The gift of translation makes languages effective.
On Pentecost God provided instantaneous perfect translation for Peter’s sermon to the crowds in Jerusalem. These days, however, it isn’t available. Why?
I think God gave the events of Pentecost to jumpstart His church. Twelve disciples faced the task of teaching the entire world the Good News. Adding three thousand believers at once would multiply their reach, as the crowds went home to their respective countries.
What did he say?
Believers, being flawed people in a broken world, would rely on the miracle. They’d ignore opportunities to develop the gift of relationship. Think about it. Are you more likely to listen and take seriously words spoken by a complete stranger, or from someone you trust, either through friendship, or family?
Then and now, the gift of translation makes languages effective.
The young church in Corinth was highly enthusiastic about the gift of languages. So much so that their gatherings became disordered and lost effectiveness. Those who spoke languages were unwilling to take turns. Apparently, they didn’t practice the forethought or courtesy to provide an interpreter, either. Curious people hungry for the truth who couldn’t understand what they heard, left the meetings convinced that Corinthian believers were out of their minds.
When Paul heard this about the Corinthians, he spent quite a large section of his first letter to them giving clear instructions about how things should proceed.
In our daily working lives fewer Americans are multi-lingual than citizens of European or Asian countries. Still, missionary organizations and Bible translating groups send people out in teams to build relationships with people groups, teach the Gospel and learn and record their languages.
The gift of translation makes languages effective to teach about Christ.
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Ruth DeMaat
Heidi Kortman
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