Is Speaking in Tongues for Today?
Is Speaking in Tongues for Today? Christians disagree — some believe tongues ceased with the apostles, while others believe the gift continues. Both sides appeal to Scripture.
Key verse: 1 Corinthians 14:39 (KJV)
Christians disagree — some believe tongues ceased with the apostles, while others believe the gift continues. Both sides appeal to Scripture.
Christians disagree — some believe tongues ceased with the apostles, while others believe the gift continues. Both sides appeal to Scripture.
"Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues." — 1 Corinthians 14:39 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
The debate over tongues centers on whether the miraculous gifts described in Acts 2 and 1 Corinthians 12-14 continue today. Cessationists point to 1 Corinthians 13:8 ('tongues, they shall cease') and argue that certain gifts were foundational to the apostolic era (Ephesians 2:20). They note that tongues in Acts were known languages (Acts 2:6-8). Continuationists argue that nothing in Scripture explicitly states gifts have ceased, and 1 Corinthians 13:10 ('that which is perfect') refers to Christ's return, not the completion of the Bible. Paul instructed, 'Forbid not to speak with tongues' (1 Corinthians 14:39) and outlined guidelines for orderly exercise of the gift. Both sides agree that love is the greater priority (1 Corinthians 13) and that all gifts must edify the church.
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Key Scripture References
"Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues."
"Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away."
"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What is speaking in tongues?
Speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift where believers speak in languages they haven't learned, either human languages or a heavenly prayer language, as empowered by the Holy Spirit.
What Are Spiritual Gifts?
Spiritual gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to every believer for serving the church and glorifying God.
Who Is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity — fully God, who indwells, guides, and empowers believers.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside 1 Corinthians. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read 1 Corinthians on day 324 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “Is Speaking in Tongues for Today?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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