There is a lot of controversy in the church today over speaking in tongues. Speaking in tongues is a supernatural means of communication, allowing the message of the gospel to transcend language (Acts 2.4-13). It requires a person to speak in tongues and another to interpret tongues (1 Corinthians 12.10). Truly, the Bible is not specific on exactly what speaking in tongues sounds like or exactly how it happened. For this reason, the following analysis will be done inductively, based on what is addressed in scripture.
WHAT IS THE GIFT FOR?
Paul said that he “would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue” (1 Corinthians 14.19). Tongues began to be used in the early church, likely, because it was an obvious supernatural work. Most other gifts do not exhibit physiological change in such an obvious way as speaking in tongues, so the early church sought this gift out. But Paul told them, “Tongues…are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers” (1 Corinthians 14.22). It’s original intent as used in Acts, chapter 2 was to present the gospel message to unbelievers who speak different languages.
WHAT DOES THE GIFT DO?
Speaking in tongues is unintelligible, possibly even to the one speaking (1 Corinthians 14.9,13). It also does not happen apart from consciousness. Certain charismatic traditions exhibit tongues in a way that displays that the flesh as being overtaken by the Spirit. This is not biblical. In 1 Corinthians, chapter 14, Paul speaks of praying in tongues, which is communication between man and God and therefore requires that the man understand what he is talking about. There is no need for the Spirit to cause man to speak unintelligibly toward God.
HOW IS IT TO BE USED? SHOULD IT BE USED TODAY?
A previously stated, speaking in tongues is for the purpose of speaking to unbelievers of a different language and therefore can be used today. But, in most cases, it is unnecessary as we—the church—are able to communicate with pretty much all people groups. Tongues can be useful, however, if there is no language interpreter available, but only if there is an interpreter of tongues available.
Many churches do use tongues today. Where tongues is not supposed to be used in the church, we are at liberty to speak in tongues in the church, so long as it is done in an orderly manner and is only used for the edification of the body (1 Corinthians 14.26-28).
CONCLUSION
Paul’s gives advice on speaking in tongues. He says, “excel in gifts that build up the church” (1 Corinthians 14.12). Rather than to seek out the gift of tongues, we should seek out prophesy and other gifts which are for the expansion of the gospel and the building up and edification of God’s people. “All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable All things are lawful, but not all things edify…whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10.23,31). If it does not edify, it does not glorify God. If someone is considering the value of seeking in tongues, there is one standard; does speaking in tongues glorify God? Rarely.
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Speaking in Tongues—Spiritual Gifts
