Speaking in Tongues: A Gift of the Holy Spirit

Speaking in tongues is the Spirit-given ability to speak, pray or praise God in a language the speaker has never learned. This article explains what the gift is, how it operated in Acts and the early church, and how it may be used today.

What Is Speaking in Tongues?

On the Day of Pentecost each of the 120 or so believers was filled with the Holy Spirit and, with His ability, began to speak in a language they did not know yet was readily recognised and understood by the hearers who did speak that language. Later, at Corinth, the additional gift of interpretation (translation) was necessary to make the tongues intelligent or understandable to others in attendance. This articulate, significant utterance inspired by the Holy Spirit is given primarily for private worship, prayer and building up an individual’s faith. In a group setting it should only be used when the message can be interpreted for the edification of believers (which is the equivalent of prophecy), and it becomes a sign to unbelievers that God is at work (Act 2:4-11, 10:46; 1 Cor 14:4, 14-17,22,28).

Tongues in Acts and the Early Church

Throughout the book of Acts speaking in tongues was an evidence (but not the only one) of having received the Spirit – being ‘born again’ and having the Spirit resident in one’s life (Jn 7:37-39, 14:16-17,23; Act 2:4, 19:6; 2 Tim 1:14). Paul urged the Ephesians to continually yield to the Holy Spirit’s ministry in their lives thus replacing their sinful nature (Eph 5:18). Paul said he “would like all to speak in tongues...I speak in tongues more than anyone”, yet because the Corinthians so overrated and abused this gift, he limited its exercise in public and emphasised the superior value of prophecy for the whole church (1 Cor 14:1-28).

Like any gift from God, it is beneficial – but only if used wisely

Jesus said speaking in new tongues would be one of the signs accompanying those who believe, while Paul added that if a person spoke in tongues but did not have love, that was futile. Speaking in tongues is only one of the gifts of the Spirit, or divine enablements, listed in the Bible and given for the benefit of the Kingdom of God and His praise (Mk 16:17; Rom 12:6-8; 1 Cor 12:8-11, 13:1; 1 Pet 4:10-11). Such gifts are never given to flaunt, nor to use to intimidate others or make those who do not have them feel inferior.

A Personal Prayer Language

It is commonly recognised there is a ‘personal tongue’ or heavenly language for an individual’s private use, besides the gift of tongues (which needs to be interpreted) for the benefit of the corporate church (1 Cor 12:10,28,30, 14:5,13,19,26-28). When the whole church body is united in vocal worship it is acceptable to speak in tongues, which is also termed praying and praising ‘in the Holy Spirit’ (1 Cor 14:14,16; Jud 1:20).

Speaking in tongues can be viewed as the human spirit speaking to God without the mind getting in the way, especially advantageous when in our own devotions we are unsure of God's will when praying about a particular matter (1 Cor 14:2). We can express the cry of our heart without our mind formulating our ideas which may be contrary to what God's will is. “We don't know what we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us” (Rom 8:26-27).

Let your spirit speak freely, unfiltered by the mind

Cessation or Continuation?

Christians differ over whether tongues and the other sign gifts were intended for the whole church age. Cessationists hold that these gifts ceased with the apostles, arguing that tongues and prophecy were foundational to the early church and, having served their purpose, passed away (1 Cor 13:8-10; Eph 2:20); they point to the completeness of the written Scriptures as God’s sufficient revelation today. Continuationists respond that Paul said such gifts would continue “till we all come...to a perfect man” and that nothing in Scripture announces their withdrawal (1 Cor 13:10, 1:7; Eph 4:13); they note that the Spirit poured out at Pentecost was promised “to all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call” (Act 2:39), a promise that still includes today’s believers. Both positions honour the same Scriptures, so the debate should be conducted in humility rather than division.

The issue of speaking in tongues is controversial so Christians should respectfully and lovingly agree to disagree with our brothers and sisters in Christ who hold to a different persuasion, as it is not a requirement of salvation or a sign of spiritual maturity or power (Eph 2:8-9). Coupled with this is the very real necessity for the natural, unruly tongue to be employed in a higher use – to speak life and righteousness rather than death and carnality.

Focus on what unites us, not on what divides us

Reflection and Application:

Use your prayer language daily in private worship to build up your faith.
In public gatherings, wait for interpretation so the whole church is edified.
Pursue love above every gift — without it, tongues are only noise.
Keep unity with believers who hold a different view of this gift.

See also: cessation and continuation, controversial issues, Holy Spirit, interpretation, languages, Pentecost, prophecy, spiritual gifts, tongue.