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    In Context

    Is Speaking in Tongues for Today — In Biblical Context

    Christians disagree — some believe tongues ceased with the apostles, while others believe the gift continues. Both sides appeal to Scripture.

    Quick Answer

    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)

    The Biblical Context

    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.

    Where It Sits in Scripture

    The core passage for this question, 1 Corinthians 14:39, sits inside 1 Corinthians 14. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.

    "Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues."
    — 1 Corinthians 14:39 (KJV)

    Supporting Passages

    1 Corinthians 13:8
    "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."
    Acts 2:4
    "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."

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