What is Speaking in Tongues?

When the day of Pentecost came, the believers were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Acts 2:1-4

On the day of Pentecost, the first disciples were baptized in the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues. Tongues were languages that they did not know themselves, but the Holy Spirit inspired them to speak. People from other countries who had gathered in Jerusalem understood these languages and heard the disciples preach in their own languages the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Throughout the book of Acts, many Christians spoke in tongues.

When Peter shared the gospel with Cornelius’ family and friends, they were baptized in the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues.

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. 

Acts 10:44-46

Speaking in tongues was a clear sign that they had been baptized in the Holy Spirit.

In Ephesus, when Paul preached to a group of people, they believed the gospel. Then they were baptized in water. After this, when they were baptized in the Holy Spirit, then they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Acts 19:6

Speaking in tongues is a normal part of Christianity. Jesus himself promised that those who believe in him would speak in tongues (other languages).

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out demons; they shall speak with new tongues

Mark 16:17

Speaking in tongues often happens when someone is baptized in the Holy Spirit. When someone is baptized in the Holy Spirit, he will begin to operate in spiritual gifts. Speaking in tongues is one spiritual gift.

However, not everyone who is baptized in the Holy Spirit is going to speak in tongues.

Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

1 Cor. 12:30

These are rhetorical questions, and the answer to each is ‘no’. Not every Christian is going to speak in tongues, even if they are baptized in the Holy Spirit. And that’s ok.

Speaking in Tongues is a Good Thing

However, Paul would like it if we all spoke in tongues.

I wish you all spoke with tongues

1 Cor. 14:5a

Paul liked speaking in tongues so much that he spoke in tongues more than all the other believers in Corinth.

I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than you all

1 Cor. 14:18

Speaking in tongues is a good thing. It is edifying.

He that speaks in a tongue edifies himself

1 Cor. 14:4

Speaking in tongues is edifying because it is a spiritual practice that happens directly by the Holy Spirit.

For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays

1 Cor 14:14a

When someone speak in tongues, his spirit is released in verbal utterance.

No one should be stopped from speaking in tongues.

forbid not to speak with tongues

1 Cor. 14:39

Kinds of Tongues

There are different types of tongues.

Sometimes tongues is a human language. The one speaking doesn’t understand the language but the hearers do. This is what happened in Acts 2.

Other times the tongues are totally unknown. No one can understand them except God.

For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.

1 Cor. 14:2

The Holy Spirit knows all languages. He knows languages that are beyond what people know on this earth. By speaking in tongues, the Spirit communicates things through us that might be beyond any human mind to comprehend.

Tongues in Church

Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you?

1 Cor. 14:6a

Tongues are normally not understood by others without interpretation, and this is why they are usually not helpful when speaking to others.

The Bible says we should speak in tongues only in two instances: when we are praying by ourselves, or when other people can understand us – either when they understand the tongue or when it is interpreted.

In the church meeting, we should only speak in tongues if there is someone there who can interpret the tongues. Interpretation of tongues is a spiritual gift. When tongues are interpreted, others can understand what is being said.

Those who pray in tongues should pray for the gift of interpretation so that they can interpret their own tongues and edify others.

Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. 

1 Cor. 14:13

In the church meeting, two or three people can speak in tongues, and it all must be interpreted. If no one is able to interpret, then no one should speak in tongues in the church.

If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

1 Cor. 14:27-28

Tongues are one of many spiritual gifts listed in the New Testament. It is not a frightening or strange ocurrence. It is normal. God is supernatural. Speaking in unknown languages is supernatural. It comes from God. Speaking in tongues can be normal for those who are connected and inhabited by God.

Prophesying is also speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, like tongues. But prophesying happens in a language that the speaker can understand. In church, prophecy is better than tongues, because others can understand it without interpretation.

How to Speak in Tongues

Speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift. God commands us to desire spiritual gifts, including speaking in tongues.

Earnestly desire spiritual gifts

1 Cor. 14:1

If we recognize the advantages of speaking in tongues and desire this gift from God, then we can ask God for it.

The first step is to be baptized with the Holy Spirit. This will activate the spiritual gifts in our lives. Many people who are baptized in the Holy Spirit speak in tongues.

If we are already baptized in the Holy Spirit but have not yet spoken in tongues, then we can ask God to give us the gift of tongues. He might just answer our prayer.