Understanding Speaking in Tongues According to the Bible
Speaking in tongues, also known as glossolalia, is a powerful phenomenon described in the Bible, particularly in the New Testament. It is often associated with the Holy Spirit and is considered a spiritual gift that empowers believers to live in the fullness of God’s strength and potential. Let’s explore how the Bible portrays this gift, its purposes, and its significance in Christian life.
1. Infilling by the Holy Spirit
The infilling of the Holy Spirit refers to the complete immersion of a believer in the Holy Spirit, where God’s divine power and strength are imparted to enable believers to live according to His will. This experience goes beyond salvation, as believers are empowered for service and spiritual growth.
- Difference from Salvation: Salvation, as described in John 20:22, happens when a person receives the finished work of Jesus Christ. However, the infilling or baptism in the Holy Spirit, as described in Acts 2:4, empowers believers to live a supernatural life in Christ. This is evident when the disciples were born again after Jesus’ resurrection but were later filled with the Holy Spirit in Acts.
God’s will for every believer is to be filled with the Holy Spirit. The prophet Joel prophesied the outpouring of God’s Spirit on all flesh, which was fulfilled in Acts:
- Joel 2:28-29 (KJV): “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.”
This outpouring of the Holy Spirit is not limited by age, gender, or social status. It’s available to all who believe.
2. Paul’s Teaching on Speaking in Tongues (1 Corinthians 12–14)
The apostle Paul provides important instructions regarding the gift of tongues, especially in 1 Corinthians 12–14. These chapters offer crucial guidance on how speaking in tongues should be understood and practiced within the Church.
- 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (KJV): Paul explains that speaking in tongues is one of the spiritual gifts the Holy Spirit imparts to believers, alongside other gifts like prophecy, healing, and wisdom. These gifts are meant to benefit the body of Christ and build up the Church.
The “diverse kinds of tongues” refers to the ability to speak in different languages, either earthly or heavenly, as the Holy Spirit enables.
- 1 Corinthians 13:1 (KJV): Paul places love above all spiritual gifts, even tongues. He stresses that without love, even tongues are meaningless.
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity (love), I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
This verse emphasizes that speaking in tongues, without the motivation of love, is empty and unprofitable.
- 1 Corinthians 14: Paul outlines how tongues should be used in public worship. He emphasizes that tongues should be interpreted to build up the congregation. Without interpretation, tongues are unintelligible to others and should be kept private. Paul also distinguishes the roles of tongues and prophecy in the Church, stating that tongues edify the individual, but prophecy builds the entire Church.
- 1 Corinthians 14:27-28 (KJV): “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 Corinthians 14:39 (KJV): “Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.”
Paul encourages the Church not to forbid speaking in tongues, but to use this gift properly and in an orderly manner.
3. Interpretation of Tongues
Paul also addresses the necessity of interpretation when tongues are spoken publicly. In 1 Corinthians 14, he stresses that if tongues are spoken in the assembly, they must be interpreted so that the congregation can be edified. Without interpretation, the tongues are unintelligible, and thus do not fulfill their purpose of edifying the Church.
This verse underscores the value of interpretation, as it helps others understand the message and be spiritually edified.
4. Purpose of Speaking in Tongues
The Bible identifies several purposes for speaking in tongues, including its use as a sign for unbelievers, a way to edify the believer, a means of worship, and more.
- A Sign for Unbelievers: In Acts 2, the apostles spoke in tongues as a sign to the unbelievers present. The miraculous ability to speak in foreign languages was proof that the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the believers.
- A Means of Worship: Speaking in tongues can be a form of praise and worship, particularly in private prayer. It allows believers to communicate with God beyond the limitations of their native language.
- Empowerment for Ministry: Acts 1:8 tells believers that the Holy Spirit empowers them to be witnesses for Christ. Speaking in tongues is part of this empowerment, enabling believers to walk in spiritual power and authority.
- Intercession by the Holy Spirit: Speaking in tongues allows the Holy Spirit to intercede for the believer, as seen in Romans 8:26-27.
- Strengthening the Inner Man: In a world filled with spiritual battles, speaking in tongues can help recharge and strengthen the believer’s inner spirit.
5. The Role of the Holy Spirit
In the New Testament, speaking in tongues is always closely linked to the work of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2, the disciples speak in tongues as a sign of the Holy Spirit’s empowerment. Jesus also promised that signs, including speaking in tongues, would follow those who believe.
- Mark 16:17 (KJV): “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues.”
Speaking in tongues is not merely a personal experience; it is a visible sign that God is working in and through the believer, empowering them for service.
6. How to Speak in Tongues
To speak in tongues, the following steps are essential:
- Be Born Again: First, you must receive salvation through Jesus Christ.
- Ask for the Gift: Seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit in prayer.
- Speak in Faith: Open your mouth and begin speaking, trusting the Holy Spirit to give utterance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, speaking in tongues is a powerful spiritual gift that serves various purposes: as a sign for unbelievers, a means of personal edification, a way to communicate more effectively with God, and a tool for empowerment in ministry. Its biblical foundation highlights that it is a vital part of the believer’s spiritual journey. While the practice of tongues may differ across denominations, the significance of this gift remains a crucial aspect of Christian faith and experience
