First, let’s examine what the Bible says regarding speaking in tongues. Acts 2 is where it is first stated. Acts 2:4 and 2:11 record the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, filling everyone in attendance with the Spirit and causing them to speak in tongues or other languages. Hear these Spirit-filled people proclaim God’s miracles in their native tongues as the Jews gathered to celebrate Pentecost.
Speaking in tongues is mentioned once again in Acts 10:46. The scene now is Cornelius’s Gentile home. The Holy Spirit descended upon these people as Peter was sharing the [Good News] with them, and they began to worship God.
Then, in Acts 19:1–7, Paul met with a few disciples in Ephesus who had absolutely no knowledge of the Holy Spirit. Following a thorough explanation of the Gospel and a baptism in Jesus’ name, Paul laid his hands on them, bestowing upon them the Holy Spirit, which caused them to begin prophesying and speaking in tongues.
Scholars about speaking in tongues
Academics disagree as to whether the speaking in tongues described in Acts 2 was a common occurrence among the disciples at Ephesus and among the Christians at Cornelius’ home. It is evident that the people speaking in Acts 2 were not native speakers of the other languages. It’s unclear if Acts 10 and 19 likewise state the same thing. However, it is evident that the appearance of the Holy Spirit occurs before speaking in tongues in each of the three instances. The Good News is preached along with it, and those who talk in tongues are exalting God. Also, it was evident to all in attendance that these individuals talked in tongues; otherwise, they would not have taken notes.
1 Corinthians 14
Speaking in tongues is mentioned by the apostle Paul as a spiritual talent in 1 Corinthians 12:7–11, 12:28–31, and 14:1. To be strengthened and to glorify God in the Spirit are the goals of this gift (1 Corinthians 14:4). Speaking in tongues, however, is not the greatest talent because it does not elevate others unless one is gifted in interpretation.
Speaking in tongues in church services
Paul gives extensive teaching as to how the gift of speaking in tongues is to be used in the church. He is clearly talking about the context of the worship service. Paul wanted the worship services to be edifying and to be for the benefit of the church. This includes that everything in the service is done in an orderly fashion to the glory of God. In 1 Corinthians 14:27, Paul admonishes believers that when they speak in tongues, not more than three people should do so and not at the same time, but taking turns. And, there should be an interpreter.
1 Corinthians 14:28: “If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.” Why? Because over and over again, Paul stresses that all must be done for the strengthening of the church (1 Corinthians 14:26). What takes place must make sense to everybody, even to outsiders, so that each person can see that “God is really among you” (1 Corinthians 14:25). Otherwise, things could get out of control quickly and the focus might shift away from glorifying God and edifying believers, to the exercise of gifts in itself. So, if you do not understand what is being said, and if no one is around to interpret, you cannot know whether or not that person is really speaking in tongues (see also 1 Corinthians 14:9-11).
Is it still happening today?
Does speaking in tongues still occur today in the same manner as the Bible describes it? Is it strengthening and edifying the church and bringing glory to God? The gift of speaking in tongues is not truly being used if the responses to these questions are negative. If so, however, give thanks to God for His sovereign choice to exalt His name.
Additionally, read “[How can I experience the Holy Spirit in all of His fullness?]”
