Clicky

What Does the Bible Say About Speaking in Tongues? – Viral Believer
Skip to content

What Does the Bible Say About Speaking in Tongues?

Speaking in tongues, also known as glossolalia, is a phenomenon that has been embraced and debated among Christians for centuries. This practice involves speaking in a language that is unknown to the speaker but is believed to be inspired by the Holy Spirit.

While speaking in tongues is mentioned several times in the Bible, its purpose and significance have been interpreted in various ways, leading to debates and controversies within the Christian community.

This blog post seeks to explore what the Bible says about speaking in tongues from a Christian perspective, with an emphasis on the Pentecostal or Charismatic view.

Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians have a strong tradition of speaking in tongues, often seeing it as a sign of the Holy Spirit’s presence and an important aspect of spiritual worship.

However, other Christians may view speaking in tongues with skepticism or even fear, seeing it as a practice that is potentially dangerous or spiritually manipulative.

This post will begin by examining the history and background of speaking in tongues, including its biblical origins and development in the early church. It will then explore the theological perspectives of Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians on the purpose and meaning of speaking in tongues.

Finally, this post will address common misconceptions and controversies surrounding speaking in tongues, as well as practical considerations for Christians who wish to explore this practice.

Overall, this post aims to provide a comprehensive and balanced perspective on the topic of speaking in tongues, offering insight and guidance to Christians who seek to deepen their understanding of this important aspect of Christian worship.

tongues in the Bible

Biblical References to Speaking in Tongues

The Bible speaks of speaking in tongues in a few different places. One of the most significant instances of speaking in tongues is in Acts 2:4, where it says, “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

This event occurred on the day of Pentecost when the disciples of Jesus were gathered together in Jerusalem. They suddenly heard a sound like a rushing wind, and tongues of fire appeared over their heads. They then began to speak in languages that they had not previously known.

Another example is in Acts 10:44-46, which describes how the Holy Spirit came upon Gentile believers as Peter preached to them. “For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God,” it says.

And in 1 Corinthians 14:2, Paul writes, “For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.” Finally, in 1 Corinthians 14:18, Paul says, “I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all.”

The Purpose of Speaking in Tongues

There are different views on the purpose of speaking in tongues, but many Christians believe that it serves a few different purposes:

A form of prayer and worship

As 1 Corinthians 14:2 notes, speaking in tongues is a way of speaking to God. It is a form of prayer and worship that can be both personal and communal.

When we speak in tongues, we express our hearts to God in a language that is beyond our own understanding. This can be a powerful way to connect with God and to experience His presence.

An expression of the Holy Spirit’s presence

Speaking in tongues is often viewed as a manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s presence in the believer’s life. It is a way of experiencing God’s power and presence in a tangible way. When we speak in tongues, we are opening ourselves up to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

A tool for edification and evangelism

Some Christians believe that speaking in tongues can be used to build up the believer and others around them, as well as serve as a sign to unbelievers.

When we speak in tongues, we are allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us to communicate His message to others. This can be a powerful way to witness to others and to build up the body of Christ.

How to Speak in Tongues

If you are interested in speaking in tongues, the following steps may be helpful:

1. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s presence

Speaking in tongues is believed to be a gift from the Holy Spirit, so it is important to ask for His presence in your life. Spend time in prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to fill you and guide you.

2. Relax and let go

Some people may feel self-conscious or nervous when attempting to speak in tongues, but it is important to relax and let go of any inhibitions. Don’t worry about how you sound or whether you are doing it right. Just allow the Holy Spirit to work through you.

3. Start making sounds

To begin speaking in tongues, simply start making sounds, even if they don’t make sense or seem random. Don’t try to force anything, but allow the Holy Spirit to guide your speech. You may find that you begin to repeat certain sounds or phrases. Trust that the Holy Spirit is leading you.

4. Continue speaking

As you begin to speak in tongues, it is important to continue speaking until the Holy Spirit has finished working through you. Don’t worry about how long or short the speaking in tongues may be. Trust that the Holy Spirit is working through you to accomplish His purposes.

It is important to note that not everyone will experience speaking in tongues in the same way. Some may have a very powerful and emotional experience, while others may have a more subdued or even subtle experience.

The important thing is to be open to the Holy Spirit’s leading and to trust that He is working in your life.

Misconceptions and Controversies

There are many misconceptions and controversies surrounding speaking in tongues. Some of the most common ones include:

It is a sign of possession by evil spirits

Speaking in tongues is often associated with Pentecostal and charismatic Christianity, which has led some to believe that it is a sign of possession by evil spirits. However, this is not supported by the Bible and is often based on misunderstandings or stereotypes.

It is a show of superiority over others

Some people may view speaking in tongues as a way of demonstrating their spiritual superiority over others, which can be harmful and divisive. However, the Bible teaches that all believers have different gifts and callings and that we are all members of the same body (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

It is required for salvation

Some Christians may believe that speaking in tongues is necessary for salvation or as evidence of having received the Holy Spirit.

However, the Bible does not teach this, and it can lead to legalism and judgmentalism. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, and it is the Holy Spirit who gives us the ability to live a new life in Him.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, speaking in tongues is a practice that has a rich history and diverse interpretations within the Christian tradition. It is a phenomenon that is mentioned several times in the Bible, and is still practiced by many Christians today.

However, it is also a practice that has been subject to controversy and misunderstanding, often leading to disagreements and divisions within the Christian community.

Despite these challenges, speaking in tongues can be a powerful way to connect with God, experience His presence, and build up the body of Christ. Whether or not one chooses to practice speaking in tongues, it is important to approach this topic with humility, discernment, and a commitment to love and serve others.

Ultimately, as Christians, we are called to pursue love and seek the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Whether we speak in tongues or not, may we all strive to live out the love and grace of Jesus Christ in our lives, and to serve and bless those around us with the gifts that God has given us.

May we be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit in all things, and may we trust in God’s wisdom and grace to guide us on our journey of faith.

As 1 Corinthians 14:1 says, “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.” Let us seek the gifts of the Holy Spirit in order to love and serve others and to bring glory to God.

Whether or not we speak in tongues, let us always seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to live out the love and grace of Jesus Christ in our lives.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.