Description: Brown, with skill and clarity, reveals the true biblical purpose for the supernaturally spoken languages that accompanied the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. It was not to demonstrate by physical evidence that the 120 had received a valid baptism in the Holy Spirit. The purpose was clearly revealed by the prophet Joel as quoted by the apostle Peter. The multiplicity of languages symbolized that the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:17) and salvation (Acts 2:21) were now available to all races and people groups on earth (all people, everyone). The divisive doctrine that the baptism in the Holy Spirit must be accompanied by the physical evidence of speaking in tongues is false. Speaking in tongues is a valid spiritual gift for personal edification and spiritual communication with God. (1 Corinthians 14:2, 4) The false teaching that tongues must accompany every valid Spirit baptism has been a major cause of division in the body of Christ. It has prevented the unity that Jesus prayed for. (John 17)
