Speaking in tongues is a controversial subject. Some streams of Christianity will declare that you don’t have the Holy Spirit unless you speak in tongues. Other groups claim that tongues are of the enemy and we should have nothing to do with it. What does the Bible have to say about speaking in tongues?
Variety of the Gift of Tongues
On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to speak languages they had not learned. This helped them to spread the Gospel quickly. Acts 2: 6 When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers. 7 They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, 8 and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages!..And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” [1]
When the Holy Spirit fell on Cornelius and the Gentiles, it seemed to be a language of praise, as they had heard Peter preach the Gospel. Acts 10: 44 Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message. 45 The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too. 46 For they heard them speaking in other tongues and praising God.[2]
Tongues in Corinth
Paul instructed the Corinthians on using tongues in a worship gathering. Here it seems to be a way of praise and prayer. 1 Corinthians 14: 26 Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.27 No more than two or three should speak in tongues. They must speak one at a time, and someone must interpret what they say. 28 But if no one is present who can interpret, they must be silent in your church meeting and speak in tongues to God privately.[3]
Why Speak Something You Don’t Understand?
Paul seems to imply that tongues is a way to pray in the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 14: 2 For if you have the ability to speak in tongues, you will be talking only to God, since people won’t be able to understand you. You will be speaking by the power of the Spirit, but it will all be mysterious… 4 A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally[4]
This concept gives more depth to these Scriptures:
- Romans 8: 26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.[5]
- Jude 1: 20 But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit.[6]
The Benefit of Tongues
Paul says that praying in tongues strengthens us personally. How? The Holy Spirit knows our hearts and how to pray perfectly to the Father. Satan can not understand these prayers, which protects them from attack. Prayers in tongues will align with God’s will for our lives and call heavenly solutions for earthy situations. To learn more about speaking in tongues, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/worship-with-spiritual-gifts
[1-6]Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.