Sense out of confusion
The gift of tongues is one of the most controversial and misunderstood gifts found in the New Testament. We are first introduced to this gift in Acts 2, where it says, “And they [the disciples] were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” As we read further in the chapter, we find that speaking in tongues was not speaking in some sort of “heavenly language” that sounded like gibberish. It was the ability to speak in actual human languages previously unknown to the speaker (vv. 7-11).
The gift of tongues was one of the sign gifts: gifts designed to show the legitimacy of the gospel to the Jews. The Jewish people had rejected Christ, and the leaders were trying to suppress the message of the disciples. God used tongues and other sign gifts to authenticate the disciples’ message and to fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah 28:11: “For with stammering lips and another tongue will He speak to this people” (see 1 Cor. 14:21). Tongues, then, were a sign to unbelieving Jews (1 Cor. 14:22).
It also had another very practical purpose. As demonstrated in Acts 2, the Jewish people were scattered over many nations but would come to Jerusalem for certain feasts such as the Passover and the feast of Pentecost. Through the gift of tongues, these Jews were all able to hear the gospel in their own language and dialect. This would be comparable to my listening to someone who had never previously learned or spoken English, but who could now instantly speak not only fluent English, but fluent English with a southern twang and vernacular. (Which means words like “y’all” would flow naturally.) What an incredible miracle!
I find this concept fascinating. Because of men’s rebellion and conceit, God divided the people of earth at Babel by confusing their languages. Now, after the work of Christ on the cross, He reaches out by giving individuals the ability to supernaturally speak to people of other tongues, thus bringing all men back together.
Tongues in Corinth
The gift of tongues, as described in Acts, was given as a sign and for the spread of the gospel, particularly to the Jewish people visiting Jerusalem from many nations. Today, however, there is some debate as to what the tongues were that we read about in 1 Corinthians 14. Many see them as the same ability described in Acts 2. Others view the tongues of 1 Corinthians 14 as specifically referring to the ability to speak Hebrew: the language of the Old Testament, which is used to convey many of God’s teachings in its picturesque structure; a language that was nearly dead by this point. Those in the modern day signs and wonders movement hold a different view: they believe tongues to be some heavenly language spoken by the Spirit through an individual.
We hold to the first view: tongues is simply the ability to speak a human language other than the speaker’s learned language. There is no warrant for believing that a new and completely different kind of tongues appeared in 1 Corinthians 14. But in reality, the main point is not knowing what the actual language was. The crucial point is that we see how the Holy Spirit worked among the early church and how spiritual gifts are used to further the work of the Lord.
The biblical use of tongues
In 1 Corinthians 12-14, Paul lays out guidelines for the use of spiritual gifts, particularly tongues. We see from these chapters that the Corinthians were using their gifts for purposes other than the work of the Lord, and it was becoming a matter of pride. This is why in chapter 13 we are given the classic work on love and how it should govern our daily lives and service. Love should be the overriding principle in the use of our spiritual gifts.
It is interesting when we compare the way “tongues” are used today with how Paul described them and their appropriate use. We quickly see that this is not the same gift that the Bible talks about. The way “tongues” are taught and practiced among the signs and wonders movement today is nothing like what Paul describes.
In verse 4 of chapter 14, we read that the individual speaking in tongues usually understands what he is saying in the tongue. In verse 28, we are told that the person should remain quiet if there is no one to interpret, and verse 27 encourages those speaking in tongues to speak “by course.” Furthermore, we are instructed that the women should be in silence (v. 34). The chapter concludes by admonishing the believers to “Let all things be done decently and in order.” Most importantly, we are taught that tongues was one of many spiritual gifts given among believers and not everyone received this gift. Compare those scriptural guidelines to what is often practiced today and you will notice that today’s norm is almost the opposite of Scripture.
Tongues shall cease In considering the temporary nature of the gift of tongues, it is helpful to notice one more point. 1 Corinthians 13:8 states “whether there be tongues, they shall cease.” It doesn’t say, “they shall go away for a couple of thousand years and come back.” It says they will cease. It is clear from history that, as the canon of Scripture was nearing completion, all of the sign gifts, including tongues, faded away. They had a purpose and that purpose was completed.
What we learn from the gift of tongues is that God works in marvelous ways to accomplish His purposes. We also see that we, as believers, must yield to the Holy Spirit and use the gifts we are given for the glory of God and not for any selfish gain or boasting. It is marvelous to think how God graciously enables us. We who are so inconsistent and self-centered are entrusted with special gifts. To properly utilize them we must exercise love and self-control and submit ourselves to the guidelines of the Word of God.