The Gift of Tongues: A Complete Study

The gift of tongues is one of the most discussed and, at times, misunderstood spiritual gifts in the Bible. To fully understand its purpose and application, we must examine its occurrences in Scripture, the meaning of the word “tongues,” and the guidelines for its use in the church. This study aims to clarify the purpose of this gift, show its use in the early church, and align its understanding with biblical teaching.

What Is the Gift of Tongues?

The gift of tongues, or “languages,” is the Spirit-empowered ability to speak in a language not previously known to the speaker. The Greek word used in the New Testament is “glōssa” (γλῶσσα), which means “language” or “tongue.” It is clear from the biblical context that the gift of tongues refers to known human languages, not a heavenly or angelic dialect. This understanding aligns with the events and instructions in Scripture, where tongues were always intelligible and served specific purposes.

The Purpose of the Gift of Tongues

Proclamation of the Gospel
The primary purpose of tongues is to enable the proclamation of the gospel to those who speak other languages. This is seen clearly in Acts 2, when the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, declaring “the wonderful works of God” (Acts 2:11).

A Sign for Unbelievers
Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 14:22, “Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe.” This indicates that tongues served as a miraculous sign to validate the message of the gospel, particularly to unbelieving audiences.

Edification with Interpretation
When tongues are used in the church, they must be accompanied by interpretation to edify the congregation. Paul emphasizes this in 1 Corinthians 14:5: “I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.”

Tongues in Action: Biblical Examples

Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13)
At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles, and they began to speak in various languages. People from “every nation under heaven” (Acts 2:5) were amazed, saying, “We hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God” (Acts 2:11). This miraculous event allowed the gospel to be heard by a diverse crowd in their native languages, demonstrating the gift’s purpose for evangelism.

Cornelius’ Household (Acts 10:44-46)
When the Holy Spirit fell on Cornelius and his household, they began speaking in tongues and magnifying God. This event confirmed that salvation through Jesus Christ was for Gentiles as well as Jews (Acts 11:15-17). Again, the use of tongues was a sign of God’s work.

Ephesians in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-7)
When Paul laid hands on a group of disciples in Ephesus, they received the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues, prophesying as well. This affirmed their acceptance into the faith and demonstrated the Spirit’s empowering presence.

The Meaning of “Tongues” as Languages

As noted earlier, the word “tongues” simply means languages. In every biblical example, the gift enabled communication in real, earthly languages. The miraculous nature of the gift at Pentecost was that the apostles, untrained in these languages, could speak them fluently.

This understanding aligns with Paul’s instruction in 1 Corinthians 14:27-28, where he says that if someone speaks in a tongue in church, there must be an interpreter. If tongues were an angelic or heavenly language, it would not require interpretation, as it would not be meant for human understanding.

Paul’s rhetorical statement in 1 Corinthians 13:1—“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal”—does not imply that angelic tongues are a gift. Instead, he uses hyperbole to emphasize that love is greater than any spiritual gift.

Order and Guidelines for Tongues in the Church

Paul provides specific instructions for the use of tongues in 1 Corinthians 14 to ensure order in worship:

Use with Interpretation
Tongues in the church must be interpreted to edify the congregation: “If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God” (1 Corinthians 14:27-28).

Avoid Confusion
The use of tongues must not cause disorder or confusion. Paul reminds the church, “God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints” (1 Corinthians 14:33).

Edification as the Goal
Spiritual gifts, including tongues, are meant to build up the body of Christ, not to elevate the individual using the gift (1 Corinthians 14:12).

Tongues Today: A Modern Understanding

The gift of tongues has not ceased, but its use and expression may differ from the miraculous events of Pentecost. For instance, a modern manifestation of the gift might involve a missionary speaking a language they have not learned, enabling them to share the gospel effectively.

The gift does not always need to be miraculous. For example, God may use someone with a natural ability to learn and speak other languages as part of their gifting. This aligns with the biblical purpose of tongues as a means of communication for the spread of the gospel and the edification of the church.

False Practices and Misunderstandings

The Bible warns against misusing or misunderstanding spiritual gifts, including tongues. Paul criticizes an overemphasis on tongues without love or order in 1 Corinthians 13-14. False humility or self-centered displays of spiritual gifts can lead to division and confusion.

False practices may include:

Speaking without Interpretation: Paul forbids this because it does not edify the church (1 Corinthians 14:28).

Self-Glorification: Gifts are to glorify God, not individuals (1 Peter 4:10-11).

Chaotic Use: Worship should reflect God’s order and peace, not disorder (1 Corinthians 14:40).

My Final Thoughts

The gift of tongues is a powerful tool for the proclamation of the gospel and the edification of the church when used biblically. It is the Spirit-enabled ability to communicate across languages, reflecting God’s heart for all nations and peoples. However, it is crucial to understand this gift within its biblical framework: it is a gift of earthly languages, not an angelic tongue, and must always be exercised with love, order, and interpretation.

Today, tongues continue to play a role in advancing God’s kingdom, whether through miraculous or natural means. Let us seek to use all spiritual gifts for God’s glory, always striving to build up the body of Christ and proclaim His truth to the world.

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