Speaking in tongues is one of the most debated and fascinating topics in Christianity.
Some believe it is an essential sign of the Holy Spirit’s presence, while others see it as something that was only for the early church.
Many people wonder if speaking in tongues is still relevant today and how it should be practiced.
What does the Bible really say about it?
From the book of Acts to Paul’s letters to the early churches, the Bible provides clear teaching on speaking in tongues—what it is, why it matters, and how it should be used.
By exploring Scripture, we can gain a better understanding of this spiritual gift and its purpose in the Christian life.
What Is Speaking in Tongues?
The Bible describes speaking in tongues as a spiritual gift given by the Holy Spirit.
It involves speaking in a language that the speaker does not naturally know.
Sometimes, this language is understood by others, and sometimes it is not.
The first mention of speaking in tongues is found in Acts 2 during the event of Pentecost.
The disciples were gathered in one place when the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they began speaking in other languages.
Acts 2:4 says, “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
People from different nations heard the disciples speaking in their own languages, and they were amazed.
This event showed that the gift of tongues was a supernatural sign of God’s power and was used to spread the gospel.
The Purpose of Speaking in Tongues
Speaking in tongues serves multiple purposes in the Bible.
One of the main reasons for this gift was to glorify God and declare His works.
At Pentecost, those who heard the disciples speaking in their own languages said in Acts 2:11, “We hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”
Another purpose of tongues is for personal prayer and spiritual edification.
1 Corinthians 14:4 states, “Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.”
Paul explains that speaking in tongues can be a way to build oneself up spiritually, much like praying.
It is a direct communication with God that surpasses human understanding.
Additionally, speaking in tongues can be a sign for unbelievers.
1 Corinthians 14:22 says, “Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is not for unbelievers but for believers.”
This means that in some cases, speaking in tongues can serve as a supernatural sign to those who do not yet know God.
Should Every Christian Speak in Tongues?
One of the most common questions about speaking in tongues is whether all Christians should have this gift.
Some believe that speaking in tongues is the evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit, while others argue that it is just one of many gifts.
Paul makes it clear in 1 Corinthians 12:29-30 that not every believer will speak in tongues:
“Are all apostles?
Are all prophets?
Are all teachers?
Do all work miracles?
Do all have gifts of healing?
Do all speak in tongues?
Do all interpret?”
The implied answer is no.
God gives different gifts to different people for the purpose of building up the church.
Some may have the gift of teaching, some may have the gift of healing, and some may have the gift of tongues.
It is not a requirement for salvation, nor is it the only sign of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
The Orderly Use of Tongues in the Church
Because speaking in tongues can be a powerful and emotional experience, Paul provided clear instructions on how it should be used in a church setting.
1 Corinthians 14:27-28 says, “If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret.
If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God.”
This means that speaking in tongues should not cause confusion in the church.
If tongues are spoken publicly, there should be someone to interpret so that the message can be understood by others.
If no interpreter is present, it is better for the person to speak in tongues privately.
Paul also emphasizes that everything should be done in an orderly way.
1 Corinthians 14:33 states, “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.”
Speaking in tongues should never be disruptive or chaotic.
Instead, it should be used in a way that brings clarity and edification to the church.
Speaking in Tongues and Love
One of the most important teachings about spiritual gifts, including tongues, is that they must be used with love.
1 Corinthians 13:1 says, “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.”
This means that speaking in tongues, or any spiritual gift, is meaningless if it is not accompanied by love.
Paul goes on to say in 1 Corinthians 13:8 that “where there are tongues, they will be stilled.”
Some interpret this to mean that speaking in tongues was only for the early church and is no longer needed today.
Others believe that this refers to the return of Christ, when all spiritual gifts will no longer be necessary because believers will be in His presence.
Regardless of interpretation, the key message is that love is greater than any gift.
Speaking in tongues should never be used to elevate oneself above others.
It should always be practiced with humility and a heart of love.
Are Tongues Still for Today?
There is debate among Christians about whether the gift of tongues is still active today.
Some believe that it was a special gift given to the early church and is no longer needed.
They argue that since we now have the full revelation of Scripture, tongues have ceased.
This belief is based on 1 Corinthians 13:10, which says, “But when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.”
However, others believe that the gift of tongues is still active and can be used today for prayer, worship, and ministry.
They point to passages like Acts 2:39, which says, “The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
This suggests that the Holy Spirit’s gifts are not limited to one generation but are available to all believers.
Ultimately, whether or not a person speaks in tongues, what matters most is living a life filled with the Holy Spirit.
How Can Someone Receive the Gift of Tongues?
If someone desires to speak in tongues, what should they do?
The Bible teaches that spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit, and they cannot be forced or manufactured.
1 Corinthians 12:11 says, “All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”
This means that speaking in tongues is a gift from God, and He gives it according to His will.
However, Jesus encourages believers to ask for the Holy Spirit.
Luke 11:13 says, “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
If someone feels led to seek the gift of tongues, they can pray, ask God, and be open to however He chooses to work.
Final Thoughts
The Bible teaches that speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift given by the Holy Spirit.
It can be used for worship, prayer, and as a sign of God’s power.
However, it is not a requirement for salvation, and not every Christian will have this gift.
When practiced, it should be done in an orderly way, with love and a heart that seeks to glorify God.
Whether or not someone speaks in tongues, what truly matters is being filled with the Holy Spirit and living a life that honors God.
For those who desire this gift, they can seek God in prayer and trust Him to give according to His perfect will.