Partisans on both sides of charismatic issues are challenged by the even-handed consideration of nuances in the Greek text in these three crucial chapters.
Showing the Spirit
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About the Author
D. A. Carson (PhD, University of Cambridge) is research professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. He is the author or editor of more than forty books and is one of the leaders of The Gospel Coalition.
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D. A. Carson (Ph.D., University of Cambridge) is research professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. He is the author or coauthor of over 45 books, including the Gold Medallion Award-winning book The Gagging of God and An Introduction to the New Testament, and is general editor of Telling the Truth: Evangelizing Postmoderns and Worship by the Book. He has served as a pastor and is an active guest lecturer in church and academic settings around the world.
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58 of 60 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I do not always agree with D.A. Carson (although I mostly do), but I always admire and appreciate him. He is a true scholar who tempers his great mind with a heart for God.
Dr. Carson has written a masterpiece! This volume is an intelligent and definitive grappling with a passage that focuses upon spiritual gifts: I Corinthians 12-14.
He devastates the non-charismatic viewpoint that claims the Bible teaches that tongues would end of themselves upon the completion of the New Testament canon or at the end of the apostolic age. He fortifies (unintentionally) the view of non-charismatics who say, "God can give the gift of tongues today. But we do not see the real thing, so He must not be doing that right now." Although he strains to conclude otherwise, this is where his evidence could easily lead. His actual conclusion is that the gift of tongues is being given today, but not meant for all and not intended to be the believer's focus.
Carson likewise corrects common charismatic abuses by proving the following: (1) every true believer has been baptized in the Spirit, (2) there is no one gift possessed by every believer, but we should seek prophecy over tongues, (3) it is not God's will for all believers to be healed, but God can and does heal miraculously as He pleases.
Carson's exegesis is reasonable, respectful, well-informed, scholarly to the nth degree, clearly delineated and thoroughly documented. Although he addresses the entire text, he particularly focuses upon two of the most controversial spiritual gifts: tongues and prophecy. His views regarding prophecy are about the same as Wayne Grudem's: New Testament prophets do not bear the authority of Old Testament prophets (rather, New Testament authority is vested in the Apostles). Prophecy is God bringing something to mind, and the prophet may mix his own thoughts and thus muddy the prophecy. Unlike OT prophets who were labeled as true of false, in the NT, individual prophecies are to be weighed. There is much to commend this view.
His work on tongues is more exhaustive (but still not complete-see my list of unanswered questions below). He points out that repeated evaluation by linguists have shown that tongues are not human languages. He argues that some legitimate tongues may be coded languages or patterns (for example, a language with its vowels omitted). This is somewhat questionable, though possible (since apparently there has never been a study conducted by expert code-breakers).
What is most fascinating is his conclusion that no verifiable correct interpretations of tongues have been made. Although thorough tests have not been done, Carson mentions a friend who recorded a recitation of a passage in Greek and presented the tape to two individuals claiming the gift of interpretation. They presented interpretations that differed from one another and had nothing to do with the text. He writes, "I know of no major work that has researched hundreds or thousands of examples; but it could be a very revealing study."
But based on this and other similar accounts, we might conclude that if God is not (to the best of our knowledge) truly giving the gift of interpretation, then tongues are not for use in church meetings (where interpretation is demanded). In essence, tongues at this point are limited to private use and personal edification.
Although pensive and thorough, Carson has still left a number of unanswered questions, including: (1) How do the tongues seen in evangelical charismatic assemblies vary from those seen in Hindu, Mormon, or Animistic groupings? (2) Can every human being, saved or not, speak in ecstatic utterances? If so, is this the basis for Biblical tongues (since lost people can often teach and yet we find a New Testament gift of teaching, etc.)? (3) If Christian tongues were not qualitatively different from tongues-speakers in non-Christian religions, then are they really miraculous? (4) Should we allow people to speak in tongues, if interpreted, even though the evidence we do have seems to indicate that the gift of interpretation may not exist in our time or in our country? (5) What about the possibility that some of these gifts are distributed more where the Gospel is being established (as opposed to where the church has been embedded)? Is there evidence to commend or reject this theory? Is it possible that the reportedly high level of miracles in Indonesia is an example of this?
This book is not written at a popular level, but challenges the mind. Pastors and theologians will find it stimulating (and it really is not difficult to understand), but its style, vocabulary, evaluations and refutations may be a stretch for the dedicated laymen.
I love books like this!
Dr. Carson has written a masterpiece! This volume is an intelligent and definitive grappling with a passage that focuses upon spiritual gifts: I Corinthians 12-14.
He devastates the non-charismatic viewpoint that claims the Bible teaches that tongues would end of themselves upon the completion of the New Testament canon or at the end of the apostolic age. He fortifies (unintentionally) the view of non-charismatics who say, "God can give the gift of tongues today. But we do not see the real thing, so He must not be doing that right now." Although he strains to conclude otherwise, this is where his evidence could easily lead. His actual conclusion is that the gift of tongues is being given today, but not meant for all and not intended to be the believer's focus.
Carson likewise corrects common charismatic abuses by proving the following: (1) every true believer has been baptized in the Spirit, (2) there is no one gift possessed by every believer, but we should seek prophecy over tongues, (3) it is not God's will for all believers to be healed, but God can and does heal miraculously as He pleases.
Carson's exegesis is reasonable, respectful, well-informed, scholarly to the nth degree, clearly delineated and thoroughly documented. Although he addresses the entire text, he particularly focuses upon two of the most controversial spiritual gifts: tongues and prophecy. His views regarding prophecy are about the same as Wayne Grudem's: New Testament prophets do not bear the authority of Old Testament prophets (rather, New Testament authority is vested in the Apostles). Prophecy is God bringing something to mind, and the prophet may mix his own thoughts and thus muddy the prophecy. Unlike OT prophets who were labeled as true of false, in the NT, individual prophecies are to be weighed. There is much to commend this view.
His work on tongues is more exhaustive (but still not complete-see my list of unanswered questions below). He points out that repeated evaluation by linguists have shown that tongues are not human languages. He argues that some legitimate tongues may be coded languages or patterns (for example, a language with its vowels omitted). This is somewhat questionable, though possible (since apparently there has never been a study conducted by expert code-breakers).
What is most fascinating is his conclusion that no verifiable correct interpretations of tongues have been made. Although thorough tests have not been done, Carson mentions a friend who recorded a recitation of a passage in Greek and presented the tape to two individuals claiming the gift of interpretation. They presented interpretations that differed from one another and had nothing to do with the text. He writes, "I know of no major work that has researched hundreds or thousands of examples; but it could be a very revealing study."
But based on this and other similar accounts, we might conclude that if God is not (to the best of our knowledge) truly giving the gift of interpretation, then tongues are not for use in church meetings (where interpretation is demanded). In essence, tongues at this point are limited to private use and personal edification.
Although pensive and thorough, Carson has still left a number of unanswered questions, including: (1) How do the tongues seen in evangelical charismatic assemblies vary from those seen in Hindu, Mormon, or Animistic groupings? (2) Can every human being, saved or not, speak in ecstatic utterances? If so, is this the basis for Biblical tongues (since lost people can often teach and yet we find a New Testament gift of teaching, etc.)? (3) If Christian tongues were not qualitatively different from tongues-speakers in non-Christian religions, then are they really miraculous? (4) Should we allow people to speak in tongues, if interpreted, even though the evidence we do have seems to indicate that the gift of interpretation may not exist in our time or in our country? (5) What about the possibility that some of these gifts are distributed more where the Gospel is being established (as opposed to where the church has been embedded)? Is there evidence to commend or reject this theory? Is it possible that the reportedly high level of miracles in Indonesia is an example of this?
This book is not written at a popular level, but challenges the mind. Pastors and theologians will find it stimulating (and it really is not difficult to understand), but its style, vocabulary, evaluations and refutations may be a stretch for the dedicated laymen.
I love books like this!
32 of 33 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
D.A. Carson has written the best book I've seen on the issues that arise in I Corinthians 12-14. There's a reason everyone refers to this book as the first place to look on these topics. He puts the widely misapplied "love" chapter (I Cor. 13) in its context -- spiritual gifts and order in worship. This is the centerpiece of his incisive analysis. From that viewpoint, noting Paul's emphasis on love, Carson details the reasons Paul said what he said and reconstructs the situations in the Corinthian church to which he was responding. He looks at contemporary views of tongues, prophecy, and other "charismatic" issues, placing them all in the proper perspective of the NT community worship in the Corinthian church, countering many extreme views on both sides of the issue. He shows how there's no Biblical basis for cessation of any gifts, yet most of these gifts are just vastly misunderstood and misused throughout many Pentecostal and charismatic churches. This is the most balanced work I've seen on the topic, and I recommend it to those from both sides of the issue who are willing to look seriously into the issue to see if what they've been taught is correct. If you're not willing to do so, you're probably being intellectually dishonest, so go ahead and read this book. It definitely repays the effort.
28 of 31 people found the following review helpful
By Jonathan Koh
Format:Paperback
Carson is one of the most respected theologians in the world today. Though more conservative than charismatic, in this book he writes almost like a biblical charismatic.
This book is a must for all charismatics interested to study 1 Corinthians 12-14 - a passage that is much disputed and which concerns charismatic issues.
Carson holds to a non-cessationistic view in this book. He also accepts Wayne Grudem's view of prophecy.
I particularly liked the way he handled tongues prophecy in his exposition on 1 Corinthians 14 - all charismatics need to read Carson on tongues here. He agrees that tongues are still given but he wants to see it used properly according to biblical stipulations.
His fifth and last chapter states some of his views on things like Baptism of the Spirit, 2nd blessing theology, revelation, historical evidence and also his review of the charismatic movement - which he comes out very positive.
Overall an excellent book that both conservatives and charismatics can learn from. Very balanced!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars
Dishonest Book
This book is another example of what happens when a Bible teacher choses to please his audiences rather than remain truthful to the Word of God. Read more
Published 1 month ago by swalk
4.0 out of 5 stars
enlightening
Eye opening and helps give you a balance perspective. Need a dictionary to help better understand, but your knowledge will increase. Great book
Published 1 month ago by Pen Name
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
This resource is useful for my PhD research on tghe Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts, their theology, nature, number, uses and abuses..
Published 2 months ago by Michael W.McCullough, Jr.
4.0 out of 5 stars
thorough
It was a very thorough and deep read. It is excellent for a in-depth bible commentary, but not an easy read.
Published 3 months ago by Courtney Spittka
4.0 out of 5 stars
"Showing the Spirit" According to the Apostle Paul
I bought D.A. Carson's popular book titled "Showing the Spirit (A Theological Exposition of 1 Corinthians 12-14)" several years ago and waited with great anticipation for the... Read more
Published 12 months ago by Keith Heapes
1.0 out of 5 stars
Missed the mark
Carson is a excellent writer. I admire much of his writing and have sat under his teaching/preaching many times. Read more
Published 13 months ago by G. Peterson
5.0 out of 5 stars
A definitive study
My respect for D.A. Carson increases with each book of his I read. I admire his courage in tackling one of the most controversial portions of Scripture. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Robert G. Leroe
4.0 out of 5 stars
Be forewarned
Be forewarned, while I very much appreciate Carson's works this is not exactly an exposition of I Cor. 12-14, but more of a review of Wayne Grudem's position on cessationism vs. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Josh B
5.0 out of 5 stars
Confused?
As stated before D.A. Carson has a great gift of cutting through the rubbish and taking us to God's word. Read more
Published 23 months ago by Daniel Pollin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great insights into New Testament spiritual gifts teaching
One of the many great qualities of this book is Carson's sharing pastoral insights about preserving church unity in the face of controversy over such things as charismatic teaching... Read more
Published on July 6, 2004 by Gontroppo
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