What is dancing in the spirit?

Answer 1

This is a philosophy in some churches, yet not mentioned in the New Testament. David, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 6:16, danced for joy at the victory that the Lord gave in bringing the recaptured Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, an isolated and specific case.

Psalm 30:11 indicates that David again was rejoicing at the dedication of the Tabernacle, undoubtedly the same occurrence. Other references in the Old Testament were spiritual, cultural and domestic practices, and sometimes being sinful activities. Nothing is mentioned about "dancing in the spirit," yet David and other Psalmist indicated that dance was involved in Old Testament worship, i.e., Psalms 149:3, 150:4.

While there is no reference to the specific term, "dancing in the spirit," it s not something that the Bible indicates as wrong. However, no indication is given to the activity of dance within the church in the New Testament.

The only New Testament references to dance are Herodias' evil dance, a family dancing at the return of the prodigal son (cultural) and a proverb by Christ, as an rebuke of the general lack of response, by the Pharisees and religious leaders of Israel of His day, to the spiritual messages of John the Baptist. Luke 7:30-35.

Nothing is mentioned of dancing in the New Testament church, whereas, instruction is given to encourage one another: "Be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ..." Ephesians 5:18b-20. If there were such activity in the early church, it would undoubtedly mentioned it here or in Colossians 3:16.

Some churches would indicate caution and orderliness in practices, because such activities could easily get out of control. There are warnings and instructions to such a problem in the Scriptures: "Let all things be done decently and in order." 1 Corinthians 14:40, "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." Colossians 3:17.

Paul had remind the church at Corinth: "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led." 1 Corinthians 12:1,2. Things, said to be of spiritual activity, were getting out of hand in that church and bringing in heathen practices into Christian worship.

Wise caution may always be the best way to consider a Christian's actions.