This video is a Bible study focused on spiritual gifts, specifically addressing the gift of tongues. The speaker clarifies the biblical understanding of this gift, contrasting it with modern charismatic interpretations and historical practices, emphasizing its original purpose for evangelism and the confirmation of the apostles' message during the formation of the New Testament.
The cultural context in Corinth, which contributed to the misunderstanding and misuse of the gift of tongues, included the prevalence of oracles and divination. Specifically, the Oracle of Delphi, dedicated to Apollo, was a famous center for divination where individuals would enter a state of ecstasy and speak unintelligibly, with priests interpreting their words. Corinth was a city deeply immersed in such practices, alongside widespread prostitution, and its status as a major port meant a diverse population with various cultural backgrounds. This environment likely influenced the Corinthian believers to adopt similar practices, leading to the misuse of the spiritual gift of tongues.