The word "tongue" or "tongues" used in the Bible is translated from the Greek word "γλῶσσα" (glossa) which can mean the tongue, a language, or a nation.
Some conservative Christian denominations believe that the speaking in tongues that is mentioned in the Book of Acts was for those people for that time, but is no longer in effect today. They concur, based on biblical text, that these "tongues" were actual human languages that were understood by people (unbelievers) who were listening in. It is an interesting fact that there existed pagan religions in Corinth in those days in which people practiced speaking in "ecstatic" language, or gibberish.
Other more charismatic denominations are adamant that speaking in tongues is a heavenly or angelic language that allows our spirit to communicate with God, and that it still occurs today. They add that praying in tongues can help increase one's faith and his or her growth in sanctification.
We must admit that this is a "non-essential" issue, meaning that speaking in tongues is not essential for salvation. We are never commanded to speak in tongues. If this is the case, it appears that we can be indifferent about this issue and not be in any danger as a Christian. There are, however, some Pentecostal denominations that preach that speaking in tongues is essential for salvation. This has divided many believers.
Below are some verses that mention tongues. Are tongues for today? Are they actual human languages or spiritual utterances only known to God or someone with the gift of interpretation?
You be the judge.
Mark 16:17 (ESV) And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
Acts 2:3 (ESV) And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.
Acts 2:4 (ESV) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:11 (ESV) both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians--we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God."
Acts 10:46 (ESV) For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared,
Acts 19:6 (ESV) And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.
Romans 3:13 (ESV) "Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive." "The venom of asps is under their lips."
1 Corinthians 12:10 (ESV) to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
1 Corinthians 12:28 (ESV) And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.
1 Corinthians 12:30 (ESV) Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?
1 Corinthians 13:1 (ESV) If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
1 Corinthians 13:8 (ESV) Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.
1 Corinthians 14:5 (ESV) Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.
1 Corinthians 14:6 (ESV) Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching?
1 Corinthians 14:18 (ESV) I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.
1 Corinthians 14:21 (ESV) In the Law it is written, "By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord."
1 Corinthians 14:22 (ESV) Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers.
1 Corinthians 14:23 (ESV) If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds?
1 Corinthians 14:39 (ESV) So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.
Revelation 16:10 (ESV) The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in anguish...
Acts 2:3 (ESV) And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.
Acts 2:4 (ESV) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:11 (ESV) both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians--we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God."
Acts 10:46 (ESV) For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared,
Acts 19:6 (ESV) And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.
Romans 3:13 (ESV) "Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive." "The venom of asps is under their lips."
1 Corinthians 12:10 (ESV) to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
1 Corinthians 12:28 (ESV) And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.
1 Corinthians 12:30 (ESV) Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?
1 Corinthians 13:1 (ESV) If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
1 Corinthians 13:8 (ESV) Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.
1 Corinthians 14:5 (ESV) Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.
1 Corinthians 14:6 (ESV) Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching?
1 Corinthians 14:18 (ESV) I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.
1 Corinthians 14:21 (ESV) In the Law it is written, "By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord."
1 Corinthians 14:22 (ESV) Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers.
1 Corinthians 14:23 (ESV) If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds?
1 Corinthians 14:39 (ESV) So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.
Revelation 16:10 (ESV) The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in anguish...
I remember some Pentecostal or Apostolic believes emphasizing that someone "wasn't saved" unless they spoke in tongues. Even as a child I never agreed with the statement and yet, was not equipped to argue the case. But if you're hanging around those kinds of thoughts for too long, it is possible that you'll start agreeing. I'm glad that you pointed out that speaking in tongues is not an issue of salvation. And I love that Paul praises God because he speaks in tongues, and doesn't let that fact become a focal point of the Gospel of Messiah. My husband has heard me speak in tongues even while in my sleep. It's a beautiful mystery from the Holy Spirit. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed a beautiful mystery. The Holy Spirit is our comforter, our guide, and our companion in our battle against sin for righteousness!
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