The Gift of Tongues

Speaking in tongues means speaking a language you don't know or understand, as the Spirit gives you utterance.

The New Testament mentions:

a) tongues of men;

b) tongues of angels;

c) other tongues;

d) divers kinds of tongues;

e) diversities of tongues;

f) new tongues; and

g) unknown tongues.

Biblical uses of tongues included:

a) publicly addressing a congregation in tongues;

b) speaking privately in tongues, to oneself and to God; and

c) whole groups or congregations speaking in tongues out loud at the same time, declaring the wonderful works of God, magnifying God.

The Bible refers to:

speaking in tongues;

praying in tongues;

singing in tongues;

giving thanks in tongues; and

blessing in tongues.

In a situation where someone is holding a congregation's undivided attention, and addressing them in an unknown tongue, Paul's advice was that two or three such speeches in tongues would be ample before someone else with the gift of the interpretation of tongues should be given a chance to interpret—so the congregation could understand and benefit. Or, if no-one with the gift of interpretation was present, the speaker himself could pray that he might interpret. Otherwise, the speaker was better to refrain from addressing the congregation in the unknown tongue—and instead to speak privately to himself and to God in the tongue. Even though no-one understood the tongue, it was a valid way to speak to oneself and to God, because in the spirit he was speaking mysteries. That was really just common sense, wasn't it, in that scenario. And Paul thanked his God that he spoke in tongues more than them all.

But that advice was not to say that a whole congregation couldn't all speak in tongues out loud at once together. On the day of Pentecost 120 people spoke with other tongues; Cornelius' household spoke in tongues when the Spirit fell on them while Peter was still speaking; and at Ephesus, 12 people were filled with the Spirit and spoke in tongues and prophesied. In those cases no-one was holding the congregation's undivided attention while intrusively addressing them in an unknown tongue: all were speaking in tongues together, declaring the wonderful works of God, and magnifying God. That was totally Scriptural too. That was collective worship versus corporate address. Two different scenarios, where two different protocols would be acceptable, beneficial and normal.

The Bible says tongues were edifying—to a congregation, when it was interpreted; and to the speaker, even when it was not interpreted; it magnified God, when whole groups or congregations spoke in tongues together—and to unbelievers, tongues were a sign. (Other signs that followed believers included casting out demons; being unharmed; and laying hands on the sick and the sick recovering.)

No wonder Paul said he would that they all spoke in tongues! Paul commended a congregation for earnestly desiring spiritual gifts such as tongues, for being zealous for spiritual gifts, and for not coming behind in any gift.

In the Bible, believers received the gift of tongues after the Holy Ghost came upon them and they were filled with the Holy Ghost; or when hands were laid upon them; or when the Spirit fell upon them while the preacher was still preaching.

Some were filled with the Spirit after having first been baptized in water (like the Samaritans; Saul [Paul]; and the Ephesian disciples); and some spoke in tongues before being baptized in water (at Cornelius' household)—but hearing and believing the gospel always came first. For some it all happened on the same day—for others, there were days in-between.

Once a person had received the Holy Ghost and initially spoken in tongues, thereafter they could speak in tongues again and again, Paul said.

The Bible contrasted two ways of praying (and of singing):

a) with one's understanding; and

b) with one's spirit (as the Spirit gave utterance) - that is, in tongues

—both ways were at the believers’ disposal.

The Bible says diversities of tongues is a gift which God has set in the church (along with apostles, prophets, teachers, miracles, gifts of healings, helps and governments).

And tongues shall continue (along with faith, hope and love) it says, until that which is perfect has come, when we shall see face to face.

"Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands" (II Timothy 1:6).

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call" (Acts 2:37,38).