The Biblical Gift of Tongues in the New Testament
The document discusses the biblical gift of speaking in tongues as described in the New Testament. In the NT – tongues was an identifiable language, as believers were heard speaking in their own language. This differs from other claims today, such as a new language, prayer language, language of Adam, or unintelligible jargon. To define the contrast, “Glossolalia is a phenomenon of abnormal psychology found in most world religions, both ancient and modern, and often completely outside of religious context. It has no rational meaning but consists of mere ecstatic utterances” (Glossolilia, Jimmy Jividen, page 23).
The Gift at Pentecost: Acts 2:1-13
According to Acts 2:4-5, “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” When this sound occurred, the multitude came together and were confused because everyone heard them speak in his own language. They were all amazed and marveled, asking, “And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?”
Regarding who spoke in tongues at this event:
- Only the 12 apostles (Mathias with the 11).
- All were Galileans.
- The power was received from the Holy Spirit directly on them, without any human intervention, as was promised by Jesus.
The Nature and Purpose of the Gift
The nature of tongues involved a common, known language that was not known or studied by the speaker. The speaker was able to speak as if it were their native language. The purpose was to aid in the rapid spread of the gospel and to provide a visible demonstration of God's approval of their preaching. It allowed believers to speak languages they did not know so that others could hear the gospel in their own languages, fulfilling Joel 2:28-32.
Manifestations in Acts 10 and Acts 19
Later passages show tongues could be received directly from God or through other means. In Acts 10:44-48, it was a “like gift” that came in a similar manner—direct from God. The purpose was to convince Jews that the gospel is for ALL men. Notably, Cornelius spoke in tongues before his baptism, which shows tongues are not related to salvation. In Acts 19:1-6, tongues came through the “laying on of apostles hands” because their faith was looking the wrong direction.
Instructional Context: 1 Corinthians 12, 13, and 14
1 Corinthians provides a brief summary and rules for how gifts are used in worship. 1 Corinthians 12 lists 9 spiritual gifts and notes we are a body of different parts that must work together. 1 Corinthians 13 emphasizes that love is greater and love lasts, while gifts are temporary. 1 Corinthians 14 teaches that prophecy is more useful than tongues.
Regarding the “unknown tongue,” the word “Unknown” is in italics because it was added by translators to clarify meaning. It was not unknown to mankind but unknown to the speaker. As noted in 14:16, we cannot say “Amen” unless we understand the language.
The Cessation of the Spiritual Gift
The gift was temporary and ceased once the church was established and the New Testament was complete. That gift ceased and faded away because inspiration was complete and copies of the NT were available. Consequently, the need for tongues ended.
Summary of Tongues in the New Testament
| Event/Passage | Recipients | Method of Reception | Primary Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acts 2:1-13 | The 12 Apostles | Directly from Holy Spirit | Rapid spread of the gospel in native languages |
| Acts 10:44-48 | Cornelius and household | Direct from God | Convince Jews the gospel is for all men |
| Acts 19:1-6 | Ephesian Disciples | Laying on of apostles' hands | Correction of faith and baptism |