The Strand Study Bible

ACTS

ACTS

1802

rather than in the language he has more recently acquired. But be that as it may, the tongues referred to in Acts 10:46 were known languages, not an ecstatic utterance. 1

Hutson went on to note:

Seeking for a deeper experience, well-meaning and sincere believers have been led into the (Charismatic) movement. Due to a false understanding, thousands of believers seek for the experience of speaking in tongues instead of for the power and fullness of the Holy Spirit to win souls. 1

According to Acts 1:4-8, the reason for the fullness of the Spirit is for boldness in witnessing ( Acts 2:17-18 ), not speaking in tongues ( I Cor 12:30 & 14:21 a,b ). There are seven visible evidences of the Spirit’s fullness ( Acts 4:13 ). Praising (magnifying God; joy) is but one of them ( Eph 5:18 c ). NOTE – It is to be noted that some of the finest Christians I know and am associated with believe in speaking in tongues, and although I do not agree with them concerning some of their charismatic doctrine, many of them love the Lord Jesus with all their heart, and that’s what counts with God ( Acts 19:6 and Mt 22:34-38). Harold L. Willmington in Signs of the Times agrees . Concerning the modern Charismatic Movement, Willmington notes: Let me begin by stating my absolute conviction that, without exception, every tongue-speaking Christian will, like all other believers, be instantly caught up and transformed at the rapture. Furthermore, I am convinced that many of the faithful from this group will hear their blessed Lord say to them: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant!” I cannot overemphasize at this point that the following material is in no way intended to raise the slightest question concerning the intelligence, integrity, salvation, or spirituality of any professing charismatic Christian. To do so would be to flagrantly violate I Corinthians 4:3-5 and Romans 14:10-13. My sole purpose is to examine the movement and not the members. 2 My aim is not to fight against or to hurt brothers amongst charismatics. My aim is to help God’s people keep from being fooled into accepting a cheap twentieth century imitation of the New Testament reality–fullness of power. 3 NOTE – Charles Parham is credited with starting the Pentecostal/Charismatic movement in the 1900’s in America. Former Pentecostal pastor, R.J. Storms, in I Chose not to be a Charismatic agrees. He notes:

1 Hutson, Curtis. Bread for Believers . Murfreesboro, TN: Sword of the LORD Pub. 1982. Print. 2 Willmington, Harold L. Signs of the Times , Wheaton, ILL, Tyndale, 1983, Print 3 Storms, R.J. I Chose not to be a Charismatic , Brooksville, FLA, Way of Life. Print .