ANSWER:It’s important to understand that the New Testament was primarily written in Greek. So, when we read certain words in other languages—such as Kiswahili—they may appear to have a single meaning, but in the original Greek, they often carry more than one meaning. For example, when we come across the word “Word” in Kiswahili translations of the Bible, it is generally rendered as “Neno,” meaning “the Word of God.” However, in the original Greek, there are two distinct words used: “Logos” and “Rhema.” Logos refers to the eternal Word of God, the written Word, the mind or plan of God. It also represents Jesus Christ Himself, who is the Word made flesh. Rhema, on the other hand, means the spoken Word of God—a word for a specific time or situation, not necessarily eternal. Examples of verses where “Word” is translated as Logos include: John 1:1-18 James 1:22 Hebrews 4:12 Examples where “Word” refers to Rhema include: Matthew 4:3-4: [3] The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”[4] Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Here, when Jesus says, “every word that comes from the mouth of God,” He is referring to Rhema—a specific word spoken by God for that moment. Another example is when Elijah told the widow: “This is what the Lord says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry…’” (1 Kings 17:14) This was not a general promise for everyone at all times—it was a specific word (Rhema) revealed for that moment. Another example:Luke 5:5: Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so (at your word), I will let down the nets.” Peter believed the spoken Word (Rhema) from Jesus—and acted on it. To help you grasp it better: “Logos” = The Holy Scriptures (the Bible) “Rhema” = A revealed Word for a specific time or situation DOES GOD STILL SPEAK TO US THROUGH RHEMA TODAY? Yes! God has already given us His main channel of communication—the Bible (Logos). But He still speaks to us through the Holy Spirit using various gifts: prophecy, teaching, wisdom, visions, dreams, etc. However, any revealed Word (Rhema) must not contradict the written Word (Logos). The two should work together to reveal God more fully in our lives, because He is alive and active. A WARNING:In these last days, many people are turning Rhema into Logos. For instance, they copy what Jesus did—spitting on the ground and making mud to heal someone—or what Paul did by healing with handkerchiefs. But they don’t understand those were Rhema—specific instructions for specific times, not universal commands. Such actions can become idolatrous. For example, in the Old Testament, when the Israelites were in the wilderness, God told Moses to make a bronze serpent for healing (Numbers 21). But later, people turned that bronze serpent into an object of worship, and it led them into bondage (2 Kings 18:4). Our permanent instruction is this: The name of Jesus is our ultimate authority—that is our Logos. Unless God gives you a specific revelation (Rhema) to use something else, don’t copy blindly, because God may not be behind it. Depend more on the Bible. God bless you.
In the scriptures, there is no direct account of Jesus speaking in tongues. However, by the understanding given to us by the Holy Spirit, it is clear that Jesus did indeed speak in tongues. The fact that there is no written record of this event does not imply that it did not happen. As John 21:25 states, “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” Therefore, not every action or event in Jesus’ life is documented in the Bible. Additionally, we must recognize that the concept of speaking in tongues, as first taught to the apostles, was initiated by Jesus. It is not something that was revealed at a later time. This makes sense because Jesus would not ask His followers to do something that He Himself did not experience or practice. In Mark 16:17-18, Jesus Himself says, “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” Here, Jesus is speaking of signs and wonders that would follow those who believe in Him, which includes speaking in tongues. Moreover, Jesus was the only man ever anointed with the Holy Spirit in a measure that exceeded all others (Hebrews 1:9), “You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” This verse highlights that Jesus was fully endowed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including the gifts of prophecy, teaching, evangelism, shepherding, and apostleship. He also manifested gifts of healing, miracles, and discernment. Given this, it would not be surprising for Jesus to also have the ability to speak in tongues. Theological Implications: Jesus’ Anointing and Fullness of the Spirit:Jesus was completely filled with the Holy Spirit. The gifts of the Spirit, including the gift of tongues, were present in Him. Jesus’ life is the perfect example of a man who was in complete communion with the Father and the Spirit, and as such, He demonstrated all the spiritual gifts in their fullness. He didn’t just teach about these gifts; He embodied them. Thus, it is logical to believe that He could have spoken in tongues as part of His spiritual empowerment. The Role of the Holy Spirit:The Bible teaches that Jesus was empowered by the Holy Spirit for His ministry (Luke 4:14). The Holy Spirit gave Him the ability to perform miracles, heal the sick, and even speak in tongues, if needed. Jesus’ empowerment by the Holy Spirit was not just for His own sake but also as an example for His followers. The Great Commission and the Gift of Tongues:In the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), Jesus commands His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. The gift of tongues, as seen in Acts 2, was part of the divine empowerment given to the apostles to carry out this mission. Since Jesus, in Mark 16:17, explicitly mentions speaking in tongues as one of the signs of those who believe, it makes sense that He would have personally experienced this gift as part of His anointing. Unwritten Events in Scripture:John 21:25 reminds us that not everything Jesus did was written down. The Gospels record only a fraction of His life and actions. While we may not have a detailed account of Him speaking in tongues, this does not mean that He did not do so. The Holy Spirit gives us the understanding that He was fully equipped with all gifts of the Spirit, including tongues. Conclusion: In conclusion, it is reasonable to believe that Jesus spoke in tongues. His life and ministry were fully aligned with the power of the Holy Spirit, who manifested in various ways through Him, including the ability to speak in tongues. While the Bible does not explicitly record this event, it is clear from the scriptures that Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit in all its fullness, and the gifts of the Spirit, including tongues, were likely part of that anointing. Therefore, the idea that Jesus did speak in tongues is supported by the theological understanding of His divine empowerment and the evidence of the Spirit’s work in His life. This also affirms that Jesus, as the source of all spiritual gifts, passed on this gift to His followers, as seen in Mark 16:17-18. It is through Him that we receive the Holy Spirit and all His gifts, including speaking in tongues. May the Lord bless you richly.