In any discussion of tongues, it is important to note that they were not just spiritual gifts. They also were designated as a “sign gift” and part of a cluster of gifts named by Jesus in Mark 16. These sign gifts were given to individuals to authenticate the message of the gospel. The early Christians had no New Testament in the early years following the ascension of Christ. As the gospel went to Jew and Gentile alike, it needed the witness of the signs to undergird its authority, until the written Scriptures established that authority base.
— John Napier, Theologe und Pastor
Related Bible passage: MRK.16.17
Topics: The Bible & the Word of God, Church & Congregation
Occasions: For Reflection
John Napier
John Napier ist ein evangelikaler Theologe und Pastor, der nach seiner Promotion am Dallas Theological Seminary im gemeindlichen und akademischen Dienst in den USA sowie in Australien wirkte. Er wurde insbesondere durch sein Werk Charismatic Challenge bekannt, in dem er eine klassisch cessationistische Haltung vertritt und die Abgeschlossenheit des biblischen Kanons hervorhebt. Bibellesern vermittelt sein Werk eine theologische Einordnung geistlicher Gaben und betont die alleinige Genügsamkeit der Heiligen Schrift gegenüber erfahrungsorientierten Strömungen.
[The Bible is] shallow enough for a child not to drown, yet deep enough for an elephant to swim.
Augustine of Hippo
A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.
Unknown
The Bible in the pulpit must never supersede the Bible at home.
John Charles Ryle
The Bible is almost bursting with good news for bad people.
Corrie ten Boom
Martin Luther
The Bible is the cradle wherein Christ is laid.
Martin Luther
Martin Luther
Jesus was not a theologian. He was God who told stories.
Madeleine L'Engle