Known Languages

Royal Priesthood, Holy Nation                                          Acts 2:4

Known Languages

by Robert T. Cooper

When The Gathering in the Mountains was a mission church, we agreed we would base it on the Scriptures. Wherever the Scriptures took us, we would go.

So I was a little nervous when it came to the study of I Corinthians. I was certain that at some point in the study I would come to a verse that would require the acceptance of what in Pentecostal and charismatic circles is today called “tongues.”

Now, don’t get me wrong. I have friends who engage in that practice. I even had a friend long ago who told me God wanted me to have that “gift.” The Lord takes them down their paths; He has taken me down my path.

But we were talking about what the official doctrine of a Southern Baptist Mission Church would be. And so I began preaching through the book. But each time I came to a mention of tongues, the interpretation of known languages was possible. There was no time in which the only possible interpretation was modern-style “tongues.”

So after awhile, I went back and studied again through Acts to see whether known languages was a valid interpretation of every mention of tongues in that book. Sure enough, it was.

In Acts 2:4, the translation “tongues” is footnoted to include the alternative “languages.” My advice is that we just use that alternative all the time. That way we can be clear about what is meant.

And even if I am wrong, on the Day of Pentecost we are certain those were all known languages, for those languages are specifically listed. Also the Scripture says that native speakers of those languages understood what was being said.

Point the last: the Holy Spirit brought this about. He was accomplishing His ministry by doing so.

There are modern stories of people who were enabled to witness in languages they had never studied. If you are familiar with any of those stories, or if it has happened to you, please share with us.

Mealtime Stories

Royal Priesthood, Holy Nation                                          Acts 1:4

Mealtime Stories

by Robert T. Cooper

Have you noticed how many of your family stories center around mealtime or around food? One of the earliest family stories about me has to do with me getting seconds on potatoes at lunch at school. Then there is the story about my dad and the raisin pie.

It’s been like that throughout history. We know about the time the Earl of Sandwich was playing cards. We know what Marie Antoinette thought about people eating cake. And a whole lot of Bible stories center around mealtime or around food as well.

Here we are in the first paragraph of Acts (well, the original manuscripts didn’t have paragraphs, but we are at the very beginning anyway) and Luke is about to quote something Jesus said in the 40 days between the Resurrection and the Ascension. He wants to help people remember which appearance during that period it was, and so he says that it was on one of the occasions when Jesus was eating with the Apostles. Like that is going to narrow it down a little! Not!

My point is this: Jesus did so much teaching at mealtimes because people learn well in that atmosphere. Think about it.

1.      People tend to be relaxed when they are eating, and so are more teachable.

2.      Because people are busy eating, they will chew and listen while you are making your points, especially if what you say is interesting to them.

3.      Because people are used to conversing at mealtimes, they will ask questions and have discussions as part of your lesson plan at a meal.

4.      You can build a structure where the lesson is the length of the meal, with a life-application assignment to get up and go do immediately following the meal.

So whether you are a parent, a teacher, a mentor, a student, a church member, a disciple, a team leader, or just an ordinary person, pay attention when you are at meals. You may be in a lesson situation. Take advantage of the opportunities to teach and to learn.

Question: What are some of your family stories that center around mealtime or around food? How can you apply this idea of sometimes making a mealtime a learning situation?