What Does the Bible Say About Speaking in Tongues — In Biblical Context
Speaking in tongues was a gift of the Holy Spirit enabling believers to speak in known languages they had not learned, primarily for evangelism and edification.
Speaking in tongues was a gift of the Holy Spirit enabling believers to speak in known languages they had not learned, primarily for evangelism and edification.
"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." — Acts 2:4 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
At Pentecost, believers 'began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance' (Acts 2:4). These were actual languages understood by the diverse crowd: 'We do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God' (Acts 2:11). Paul discusses tongues extensively in 1 Corinthians 12-14. He affirms tongues as a spiritual gift (12:10) but ranks it below prophecy for church edification (14:5). He established rules for orderly use: no more than three speakers, one at a time, with an interpreter; if no interpreter, remain silent (14:27-28). He warned, 'Tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not' (14:22). Paul himself spoke in tongues (14:18) but preferred to speak five intelligible words in church over ten thousand in an unknown tongue (14:19). Christians disagree on whether tongues continue today. Cessationists believe they ended with the apostolic era; continuationists believe they remain active. All agree the Spirit gives gifts as He wills for the church's edification.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Acts 2:4, sits inside Acts 2. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
Supporting Passages
"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."
"I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth."
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