Sign GiftsSign Gifts

Some gifts were for the church in Some gifts were for the church in general and some were unique gifts general and some were unique gifts

that were primarily given to those who that were primarily given to those who had the responsibility of confirming the had the responsibility of confirming the

message of Jesus to the world; this message of Jesus to the world; this was the purpose of the sign giftswas the purpose of the sign gifts

Sign GiftsSign GiftsTongues

Interpretation of tongues

Miracles

Healings

Day of Pentecost Acts 2:4-11

Church in Corinth 1 Cor 14:9-19

Philip Acts 8:5-13

Peter Acts 3:1-10; 4:7-16; 5:15-16; 9:32-42

The capacity to speak in languages without a previous knowledge of this language

The ability to translate a message spoken in a language, without knowing the language for the benefit of the churchThe ability to initiate supernatural acts that show clearly that the power of God is greater than Satan

The ability to cause complete and instantaneous physical healings by command or direct touch

Gift of Tongues or LanguagesGift of Tongues or Languages Grammatical MeaningGrammatical Meaning: : ge,nh glwssw/nge,nh glwssw/n

“kinds, nations or people of tongues or “kinds, nations or people of tongues or languages” – languages” – diale,ktojdiale,ktoj “dialect, language” “dialect, language” (Acts 1:19; 2:6; 2:8; 21:40; 22:2; 26:14)(Acts 1:19; 2:6; 2:8; 21:40; 22:2; 26:14)

Three basic uses (Kittel)Three basic uses (Kittel)1.1. Organ of tasteOrgan of taste2.2. Speech or languageSpeech or language3.3. A way of speaking that needs explanation A way of speaking that needs explanation

Biblical DefinitionBiblical Definition: The ability to speak in : The ability to speak in foreign dialects without any previous foreign dialects without any previous knowledge of this languageknowledge of this language

Gift of Tongues or LanguagesGift of Tongues or Languages Two Contemporary DefinitionsTwo Contemporary Definitions of what these of what these

tongues are:tongues are:1.1. The ability to speak in foreign dialects without knowing The ability to speak in foreign dialects without knowing

this languagethis language2.2. The ability to speak in ecstatic expressions not related The ability to speak in ecstatic expressions not related

with any known earthly languagewith any known earthly language CharacteristicsCharacteristics::

Scriptural evidence indicates the person would receive a Scriptural evidence indicates the person would receive a revelation, then be given the opportunity to express the revelation, then be given the opportunity to express the tongue-sign in a church setting, followed by a required tongue-sign in a church setting, followed by a required interpretation of the language, which resulted in interpretation of the language, which resulted in edification as the revelation was understood by edification as the revelation was understood by everyone. everyone.

The “sign” aspect would be understood readily by The “sign” aspect would be understood readily by Jewish observers, since an OT prophecy promised a Jewish observers, since an OT prophecy promised a language signlanguage sign

Gift of Tongues or LanguagesGift of Tongues or Languages Dangers of abusesDangers of abuses::

Since 3 chapters were written to correct the abuses, they Since 3 chapters were written to correct the abuses, they are serious – primarily due to overemphasisare serious – primarily due to overemphasis

A false sense of “spiritual” when speaking a tongueA false sense of “spiritual” when speaking a tongue Ideas concerning giftIdeas concerning gift::

One of three gifts declared to cease or disappear while One of three gifts declared to cease or disappear while other gifts continueother gifts continue

Declared to be in the 5Declared to be in the 5thth category of importance in 1 Cor 12 category of importance in 1 Cor 12 Absolutely no edification value to anyone unless Absolutely no edification value to anyone unless

interpretedinterpreted MisunderstandingMisunderstanding: thinking that tongues are a sign : thinking that tongues are a sign

of the enduement of the Spirit’s powerof the enduement of the Spirit’s power

Purposes Given for Gift of TonguesPurposes Given for Gift of Tongues

1.1. Evidence of the Baptism of the SpiritEvidence of the Baptism of the Spirit

2.2. Fulfillment of the Prophecy of JoelFulfillment of the Prophecy of Joel

3.3. EvangelizationEvangelization

4.4. Edification of speaker and othersEdification of speaker and others

5.5. Sign to IsraelSign to Israel

6.6. Confirmation of the Apostles and their Confirmation of the Apostles and their message of Salvationmessage of Salvation

What is a “tongue”?What is a “tongue”? Babbling in ecstatically in a non-human language or a Babbling in ecstatically in a non-human language or a

foreign dialect unknown to speaker?foreign dialect unknown to speaker?1.1. Classical GreekClassical Greek: : glw/ssaglw/ssa

Strange words of a foreign dialectStrange words of a foreign dialect Used of words hard to understand in poetryUsed of words hard to understand in poetry Other word was used for “tongues of angels” Other word was used for “tongues of angels” fqhggo/maifqhggo/mai

2.2. Pre-Christian JudaismPre-Christian Judaism There were words of mystical languages in Philo, but they are not There were words of mystical languages in Philo, but they are not

used in the NTused in the NT

3.3. Secular use in NT timesSecular use in NT times: : always a human language or organalways a human language or organ

4.4. Septuagint (LXX):Septuagint (LXX): Occurs 114 times in OT and 41 times Occurs 114 times in OT and 41 times in Apocrapha, but never refer to something unintelligible in Apocrapha, but never refer to something unintelligible

5.5. New TestamentNew Testament In 1 Cor 13 and 14 In 1 Cor 13 and 14 glw/ssaglw/ssa used in singular and plural used in singular and plural To say that 1 Cor means something distinct from every usage is To say that 1 Cor means something distinct from every usage is

against every hermeneutic and linguistic rule of understandingagainst every hermeneutic and linguistic rule of understanding

Argument: Tongues are Ecstatic Argument: Tongues are Ecstatic ExpressionsExpressions

1.1. The accusation of being drunk (Act 2:13) indicates The accusation of being drunk (Act 2:13) indicates unconscious and uncontrolableunconscious and uncontrolable

2.2. ““New (New (kainai/jkainai/j) tongues” or “languages” in Mark ) tongues” or “languages” in Mark 16:17 are new in “class” or “quality”, not in time.16:17 are new in “class” or “quality”, not in time.

3.3. Tongues will “cease” (1 Cor 13:8), Dialects?Tongues will “cease” (1 Cor 13:8), Dialects?4.4. ““No one understands him” (1 Cor 14:2)No one understands him” (1 Cor 14:2)5.5. Why does it need “interpretation?” If it can be Why does it need “interpretation?” If it can be

understood naturally, it is not needed.understood naturally, it is not needed.6.6. ““Other tongues” (Other tongues” (e`te,raij) Acts 2:4, are

“different” in class from known dialects7. The word “speak” (lale,w) can refer to

unintelligible speech

Proofs: “Tongues” are foreign languagesProofs: “Tongues” are foreign languages

1.1. Total failure of linguists to recognize any Total failure of linguists to recognize any dialects used in “tongues speaking” today.dialects used in “tongues speaking” today.

2.2. The “dialect” is related to the birthplace of the The “dialect” is related to the birthplace of the hearers in Acts 2:4.hearers in Acts 2:4.

3.3. ““Other” (Other” (e`te,raij) tongues (Acts 2:4) is always a different category of same thing

4. The normal use of glw/ssaglw/ssa 30 times, never 30 times, never refers to ecstatic speaking, but the plural refers to ecstatic speaking, but the plural alwaysalways refers to various kinds of dialects. refers to various kinds of dialects.

5.5. The use of “new tongues” (The use of “new tongues” (kainai/j) in Mar 16:17, is new to the speaker, not new in time.

ProofsProofs22: “Tongues” are foreign languages: “Tongues” are foreign languages

6.6. The use of “The use of “kindskinds of tongues,” of tongues,” ge,nh (1 Cor 12:10, (1 Cor 12:10, 28)– a descendant relationship of the same class. 28)– a descendant relationship of the same class. Languages are comparable in different groupings.Languages are comparable in different groupings.

7.7. The gift of interpretation, The gift of interpretation, e`rmhnei,a, (Jn 1:38, 42; Heb 9:27)– means to “translate, explain.” Where there is no real language, there is nothing to translate.

8. The use of “voice” in 1 Cor 14:7-11– unintelligible noise is evidence of a false and useless tongue.

9. The prophecy of Isaiah 28:11-12 (1 Cor 14:21) refers to literal languages of other nations as sign

10. The association of Luke and Paul: they both are saying the same thing about tongues.

10 Rules to Control Genuine Tongues10 Rules to Control Genuine Tongues

1.1. Not everyone is expected to speak a tongue (1 Not everyone is expected to speak a tongue (1 Cor 12:30)Cor 12:30)

2.2. Without interpretation or translation they were Without interpretation or translation they were prohibited and without value (1 Cor 14:14-15)prohibited and without value (1 Cor 14:14-15)

3.3. Must be understood to have any value (1 Cor Must be understood to have any value (1 Cor 14:14-15)14:14-15)

4.4. Is more important to speak in a known Is more important to speak in a known language than in an unknown tongue (1 Cor language than in an unknown tongue (1 Cor 14:18-19)14:18-19)

5.5. No more than 2 or 3 can speak in a meeting (1 No more than 2 or 3 can speak in a meeting (1 Cor 14:27)Cor 14:27)

10 Rules to Control Genuine Tongues10 Rules to Control Genuine Tongues

6.6. Only one person can interpret in a meeting (1 Only one person can interpret in a meeting (1 Cor 14:27)Cor 14:27)

7.7. If there is no interpreter, the tongues speaker If there is no interpreter, the tongues speaker must remain silent (1 Cor 14:28)must remain silent (1 Cor 14:28)

8.8. Evidence of the Spirit’s control is not the loss Evidence of the Spirit’s control is not the loss of control, but more self-control (1 Cor 14:28)of control, but more self-control (1 Cor 14:28)

9.9. Women/wives are not permitted to speak (1 Women/wives are not permitted to speak (1 Cor 14:34-35)Cor 14:34-35)

10.10. Tongues can not be prohibited assuming the Tongues can not be prohibited assuming the rules are followed and done in order (1 Cor rules are followed and done in order (1 Cor 14:39-40)14:39-40)

How to Speak in a Tongue? How to Speak in a Tongue? Dennis Bennett, Dennis Bennett, The Spirit and YouThe Spirit and You

In order to receive the Baptism of the Spirit, lift your In order to receive the Baptism of the Spirit, lift your hands and eyes to heaven and begin to speak words, hands and eyes to heaven and begin to speak words, sounds or simple syllables; do it rapidly, more rapidly, more sounds or simple syllables; do it rapidly, more rapidly, more rapidly and it will occur. You have received the Spirit!rapidly and it will occur. You have received the Spirit!

Begin giving praise to the Lord as “Glory,” “Hallelujah,” Begin giving praise to the Lord as “Glory,” “Hallelujah,” until it becomes difficult to say, “Glory.” Perhaps you won’t until it becomes difficult to say, “Glory.” Perhaps you won’t realize it, but the difficulty is the Spirit. He is pushing realize it, but the difficulty is the Spirit. He is pushing against your mind. The conflict between your will and the against your mind. The conflict between your will and the Spirit causes stuttering.Spirit causes stuttering.

As it is impossible to speak two languages at the same As it is impossible to speak two languages at the same time, so you have to decide that you will not speak a single time, so you have to decide that you will not speak a single word in your natural language. When the sounds begin, lift word in your natural language. When the sounds begin, lift up your voice without inhibitions. Trust in God for the up your voice without inhibitions. Trust in God for the results – This is faith!results – This is faith!

How to Speak in a Tongue? How to Speak in a Tongue? Dennis Bennett, Dennis Bennett, The Spirit and YouThe Spirit and You

You have to discipline yourself to not speak even one You have to discipline yourself to not speak even one word in your own language. You can look to God and open word in your own language. You can look to God and open your mouth and breathe deeply and by faith, drink deeply your mouth and breathe deeply and by faith, drink deeply the power of the Spirit. Open your mouth and breathe, the power of the Spirit. Open your mouth and breathe, constitutes a step of faith that God will honor. If you do constitutes a step of faith that God will honor. If you do this, I can assure you that the Spirit will begin to move you this, I can assure you that the Spirit will begin to move you in a little time. If you begin to follow the impulses when in a little time. If you begin to follow the impulses when they appear, opening and closing your mouth, you will be they appear, opening and closing your mouth, you will be led by the Spirit without inhibitions, speaking whatever led by the Spirit without inhibitions, speaking whatever comes; and, without thinking as in a dream, you will receive comes; and, without thinking as in a dream, you will receive a clear language.a clear language.

Satan will try to make you believe that you are making Satan will try to make you believe that you are making up words or you are imitating someone or perhaps will say, up words or you are imitating someone or perhaps will say, “Now you are getting in the flesh and this is dangerous.” Do “Now you are getting in the flesh and this is dangerous.” Do not pay any attention to these Satanic suggestions.not pay any attention to these Satanic suggestions.

How to Speak in a Tongue? How to Speak in a Tongue? Dennis Bennett, Dennis Bennett, The Spirit and YouThe Spirit and You

““Speaking in tongues is an act of infantile faith…Speaking in tongues is an act of infantile faith…en the same way that a child begins to babble his en the same way that a child begins to babble his first words, open your mouth and make sounds…first words, open your mouth and make sounds…

Whatever sounds that we make, offering the Whatever sounds that we make, offering the tongue to God in simple faith, it can be the tongue to God in simple faith, it can be the beginning of speaking in tongues…If we do not beginning of speaking in tongues…If we do not accept the experience as real (the babbling accept the experience as real (the babbling sounds) we will not be conscience of His reality; sounds) we will not be conscience of His reality; that is, whatever sound should be accepted by that is, whatever sound should be accepted by faith as the gift of tongues.”faith as the gift of tongues.”

Apostles and TonguesApostles and Tongues

1.1. The supernatural gifts are “signs” of apostleship The supernatural gifts are “signs” of apostleship (2 Cor 12:12(2 Cor 12:12

2.2. ““Tongues were a sign” to confirm the message Tongues were a sign” to confirm the message spoken by the apostles (Heb 2:3-4)spoken by the apostles (Heb 2:3-4)

3.3. The initial intervention of the apostles before the The initial intervention of the apostles before the giving of the Spirit (Acts 8)giving of the Spirit (Acts 8)

4.4. The miraculous signs were always in the The miraculous signs were always in the presence of, or with the direct help of, an apostlepresence of, or with the direct help of, an apostle

Those that were not apostles who did miracles were Those that were not apostles who did miracles were associated with apostles and probably received the associated with apostles and probably received the imposition of hands (2 Tim 1:6)imposition of hands (2 Tim 1:6)

5.5. The Jews could accept the revelations of the NT The Jews could accept the revelations of the NT when it was accompanied with “signs” (1 Cor when it was accompanied with “signs” (1 Cor 1:22)1:22)

Gift of HealingsGift of Healings1.1. Grammatical meaningGrammatical meaning: : i;amai;ama, the ability to , the ability to

cause people to be well again, means of healing, cause people to be well again, means of healing, remedy, medicine, remedy, medicine, qerapei,a qerapei,a medical service, medical service, cure diseases. Used metaphorically to refer to cure diseases. Used metaphorically to refer to restoration spirituallyrestoration spiritually

2.2. DefinitionDefinition: The ability to produce a complete and : The ability to produce a complete and immediate physical healing on demand by a direct immediate physical healing on demand by a direct touch or command (Mar 1:42; Matt 14:36)touch or command (Mar 1:42; Matt 14:36)

3.3. CharacteristicsCharacteristics: : Two uses in the Early Church: 1) To give authority to Two uses in the Early Church: 1) To give authority to

the message and messenger (Acts 3; Rom 15:19) 2) the message and messenger (Acts 3; Rom 15:19) 2) Human reasons (Acts 28:8)Human reasons (Acts 28:8)

Is an authority, not a power in prayer (Acts 3:2, 6-8)Is an authority, not a power in prayer (Acts 3:2, 6-8) Can be related to power over demons (Luke 13:10-16 Can be related to power over demons (Luke 13:10-16

Acts 10:38)Acts 10:38)

Gift of HealingsGift of Healings4.4. ObservationsObservations

The sickness can be an instrument of God for a spiritual The sickness can be an instrument of God for a spiritual purpose (2 Cor 12:7-9)purpose (2 Cor 12:7-9)

There is no command to heal. All the valid gifts we are There is no command to heal. All the valid gifts we are responsible to practice, although not everyone has the responsible to practice, although not everyone has the gift.gift.

Little emphasis in the Epistles (apostolic connection in 2 Little emphasis in the Epistles (apostolic connection in 2 Cor 12:12). Cor 12:12).

Elders are to pray for healing in James 5:14-16. Elders are to pray for healing in James 5:14-16. The gift does not depend on the faith of the recipient, The gift does not depend on the faith of the recipient,

rather on the authority of the gifted healerrather on the authority of the gifted healer The gift never fails “healing every sickness and every The gift never fails “healing every sickness and every

disease” (Matt 9:35)disease” (Matt 9:35)

5.5. Danger of abuses:Danger of abuses: Unsaved are able to heal (Matt 7:22 “wonderful works” or Unsaved are able to heal (Matt 7:22 “wonderful works” or

“powerful deeds” could refer to healings)“powerful deeds” could refer to healings)

Gift of MiraclesGift of Miracles1.1. Grammatical MeaningGrammatical Meaning: : shmei/onshmei/on, “sign, wonder, mark, , “sign, wonder, mark,

signal” -- signal” -- du,namijdu,namij, “inherent power to do supernatural , “inherent power to do supernatural acts” -- acts” -- te,rajte,raj “marvel, wonder, strange beyond natural “marvel, wonder, strange beyond natural explanation”explanation”

2.2. DefinitionDefinition: The ability to execute supernatural acts that : The ability to execute supernatural acts that clearly demonstrate the undisputed power of God to be clearly demonstrate the undisputed power of God to be greater than the power of Satangreater than the power of Satan

3.3. Characteristics:Characteristics: Acts 2:22, Jesus was approved or accredited through “miracles” as Acts 2:22, Jesus was approved or accredited through “miracles” as

well as the apostles (2 Cor 12:12-13; Heb 2:3-4)well as the apostles (2 Cor 12:12-13; Heb 2:3-4) Is the indisputable ability to do miracles (Acts 3:12; 4:30, 33; 8:18) Is the indisputable ability to do miracles (Acts 3:12; 4:30, 33; 8:18)

that convince others of the validity of apostolic messagethat convince others of the validity of apostolic message Is the power over sickness, nature (storms), physical material Is the power over sickness, nature (storms), physical material

(water to wine, multiplication of fishes) and death(water to wine, multiplication of fishes) and death Accompanied new revelations to authenticate them (Rom 15:18-Accompanied new revelations to authenticate them (Rom 15:18-

19)19)

Gift of MiraclesGift of Miracles

4.4. Ideas concerning the gift:Ideas concerning the gift: Through their credibility the church followed the Through their credibility the church followed the

apostles (Acts 2:42)apostles (Acts 2:42) Paul exercised this gift when he threw out demons Paul exercised this gift when he threw out demons

(Acts 19:11-12)(Acts 19:11-12) Why were they abundant in the time of apostles and Why were they abundant in the time of apostles and

scarce afterwards?scarce afterwards? Lack of faith and power throughout the history of the churchLack of faith and power throughout the history of the church The will of GodThe will of God

Do you know someone who has the power to suspend Do you know someone who has the power to suspend the laws of Nature at will, as Moses? Elijah? Jesus? the laws of Nature at will, as Moses? Elijah? Jesus? Paul?Paul?

It appears that Jesus, the Apostles and two others It appears that Jesus, the Apostles and two others could do miracles in the NTcould do miracles in the NT

The attitude of insisting on miracles in order to believe, The attitude of insisting on miracles in order to believe, does not please God (Jn 4:48; Luke 11:29)does not please God (Jn 4:48; Luke 11:29)

Are Miracles Necessary Today?Are Miracles Necessary Today?1.1. Miracles were used for specific needs and did Miracles were used for specific needs and did

not repeatnot repeat When the signs of Moses confirmed his authority, they When the signs of Moses confirmed his authority, they

disappeared (Ex 4:29-31)disappeared (Ex 4:29-31) When Joshua entered the land of Canaan, the miraculous When Joshua entered the land of Canaan, the miraculous

daily provisions of 40 years ceased (Josh 5:11-12)daily provisions of 40 years ceased (Josh 5:11-12)

2.2. Miracles were not the NORMMiracles were not the NORM for all the period of for all the period of the Churchthe Church

Jesus (John 20:29) and Paul (2 Cor 5:7) taught that Jesus (John 20:29) and Paul (2 Cor 5:7) taught that miracles are not always necessarymiracles are not always necessary

Once something is proven, confirmed, established by two Once something is proven, confirmed, established by two or three witnesses, it does not need to be proven again (Mt or three witnesses, it does not need to be proven again (Mt 18:16)18:16)

The word “confirm” occurred 5 times, put the word “faith” The word “confirm” occurred 5 times, put the word “faith” occurs 239 times. Today the emphasis is to place your occurs 239 times. Today the emphasis is to place your faith on what has irrefutably been “confirmed”faith on what has irrefutably been “confirmed”

Epics of Miracles in Bible HistoryEpics of Miracles in Bible History

Moses Joshua

1441—1370 B.C.

Elijah Elisha

870—785 B.C.

Jesus Apostles

28-90 A.D.

500 years 813 years

Each period of miracles lasted approximately 70 years!

The NORM over 1600 years is brief periods when miracles occurred

Signs and Miracles Signs and Miracles (Heb 2:3-4)(Heb 2:3-4)

3 How will we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?

1. It was first communicated through the Lord

2. and was confirmed to us 3. by those who heard him, 4 while God confirmed

their witness with signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. NET Hebrews 2:3-4

First: Jesus announced the Salvation

Secondly: “those who heard Him,” i.e. esp. the Apostles

Thirdly, “was confirmed to us” (the author of Hebrews) by Apostles “with signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Spirit” (as Mark 16:17-20)

Falsification of Sign GiftsFalsification of Sign Gifts

1.1. MiraclesMiracles: natural phenomena or : natural phenomena or coincidence attributed to coincidence attributed to intervention of God by the intervention of God by the human enthusiasm, human enthusiasm, psychosomatic or suggestionpsychosomatic or suggestion

2.2. HealingsHealings: Real or imagined : Real or imagined healing coming from healing coming from psychological means such as psychological means such as suggestion, psychosomatics or suggestion, psychosomatics or slight of handslight of hand

3.3. TonguesTongues: Ecstatic utterance : Ecstatic utterance babbling in mother-language babbling in mother-language phonetics produced by phonetics produced by emotional excitement, emotional excitement, imagination or faking a language imagination or faking a language to be acceptedto be accepted

4.4. InterpretationInterpretation: A fake or : A fake or imagined speech supposedly imagined speech supposedly related to a tongue-speech to related to a tongue-speech to authenticate a supposed miracle authenticate a supposed miracle languagelanguage

1.1. Miracles produced by the power Miracles produced by the power of demons as seen in cults and of demons as seen in cults and witchcraft, spirit migration, witchcraft, spirit migration, reading minds and future to reading minds and future to authenticate a false leaderauthenticate a false leader

2.2. Demonic healings as seen in Demonic healings as seen in false cults and “white” witch false cults and “white” witch doctors to authenticate false doctors to authenticate false religion or leaderreligion or leader

3.3. Supernatural language produced Supernatural language produced under demonic control to under demonic control to communicate with the spirit world communicate with the spirit world to deceive and convince of false to deceive and convince of false doctrine or promote false doctrine or promote false prophetsprophets

4.4. Demonic translation that Demonic translation that encourages false teaching or liesencourages false teaching or lies

Satanic Falsification

Carnal Falsification

Gifts to be Carefully EvaluatedGifts to be Carefully Evaluated

ProphecyProphecy: Are there more revelations of God’s Word : Are there more revelations of God’s Word beyond the Bible? Is the gift redefined to mean beyond the Bible? Is the gift redefined to mean “preaching”?“preaching”?

FaithFaith: All believers have several “faiths” (salvation faith, : All believers have several “faiths” (salvation faith, Fruit of Spirit) and can increase faith by responding in Fruit of Spirit) and can increase faith by responding in obedience. Is there a need for more? Does it imply obedience. Is there a need for more? Does it imply revelation of the future to trust in?revelation of the future to trust in?

Word of WisdomWord of Wisdom: Is the Bible the source of wisdom or : Is the Bible the source of wisdom or continued revelation?continued revelation?

Word of KnowledgeWord of Knowledge: Do we know all we need to know : Do we know all we need to know from studying Scriptures, or do we need more from studying Scriptures, or do we need more revelations?revelations?

Discernment of SpiritsDiscernment of Spirits: Do we need special : Do we need special discernment to determine truth or knowledge of the discernment to determine truth or knowledge of the revealed Word of God to compare with. revealed Word of God to compare with.