The Gift of Tongues

by C.W. Steinle

Readers' reviews of this little book by Christians who are open to the present day operation of the Spiritual gifts speak for themselves! More than a Bible study, The Gift of Tongues gives practical and personal guidance - answering questions that too often go unasked. The author covers various views on the gift of tongues and briefly addresses the Cessation Theory. Topics the purposes of tongues, use of tongues in church and in private, the nature and value of tongues to the church and to the individual, and how to revive a church in which the gifts have "Is it any wonder that the principalities of darkness are rising up and overpowering the floundering church of North America? Our mighty weapons in Christ have been cast aside for the rocks and clubs of mere human ability - natural instead of supernatural, but predictable and logical, and conveniently taught in seminary.""Christianity is nothing more than religion when it ceases to be supernatural!""Teaching a class on the gifts of the Spirit for the last eleven years has convinced me that the gift of tongues is the most emotionally charged subject in the Bible. My classes on the gifts are always robust with questions and comments - and occasional funny looks - and blank stares. But I am also convinced that the spiritual gifts belong to the body of foundational truths of which every Christian needs understanding.One of my favorite ice breakers is to ask a series of "Would it be Biblical?" questions. Seldom do the students get these questions right. It becomes obvious right away that most in the class haven't studied the Bible's counsel on tongues. But most of the students do already have some bias as to whether tongues are actually holy or not.Now that I have accumulated more knowledge on the subject of tongues than I can possibly teach in an hour, the logical course is to write this little book. I hope you will find it to be fresh and informative as you take another look at this mysterious gift."

62 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2012

About the author

Chris is a recognized Bible commentator as a guest and co-host on alternative media. C.W. Steinle began his professional career as a CPA. The ability to gather information and draw correlations is crucial for rightly dividing the Word of God.

As a layman and ordained minister Chris Steinle has taught thousands of original Bible studies, as well as providing biblical guidance to singles, couples, and families. Some of his other titles include, The Rise of Western Lawlessness, Foundations of the Faith, Two-In-One Greek New Testament, and Reclaiming the Rapture co-authored with Dr. Douglas Hamp.

Driven by the passion to understand Paul the Apostle's life and ministry, Steinle has followed in the footsteps of Paul, by land and by sea - along the old Roman highways and by ship throughout the northern Mediterranean. C.W. has taught on location in Israel, Philippi, Thessaloniki, Corinth, Athens, and Egypt, traveling the route of the Exodus across the Red Sea through Sinai and up to Mt Nebo in Jordan.

Reviews

[Honeybee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book because I have been researching spiritual gifts for a book I have been writing. Even though the author appears to have studied the subject, the book was disappointing due to a misunderstanding of the gifts in general.

First of all, I appreciate that this author acknowledges both the list in Romans 12 and those in 1 Corinthians 12 as spiritual gifts. Depending upon what camp they come from, most authors prefer one or the other list of gifts, rather than both. As the title suggests, the subject of this book is tongues, so he really doesn't look at the other gifts that much.

The book is laid out in an orderly fashion, with three parts: 1) The Corinthian Commentary on Tongues, with three supporting chapters, 2) The Nature of Tongues, with two supporting chapters, and 3) The Purpose of Tongues, with four supporting chapters. Each chapter is simple and straight-forward, easy to read and easy to understand.

The author aptly deals with both extremes about tongues: cessationists who believe that tongues are not a legitimate gift of the Spirit and hyper-charismatics who believe you aren't really saved without being able to speak in tongues. He also makes a few excellent points about gifts in general. I especially love the remark on the cover of the book and in one of the later chapters that "Christianity is nothing more than religion when it ceases to be supernatural!"

My problem is that this seems to be written from a purely academic standpoint and that the author doesn't have a lot of experience with actual spiritual gifts.

For example, regarding the verses in 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 about knowledge ceasing when the perfect comes, he talks about a teacher drawing a blank. Clearly, if a person received a true "word of knowledge" from the Holy Spirit, or if he/she was operating under a genuine gift of teaching, this could not happen. The Holy Spirit downloads a supernatural insight into either speaker and is fully capable of making sure the revelation is uttered before it evacuates the person's mind.

Later in the book he repeats this naturalistic view of the gift of teaching by indicating that a person needs to be educated in order to exercise this gift. If an ability is divinely given by the Spirit, then it's not something you have to be taught; you just receive the gift and exercise it as needed. We go to school to acquire human knowledge and skills, not gifts!

While I appreciate that the author is at least considering the legitimacy of tongues as a divine endowment and is encouraging believers to neither reject it out-of-hand nor promote it as some sort of litmus test for spirituality, I really don't think he understands its actual nature or purpose in the body of Christ. He's just guessing based on his understanding of the Bible. If you are looking for both a great biblical study and a record of the history and usefulness of the gift of tongues, then I would suggest They Speak in Other Tongues, by John Sherrill, instead.

[KELLI DANIELS · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gift of Tongues by C.W. Steinle offers an illuminating, scripture-grounded exploration of one of Christianity’s most misunderstood spiritual gifts. With a balance of personal experience, theological insight, and pastoral sensitivity, Steinle breaks through denominational barriers to reveal the deeper value and divine purpose behind tongues. The book thoughtfully unpacks the differences between public and private use, the place of spiritual gifts within the church, and how believers can rediscover a truly supernatural faith. Its straightforward explanations, supported by biblical evidence, make it accessible to both lay readers and ministry leaders seeking clarity. What makes this work so valuable is its ability to inspire believer to move beyond intellectual faith toward a Spirit empowered walk one that revives passion and restores conviction in the modern church.

[Tonya Gaston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good inormation

This book has been an appreciated source to finding a breakdown of needed answers. I would recommend to others to read.

[Frank Van Scoyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learn God's communication system.

The book was very meaningful. It needs to have more pages to read. God's love is essential in our daily lives

[Darrell Combs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great teaching!

I really enjoyed this book on The Gift of Tongues. The author explained the gift with clarity, which is so important for understanding. Thank you for allowing God to use you to help the church. There is power in speaking in tongues!

[Victor · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are familiar with the arguments for the contemporary exercise of tongues in the Pentecostal/Charismatic way, then the arguments presented are pretty standard. The author is extremely gracious in representing his own position and does represent the position for the exercise of the gift of tongues in a faithful way.

The Good
The author does a good job of making a case from the Scriptures against the idea that all believers should speak in tongues. I found this point alone very refreshing. Also, I appreciate the author's desire that those who believe in the continuing practice of the gift and those who do not, should not engage each other in judgmental ways. The overall tone of the book comes across as sincere and genuine. And, the author presents his case in a charitable way.

The Bad
I was left unconvinced by the author's general argument on two points. First, attributing the gift of tongues to being a "mystery" and that, in the end, we should resign ourselves to not knowing their purpose and their practice was not very comforting or encouraging. If there is truth to be found, then it should be sought. And, at least in my view, truth clarifies. Simply saying it is a mystery just felt like the easy way out.

Second, describing the gift of tongues as an "introductory" gift seemed to diminish the gift. Especially in light of the fact that one of the purposes of the book was to reclaim the gift's place in the life of the church. This description seems to be at odds with that aim.

[Teresa Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teaching

If you were like me with questions after questions concerning the speaking of tongues, this book is a great support tool. After being redirected to 1 Corinthians 14, which I've read many times, this support tool (book) helped me understand about when and when not tongues spoken were timely appropriate.

[Brent Mosley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

This book was a great quick and knowledgeable book on the gifts of tongues. Went in to great detail and pointed you in the right direction in the word of God to which you should read

[Brian Tanking · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical and sensible...

A must read for those with questions on the gift of tongues. Great answers that are practical and sensible. It supports what our Pastor teaches. Thank you C.W. Steinle.

[voni · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good read for general information but not what I was looking for

I was disappointed but it was informative on the basics but not what I wanted more of an explanation of what speaking in tongues means is all.

[Melissa Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read

Easy read

This was an easy read in being able to understand the information presented. The book left me wanting more insight on the subject matter.

[Elaine Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

EXCELLENT

This book gave me a better understanding of the gift of tongues. I would recommend this book to others who are interested in this subject.

[Amara Kouyate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good

Basic principles knowledge about speaking in tongues. Good for new Christian, it is simple and understanding. Thank you so much