter, what historical theology can contribute to this study on tongues must be considered, as demanded by wisdom and caution.

If continuationism is true, one would expect to find evidences of tongues in those centuries closest to the apostolic era. However, as D.A. Carson notes, from the beginning of the 2nd century until the Montanists emerged, claims of tongues-speaking were tremendously rare.1 Eusebius of Caesaria (AD 263-339) gave report of this 2nd century sect (the Montanists) which practiced babbling speech. His report reveals that this group was divisive, declared heretical, and expelled from the Church.2

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Tongues | The Biblical Manifestation of Tongues-Speaking

Kirk E. Miller 1 Comment

The following belongs to a series on the continuation or cessation of the miraculous phenomena of tongues-speaking. Read the previous post here.

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Before directly handling the issue of cessationism versus continuationism, one does well to first establish what the miraculous phenomena of tongues-speaking is in the Bible, and therefore, what it should look like if in fact the gift is for today.

Intelligible Human Languages and/or Babbling?

The first manifestation of tongues in scripture occurs in Acts 2.1 Verses 4-11 are undeniably clear that the nature of the tongues in this passage is unlearned, intelligible human languages.2 This is a miraculous phenomenon produced by the poured out Spirit (v.4) and is a miracle of speaking, not hearing.3 And in the following occurrences of tongues in Acts (ch. 10, 19, and possibly 8), Luke uses the same word that he used in chapter 2 to refer to this miraculous activity—glossa.4 Nothing in Luke’s writing implies that the manifestation of tongues in these proceeding texts differs at all from that of Acts 2.5

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