Speaking in tongues has been a topic of significant discussion and debate within Christianity for centuries. While some believe it is an ongoing gift for the church today, others, particularly from a conservative perspective, see it as a sign gift primarily for the early church and no longer necessary for the modern believer. This essay will examine the biblical definition of speaking in tongues, how it was practiced in Scripture, and whether it is still relevant for today’s church. Using Scripture and insights from respected conservative scholars, we will explore the purpose, proper use, and cessation of this gift.
Words: 1338 / Time to read: 7 minutes
What Is Speaking in Tongues?
Speaking in tongues, or “glossolalia,” refers to the supernatural ability to speak in a language not previously known to the speaker. In the New Testament, this phenomenon is described as a spiritual gift given by the Holy Spirit to edify the church and serve as a sign to unbelievers. The Greek word glossa (γλῶσσα), meaning “language” or “tongue,” appears in several key passages that describe this gift.
Paul lists speaking in tongues among the spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:8-11, where he states:
“To one there is given through the Spirit… speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.”
The gift was one of many spiritual gifts given to the early church to confirm the apostolic message and establish the foundation of the church.
Speaking in Tongues in the Bible
The practice of speaking in tongues appears in several key New Testament passages, primarily in the Book of Acts and Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. Examining these accounts helps us understand its purpose and function in the early church.
1. The Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13)
The first and most well-known instance of speaking in tongues occurred on the Day of Pentecost. The disciples were gathered in Jerusalem when the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they began to speak in different languages:
“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” (Acts 2:4)
It is crucial to note that the tongues spoken here were known languages, as Jews from various nations recognized them and said, “We hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” (Acts 2:11). This passage demonstrates that tongues served as a sign to unbelievers, authenticating the gospel message and breaking language barriers to spread the message of Christ.
2. Tongues as a Sign to Unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:21-22)
Paul, addressing the church in Corinth, explains that speaking in tongues served as a sign for unbelievers, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy:
“In the Law it is written: ‘With other tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me,’ says the Lord. Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers.” (1 Corinthians 14:21-22)
This passage clarifies that tongues were meant to authenticate the gospel primarily to unbelieving Jews, serving as a sign of God’s power and judgment.
3. The Corinthian Church (1 Corinthians 12-14)
The Corinthian church experienced issues regarding the misuse of tongues. Paul provides extensive teaching in 1 Corinthians 12-14, emphasizing that tongues should:
- Be used in an orderly manner (1 Corinthians 14:27-28).
- Be accompanied by an interpreter (1 Corinthians 14:13).
- Not cause confusion or distraction in worship (1 Corinthians 14:33).
Paul underscores that prophecy is greater than tongues because it edifies the entire church, while tongues without interpretation edify only the speaker (1 Corinthians 14:4-5).
The Purpose of Speaking in Tongues
From these biblical accounts, several key purposes of speaking in tongues emerge:
- A Sign to Unbelievers: Tongues served as a miraculous confirmation of the gospel (Acts 2:6-8; 1 Corinthians 14:22).
- Edification with Interpretation: When interpreted, tongues could edify the church (1 Corinthians 14:5).
- Affirmation of the Apostolic Message: Tongues accompanied the early spread of the gospel to verify the authority of the apostles (Mark 16:17, Hebrews 2:3-4).
Is Speaking in Tongues for Today?
A conservative interpretation, held by scholars such as John MacArthur, Charles Ryrie, and Thomas Schreiner, argues that the gift of tongues was temporary and ceased with the completion of the apostolic era. This perspective is grounded in several scriptural and theological arguments.
1. The Cessation of Tongues (1 Corinthians 13:8-10)
Paul writes:
“Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away… but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.” (1 Corinthians 13:8-10)
Many conservative scholars interpret “completeness” to refer to the completion of the New Testament canon. Once the Scriptures were completed, the need for sign gifts diminished because God’s full revelation was available.
John MacArthur, in his book Charismatic Chaos, argues that tongues were specifically for the apostolic era to validate God’s work and that their cessation aligns with the transition from the apostolic age to the established church.
2. The Unique Role of Tongues in the Early Church
The gift of tongues was primarily a foundational sign (Ephesians 2:20), meaning it had a special role in establishing the early church. Once the foundation was laid, the necessity for tongues diminished.
Charles Ryrie, in Basic Theology, notes that the foundational gifts (such as apostleship, prophecy, and tongues) were temporary in nature, serving specific roles in God’s plan before fading away as the church matured.
3. The Historical Cessation of Tongues
Historical church records indicate that speaking in tongues largely disappeared after the first century, only reemerging in sporadic and often questionable settings. The church fathers, such as Augustine and Chrysostom, recognized that the gift had ceased, attributing it to the early church’s unique needs.
Augustine wrote:
“In the earliest times, the Holy Spirit fell upon them that believed… these were signs adapted to the time. That thing was done for a sign, and it passed away.”
4. The Sufficiency of Scripture
With the completed canon of Scripture, believers have everything they need for life and godliness (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The miraculous sign gifts, including tongues, were meant to confirm the Word, not to replace it. Today, the Word of God is sufficient to guide believers, making additional revelation unnecessary.
Addressing Continuationist Views
While some Christians today believe that speaking in tongues is still an active gift, often referring to personal prayer languages or ecstatic speech, conservative scholars argue that such practices lack the biblical pattern of known human languages. The biblical record shows tongues being understood languages rather than unintelligible utterances.
Paul Washer, a conservative teacher, states that modern expressions of tongues often fail to align with the biblical model and serve as a distraction rather than an edifying gift.
Conclusion
Speaking in tongues was a significant spiritual gift in the early church, serving as a sign to unbelievers and a means of confirming the gospel message. However, based on scriptural evidence and conservative theological understanding, it appears that tongues were temporary and ceased with the completion of the New Testament and the establishment of the church.
For modern believers, the focus should remain on the enduring gifts of the Spirit, such as teaching, encouragement, and service, which edify the body and glorify Christ. Scripture, rather than personal experience, must be our ultimate authority in determining the continuation of spiritual gifts.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
