Here are some questions I would like to explore:

• What does the Bible say about speaking in tongues?
• What is the purpose of speaking in tongues?
• Is it necessary for every Christian to speak in tongues?
• Is speaking in tongues something that every Christian should be able to do?
• Why does there seem to be a large number of people who can speak in tongues but a clear lack of people who can interpret it or are willing to interpret it?
• Should people speak in tongues during services, or should it be reserved for private edification?

What does the Bible say about people speaking in tongues?

NOTE: The word used where Scripture speaks about speaking in “other” languages/tongues is the same Greek word “glossa” (Strong’s Concordance: G1100).

The Gospels

The Gospels are accounts of Jesus’s life and teachings. Speaking in tongues according to Paul is a gift of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:10), which was manifested after Jesus’s ascension (Luke 24:50-53).

The only reference to speaking in tongues in the Gospels comes after Jesus’s resurrection, just before his ascension in Mark 16:17, where he tells the 11 apostles:

“15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news[d] to the whole creation. 16 The one who believes and is baptized will be saved, but the one who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: by using my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;” (Mark 16:15-17, NRSV)

In this passage, Jesus is saying to his apostles that they are to go and baptise people, and those who believe and are baptised will be saved, and that the following signs will accompany those who believe:

• they will cast out demons
• they will speak in new tongues.

However, Jesus does not specify:

• what those tongues are,
• whether they are recognisable languages,
• or what they should be used for.

Acts of the Apostles

The book of Acts is where we see the most references to people speaking in tongues and when they do it.

Pentecost

The first account of people speaking in tongues. At Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). The disciples

• Were filled with the Holy Spirit,
• Began to speak in other languages (NRSV) / tongues (NIV).

Pentecost analysis

Scripture says in Acts 2:5-8 (NRSV):

• Now there were devout Jews from every people under heaven living in Jerusalem.
• And at this sound [of the rushing violent wind in Acts 2:2] the crowd gathered and were bewildered,
• Because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each.
• Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans?
• … how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language?

So each one of the Jews heard “them” speaking in the native language of each.

• Does this mean each one of the Jews heard:
  • The whole group speaking in a tongue that sounded like their native language?
  • The whole group speaking in their native language?
  • Groups of disciples or individuals speaking in a language of the devout Jews?

There are a few factors at play here:

• The group of disciples, and the language that the group spoke,
• The devout Jews from “every people under heaven”, and the language that they heard,
• The Holy Spirit.

Pentecost Conclusion

From what I can see there are two main scenarios:

• Scenario 1: The Holy Spirit is the translator
  • The entire group of disciples spoke in an “angelic” tongue/heavenly language (either synchronously or asynchronously) , and the Holy Spirit enabled each of the devout Jews to supernaturally hear their own language. In this case, the Holy Spirit acted as a translator.
• Scenario 2: The Holy Spirit was empowering the disciples to speak real languages
  • The group of disciples were speaking in actual real languages, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This would have demonstrated the universality of the Gospel message.

It is impossible to say definitively whether the disciples were speaking in an unrecognisable language (with the Holy Spirit translating supernaturally for the devout Jews) or a recognisable one. It is also impossible to say whether they spoke in unison, or individually/in groups.

Other References to tongues in Acts

• Acts 10:44-48: The Holy Spirit falls on gentiles who heard the word that Peter was speaking, even before they were baptized with water.
• Acts 19:1-6: Paul baptises people in the name of Jesus, lays hands on them, and they speak in tongues and prophesy.

In both cases above, it is again impossible to determine the specific tongues/language spoken. What they do have in common with Pentecost is that it is the Holy Spirit who is the agent empowering the believers to speak in tongues.

• Acts 2:38-41: Peter preaches at Pentecost, calling people to repent and be baptized.
• Acts 8:12-13: Philip baptizes people in Samaria, including Simon the Sorcerer.
• Acts 8:36-38: Philip baptizes the Ethiopian eunuch.
• Acts 9:18: Saul (Paul) is baptized after his conversion.
• Acts 16:15: Lydia and her household are baptized.
• Acts 16:33: The Philippian jailer and his household are baptized.
• Acts 18:8: Crispus, the synagogue leader, and many Corinthians are baptized.
• Acts 22:16: Paul recounts his baptism.

In the above cases, people are baptised but there is no mention of speaking in tongues. This does not mean they didn’t however, as the saying goes “absence of evidence is not evidence of absence”, meaning just because something is not observed or documented does not necessarily mean it does not exist.

Letters of St Paul

Paul does have quite a bit to say about speaking in tongues, which I will now examine.

Diversity of gifts

In 1 Corinthians 12 when Paul is speaking of spiritual gifts, he lists the different types of gifts that the Spirit reveals his presence through. He lists:

• Speaking with wisdom through the Spirit
• Teaching according to the spirit
• Faith empowered by the Spirit
• Healing by the same spirit
• Working of miracles
• Prophetic abilities
• Discernment of spirits
• Speaking in tongues.

Importantly, Paul concludes by stating “and all of this is the work of the one and only Spirit who gives to each one just as he chooses.”

Several questions arise from this passage:

• Is speaking in tongues a gift that every Christian should possess
• Why does there seems to be a huge excess of people who can speak in tongues, but a shortage of people who can, or at least are willing to interpret what was said?
• Is it necessary for every Christian to speak in tongues?
• What is the purpose of speaking in tongues?

To answer these questions I will analyse 1 Corinthians 12-14 a bit deeper.

1 Corinthians 12-14 Analysis

Paul discusses spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12-14. While it is all important, here is a summary of what I would consider the most important points.

1 Corinthians 12

• He begins by telling the people he does not want them to be ignorant with respect to spiritual gifts (12:1).
• He continues saying there is a diversity of gifts and ministries (12:4-5).
• The point of the gifts that the Spirit gives to each one is so that the Spirit can reveal his presence through that person (12:7).
• But Paul also says that the gifts are also a service (12:4-5).

Analogy of the Body

• Paul gives the analogy of the body, comparing it with the Church. He says just as the human body can not be all composed of the same parts or else it would not function correctly (12:14-17), the Church also has a diversity of member appointed by God (12:27-28).
• Paul lists these appointments (12:28)
  • Apostles,
  • Prophets,
  • Teachers,
  • Miracle Workers,
  • Healers,
  • Those who can help others,
  • Those who can look after administration in the Church,
  • Those who can speak in tongues.

Not all have the same gifts

Paul also rhetorically implies that not all members of the Church are be apostles, prophets, teachers, can perform miracles, can cure the sick, can speak in tongues or explain what was said in tongues (12:29-30).

The most important gift

Paul emphatically declares in 1 Corinthians 13 that love is the most important and crucial gift within the Christian community. The love, or charity he is describing here is agapē (ἀγάπη- Strong’s Concordance: G26). This is unconditional, sacrificial love; selfless love that seeks the best for others, as Jesus demonstrated throughout the Gospels, specifically:

• John 13:34-35: “A new command I give you: Love [agapaō – G25] one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
• Matthew 22:37-40: Jesus replied: “‘Love [agapaō – G25] the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love [agapaō – G25] your neighbour as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

NOTE: G25 – ἀγαπάω (agapaō). This Greek word is the verb form of ἀγάπη (agapē) and means “to love” or “to show love.” It is the action of demonstrating agape love in one’s actions and attitudes towards others. While ἀγάπη (agapē) describes the concept of love, ἀγαπάω (agapaō) refers to the active expression of that love.

Paul emphasises that without this sacrificial love, all other spiritual gifts are rendered meaningless (13:1-3). He then provides a list of agapē love characteristics (13:4-7):

• Patient
• Kind
• Without envy
• Not boastful
• Not arrogant
• Not ill-mannered
• Does not seek its own interests
• Not provoked to anger
• Does not keep score of offenses
• Does not delight in wrongdoing
• Rejoices in truth
• Excuses all things
• Believes all things
• Hopes all things
• Endures all things
• Never ends

Paul contrasts the enduring nature of love with the temporary nature of other spiritual gifts, stating that prophecies, tongues, and knowledge will eventually cease (13:8). He concludes by affirming that faith, hope, and love endure, with love being the greatest of all (13:13).

1 Corinthians 14

In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul encourages believers to prioritise love and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, particularly prophecy (14:1). He emphasises the importance of actively seeking these gifts in order to edify the church and promote its growth.

Striving for Love and Spiritual Gifts

The phrase “set your hearts on” (used in some translations like the New International Version) translates the Greek word ζηλόω (zēloō), which means to be zealous for, to strive for, or to desire earnestly.

1. Earnest Desire: Setting your heart on spiritual gifts means having a sincere and strong desire for these gifts. It’s not a casual interest but a deep, passionate longing to possess and use them.
2. Purposeful Pursuit: It implies actively pursuing and seeking after these gifts. This might involve prayer, studying Scripture, and being open to the Holy Spirit’s work in one’s life.
3. Prioritisation: To set your heart on spiritual gifts also means prioritising them in your life and ministry. It involves valuing these gifts and the roles they play in building up the church.
4. Intent for Edification: Paul emphasises that the ultimate goal of desiring spiritual gifts should be the edification of the church. This means that believers should seek these gifts not for personal glory or benefit but to serve and strengthen the community of faith.

In essence, setting your heart on something in the biblical sense involves a combination of deep desire, active pursuit, and prioritization, all aligned with God’s purposes and the edification of others.

Paul writes extensively on the practices of speaking in tongues and prophecy in 1 Corinthians 14, offering perspectives on each.

Speaking in tongues

He highlights certain aspects about speaking in tongues:

• Direct Communication with God: Those who speak in tongues address God directly rather than speaking to people, as it is the Spirit who enables them to utter mysteries (14:2).
• Personal Edification: Speaking in tongues strengthens the individual, serving as a means of personal edification (14:4).
• Need for Interpretation: While beneficial for personal devotion, speaking in tongues in public gatherings requires interpretation for the edification of the entire assembly (14:5, 13).
• Spiritual vs. Intellectual: Paul distinguishes between the spiritual act of praying in tongues, which engages the spirit, and the intellectual understanding, which remains unfruitful without interpretation (14:14).

Prophecy

About prophecy Paul highlights:

• Universal Relevance: The prophet addresses the entire assembly, providing strength, encouragement, and consolation to all present (14:3).
• Edification of the Church: Prophecy contributes to the building up of the Church community, fostering spiritual growth and unity (14:3, 4).
• Accessibility: Unlike speaking in tongues, prophecy does not require interpretation, making its message readily understandable to all (14:5).

Rules for Order in the Church

Paul provides guidelines for orderly worship in the Corinth church, particularly regarding the use of spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues.

• Edification of the Church as a priority:
  • Ensure that all contributions in the assembly—whether tongues, prophecy, teaching, or revelation—are aimed at building up the church (14:26).
• Prioritising the prophetic:
  • Encourage the orderly exercise of spiritual gifts, giving precedence to prophecy over tongues (14:27-28).
  • If someone speaks in tongues, ensure that there is interpretation to edify the church; otherwise, let them remain silent or speak to themselves and God privately (14:27-28).
• Restrict speaking in tongues:
  • Limit the number of speakers in tongues or prophecy during an assembly to maintain order and prevent confusion (14:27, 30).
  • Let speakers take turns, allowing each to speak in an orderly manner, with one interpreting if tongues are used (14:27-28, 31-33).

Conclusion

In 1 Corinthians, Paul repeatedly urges the Corinthians to earnestly desire spiritual gifts, emphasising the importance of agapē love or charity above all (12:31; 14:1).

Paul emphasises the use of prophecy over speaking in tongues, highlighting prophecy’s ability to edify the entire church community (14:3-4). While speaking in tongues has its place, Paul suggests that prophecy holds greater value in promoting understanding and communal growth.

In essence, Paul’s teachings in 1 Corinthians remind believers to pursue spiritual gifts fervently, with love as the guiding principle, and to prioritize gifts such as prophecy that contribute most effectively to the building up of the church body.

Questions

To address the questions I had at the beginning:

• What does the Bible say about speaking in tongues?
  • Addressed above.
• What is the purpose of speaking in tongues?
  • The purpose of the spiritual gifts is to manifest the presence of the Spirit within believers and to serve the needs of the Church (12:4-7). However the ultimate goal is the edification of the Church with prophecy regarded as more beneficial for this purpose (14:1-5).
• Is it necessary for every Christian to speak in tongues?
  • Scripture does not state that every believer must speak in tongues. Rather, it emphasises the sovereignty of the Spirit in distributing gifts according to His will (12:4-11). The focus remains on edification and service to the Church, with agape love and prophecy highlighted as central for building up the body of Christ (12:31; 14:1-5).
• Is speaking in tongues something that every Christian should be able to do?
  • While Scripture encourages earnest desire for spiritual gifts, including speaking in tongues, it also acknowledges the diversity of gifts distributed by the Holy Spirit (12:4-11). Therefore not all believers may receive the gift of tongues, but all are encouraged to seek the Spirit’s manifestation through various gifts, with agape love and prophecy emphasised as paramount (12:31; 14:1-5).
• Why does there seem to be a large number of people who can speak in tongues but a clear lack of people who can interpret it or are willing to interpret it?
  • This is unclear. All Christians are encouraged to seek all spiritual gifts earnestly including both speaking in tongues and the gift of interpretation (14:13).
• Should people speak in tongues during services, or should it be reserved for private edification?
  • Addressed above.