What is the gift of speaking in tongues?

1. Summary of the Question

The question, “What is the gift of speaking in tongues?” explores a spiritual gift mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in the context of the early church. Speaking in tongues, or “glossolalia,” is described as a supernatural ability to speak in languages not previously known to the speaker. This topic has been a source of both fascination and debate within Christian communities, leading to different interpretations and practices. This answer will explore the biblical teachings on the gift of tongues, its purpose, and its role within the church, providing a balanced and comprehensive understanding based on Scripture.

2. Context and Background

To understand the gift of speaking in tongues, it is important to consider the historical, cultural, and literary context of the New Testament. The first mention of speaking in tongues occurs in the book of Acts during the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, enabling them to speak in various languages that were understood by people from different nations (Acts 2:1-12). This event marked the beginning of the church’s mission to spread the gospel to all nations and served as a powerful sign of God’s presence and power.

In the early church, speaking in tongues was also a spiritual gift used for prayer, worship, and edification within the body of believers (1 Corinthians 12-14). However, Paul, in his letters to the Corinthians, provides guidelines for the use of this gift, emphasizing order, edification, and interpretation. This context helps us understand that speaking in tongues was considered a legitimate spiritual gift but needed to be exercised in love, with the primary goal of building up the church.

3. Biblical Foundation (NASB 2020)

Several key scripture passages provide insight into the gift of speaking in tongues:

• Acts 2:4-6 (NASB 2020): “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with different tongues, as the Spirit was giving them the ability to speak out. Now there were Jews residing in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the crowd came together, and they were bewildered because each one of them was hearing them speak in his own language.” This passage describes the initial manifestation of speaking in tongues at Pentecost, where it served as a sign to unbelievers and demonstrated the Holy Spirit’s power in spreading the gospel.
• 1 Corinthians 12:10 (NASB 2020): “…and to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues.” This verse lists speaking in tongues as one of the spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit to different members of the church for the common good, alongside other gifts like prophecy, healing, and wisdom.
• 1 Corinthians 14:2, 4-5 (NASB 2020): “For the one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people, but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries… One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church. Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but rather that you would prophesy; and greater is one who prophesies than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edification.” Paul explains that while speaking in tongues can be a means of personal edification and communication with God, prophecy is preferred in the church setting because it edifies the entire congregation.
• 1 Corinthians 14:27-28 (NASB 2020): “If anyone speaks in a tongue, it must be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and one must interpret; but if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the church; and have him speak to himself and to God.” Paul provides practical instructions on the use of tongues in the church, ensuring that it is done in an orderly manner with interpretation to prevent confusion and to build up the church.

These passages affirm that speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift meant to glorify God, edify the individual, and, when interpreted, edify the church.

4. Addressing Other Perspectives

Different Christian traditions interpret the gift of speaking in tongues in various ways. Some, such as Pentecostal and Charismatic movements, believe that speaking in tongues is a normative experience for Spirit-filled believers and a sign of baptism in the Holy Spirit. Others, particularly in more traditional or cessationist circles, believe that the gift of tongues ceased with the apostolic age and is no longer necessary for today’s church.

A balanced biblical perspective recognizes that speaking in tongues is a legitimate spiritual gift given by the Holy Spirit but is not required for salvation or a definitive sign of spiritual maturity. The Bible emphasizes the use of all spiritual gifts in love, order, and edification of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 13:1, 14:12).

5. Clarifying Misunderstandings

A common misconception is that speaking in tongues is the only evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit. However, the New Testament describes various manifestations of the Spirit, including love, joy, peace, and other gifts (Galatians 5:22-23, 1 Corinthians 12). Another misunderstanding is that speaking in tongues is inherently chaotic or uncontrollable. Paul’s instructions in 1 Corinthians 14 demonstrate that the gift is to be exercised with self-control, in order, and with interpretation to build up the church.

6. Practical Application and Relevance

For Christians today, the gift of speaking in tongues can be a valuable aspect of personal prayer and worship, allowing believers to express their hearts to God in ways that may go beyond their understanding. However, when practiced in corporate worship, it should be done in a way that aligns with biblical guidelines—orderly, with interpretation, and for the edification of all.

Christians should seek to understand and use their spiritual gifts in ways that honor God and build up the church. Whether or not one speaks in tongues, the focus should be on growing in love, unity, and service within the body of Christ, recognizing that all gifts are given by the same Spirit for the common good.

7. Encouragement and Conclusion

The Bible teaches that the gift of speaking in tongues, like all spiritual gifts, is given by the Holy Spirit for the purpose of glorifying God and edifying the church. While speaking in tongues can be a meaningful part of one’s spiritual life, it is not the ultimate sign of spirituality or maturity. Christians are encouraged to pursue a deeper relationship with God, be open to the Holy Spirit’s leading, and use their gifts to build up the body of Christ in love and unity. By focusing on loving what God loves and using our gifts for His glory, we can grow in faithfulness and be a blessing to others in the church and beyond.