What Is Speaking in Tongues — In Biblical Context
Speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift where believers speak in languages — either human or heavenly — they have not learned, as the Holy Spirit gives utterance.
Speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift where believers speak in languages — either human or heavenly — they have not learned, as the Holy Spirit gives utterance.
"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, the disciples 'began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance' (Acts 2:4). These were known languages — visitors heard 'the wonderful works of God' in their own dialects (Acts 2:8-11). Paul discusses tongues extensively in 1 Corinthians 12-14. He distinguishes between public tongues (which require interpretation, 1 Corinthians 14:27-28) and private prayer tongues: 'He that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries' (1 Corinthians 14:2). Paul valued tongues in his personal devotion — 'I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all' (14:18) — but in church preferred prophecy for edification (14:19). He commanded, 'Forbid not to speak with tongues' (14:39) while urging orderly worship. Christians disagree on whether tongues continue today. Cessationists believe they ceased with the apostles; continuationists believe they remain active. Both agree the Spirit's gifts serve to glorify God and build the church.
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.
"They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
Supporting Passages
"He that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God."
"Covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues."
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