Tongues – Some Preliminary Investigations

By Tim Hegg

The issue of tongues is one which is quite brood in scope. From lexicographical studies one must proceed to exegesis, theology, church history, philosophy of religion, psychology and so cio-psychology. What was once a fairly small and somewhat localized occurrence has now crossed nearly all cultures and denominations and is a phenomenon which must be faced by the entire Christian church.

In approaching the phenomenon of tongues, many specific questions deserve attention. Some of these are: (1) Do the scriptures teach that tongues are a continuing gift to the kehilah or did authentic tongues cease after the early Christian centuries? (2) How do we explain the varied tongues phenomenon in the present charismatic movement? (3) Are there various uses or purposes for tongues in the modern kehilah? (4) Is the gift of tongues evidence of the presence and special blessing of the Ruach? (5) How does the interpretation of the tongue enter into its proper use? (6) How do we distinguish authentic from counterfeit tongues? Obviously, this list could go on.

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Tim Hegg

President / Instructor

Tim graduated from Cedarville University in 1973 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music and Bible, with a minor in Philosophy. He entered Northwest Baptist Seminary (Tacoma, WA) in 1973, completing his M.Div. (summa cum laude) in 1976. He completed his Th.M. (summa cum laude) in 1978, also from NWBS. His Master’s Thesis was titled: “The Abrahamic Covenant and the Covenant of Grant in the Ancient Near East”. Tim taught Biblical Hebrew and Hebrew Exegesis for three years as an adjunct faculty member at Corban University School of Ministry when the school was located in Tacoma. Corban University School of Ministry is now in Salem, OR. Tim is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society and the Society of Biblical Literature, and has contributed papers at the annual meetings of both societies. Since 1990, Tim has served as one of the Overseers at Beit Hallel in Tacoma, WA. He and his wife, Paulette, have four children, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.