What Is Speaking in Tongues — Meaning Explained

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.