The limited function of the genuine gift of tongues can be seen in the fact that, even during its proper time in history, it could be misused and become a hindrance to worship and to evangelism. If everyone with the gift spoke at once, and ungifted men or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are made? As in v. 16, I believe that idiotes (ungifted) is better rendered in its more common meaning of unlearned or ignorant.An unbelieving Gentile would have been turned off if ⦠the whole church should assemble together and all speak in tongues, because he would have seen no meaning in the sign. An unbelieving Jew would have been turned off because of the bedlam and confusion. Mainomai (mad) means to be in a frenzied rage, to be beside oneself in anger. An unbeliever, Gentile or Jew, would go away from such a service thinking it was just another wild and meaningless ritual, much like those of paganism...
