I’ve seen this gift being used beautifully. In a public setting after the gift of public tongues Is given comes a powerful equivalent (not a translation) of what was just spoken. Perhaps we could call it a response. During listening to the public gift of tongues there is a heightened expectation that the interpretation will be coming either from the same person or someone else in the room. The Holy Spirit will be responding soon to give understanding and we await with a longing for what would be said.
“to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.” 1 Corinthians 12:10
Paul will be saying in chapter 14 that if we have the public gift of tongues then we must seek the interpretation gift also because when we come together publicly everything needs to be understood.
All my life the majority of times I have heard this gift in operation is what would be called an equivalent to prophecy. Although I know that the Holy Spirit can do what He wants to do, I cannot help think that if it is indeed prophecy (God speaking to man) then why not just let the prophetic gift flow. But perhaps through teaching we can understand that if tongues is for prayer, praise and giving thanks to God as the private use is in chapter 14 then the gift of interpretation is also God-ward. It is something that has been debated by many. For me, I have heard beautiful and powerful prayers that carry a prophetic edge but are given to God and these have followed the message in tongues. Every single time I have heard these I have marvelled of the impact of the gift of interpretation on the church.
Holy Spirit I humbly ask that you give this gift to me. Use me to empower your church. I reach out for the gift not only of tongues but of interpretation. Above all may Jesus be seen and glorified. Amen
Missions Paul 