Understanding Tongues

Introduction:

The topic of “tongues” has often been misunderstood or misrepresented, yet it is a powerful and foundational part of New Testament Christianity. In Apostolic Pentecostal doctrine, speaking in tongues is not just a spiritual gift—it is the initial evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit and a vital part of the believer’s spiritual life. This study will explore what the Bible says about tongues, the different types mentioned in Scripture, and why speaking in tongues is still essential and relevant for us today.

1. What Are “Tongues”?

The term “speaking in tongues” comes from the Greek word glōssa, meaning “language,” and laleō, meaning “to speak.” Combined, they describe the supernatural ability to speak a language unknown to the speaker, as given by the Holy Spirit.

There are several biblical purposes and manifestations of speaking in tongues. We will look at three major categories:

2. Tongues as a Sign of Receiving the Holy Ghost:

Key Scriptures:

Acts 2:4 – “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

Acts 10:44–46 – “For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.”

Acts 19:6 – “And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.”

Throughout the Book of Acts, the consistent pattern is that when someone received the Holy Spirit, they spoke in tongues. This is what Apostolic believers refer to as the initial evidence of being filled with the Holy Ghost. It is not just symbolic—it is supernatural and audible confirmation that God has come to dwell within.

3. Tongues as a Personal Prayer Language:

Key Scripture:

1 Corinthians 14:2 – “For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.”

1 Corinthians 14:4 – “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself.”

Romans 8:26 – “The Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”

Paul taught that speaking in tongues can be used in private devotion as a form of prayer, worship, and spiritual edification. This is often referred to as praying in the Spirit. When we pray in tongues, the Holy Spirit prays through us according to the will of God, even when we don’t know what to pray.

This personal use of tongues is not always meant to be interpreted, because it is directed to God and not to man.

4. Tongues with Interpretation for the Edification of the Church:

Key Scripture:

1 Corinthians 14:27–28 – “If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.”

In a church service or public gathering, if someone speaks in tongues, there must be an interpretation so that the entire body can be edified. This manifestation is not the same as the initial evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost. Here, tongues function as a gift of the Spirit working in harmony with other gifts such as interpretation and prophecy (see 1 Corinthians 12:10).

Paul’s instructions in 1 Corinthians 14 were not to discourage speaking in tongues, but to bring order and understanding in the church. In fact, he ends the chapter by saying, “Do not forbid to speak with tongues” (1 Corinthians 14:39).

5. The Importance of Speaking in Tongues:

From an Apostolic perspective, speaking in tongues plays several critical roles:

Initial Evidence of Receiving the Holy Spirit

(Acts 2:4, Acts 10:46, Acts 19:6)

Personal Edification and Prayer

(1 Corinthians 14:4; Romans 8:26)

Intercessory Prayer Through the Spirit

(Romans 8:26–27)

Direct Communication with God

(1 Corinthians 14:2)

Spiritual Insight When Interpreted

(1 Corinthians 14:5, 27)

A Sign to Unbelievers

(1 Corinthians 14:22, Acts 2:11)

Conclusion:

Speaking in tongues is more than an emotional expression—it is a powerful, biblical experience that connects heaven and earth. It is the initial evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost, the language of Spirit-led prayer, and a tool for edifying the church when interpreted. As Apostolic believers, we affirm that this gift did not cease with the early church. It is for every believer today.

 “For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” – Acts 2:39 (NKJV)

If you have not yet received the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues, we encourage you to seek the Lord with your whole heart. This promise is for you. God desires to fill you with His Spirit and give you this beautiful gift of tongues, just like He did in the Book of Acts.