Glossolalia, also known as speaking in tongues, is a spiritual gift mentioned in the Bible that involves speaking in an unknown language as the Holy Spirit gives utterance. The word “glossolalia” comes from the Greek words “glossa” meaning tongue or language, and “lalein” meaning to talk.
Biblical Accounts of Glossolalia
There are several accounts in the Bible that describe glossolalia:
Day of Pentecost
The first occurrence is recorded in Acts 2:1-13, which describes the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost shortly after Jesus’ ascension. The disciples were gathered together when there came a sound like a mighty rushing wind and divided tongues of fire rested on each of them. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Many godly Jews from every nation were gathered in Jerusalem at this time. When they heard the disciples speaking in their own native languages, they were amazed and perplexed, wondering how simple Galileans could speak all these languages. Some speculated that they were drunk. The list of nations represented indicates that the disciples were miraculously empowered to speak languages that they had not previously studied.
Cornelius’ Household
Another occurrence is found in Acts 10:44-46, when the Holy Spirit fell upon Cornelius’ household as Peter preached the gospel to them. Jewish believers who had come with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on Gentiles. They heard these Gentiles speaking in tongues and praising God.
Ephesian Disciples
Acts 19:1-7 describes what happened when Paul encountered disciples at Ephesus who had received John’s baptism but had not heard of the Holy Spirit or been baptized into Christ. When Paul laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Corinthian Church
The most detailed discussion of speaking in tongues is found in 1 Corinthians 12-14, where Paul addresses the proper use of spiritual gifts in the Corinthian church. He indicates that various gifts, including tongues, are given by the Spirit for the common good (1 Cor. 12:7). He acknowledges that not all believers have the same gifts but encourages them to eagerly desire the greater gifts like prophesying (1 Cor. 12:31).
Although Paul claims to speak in tongues more than all the Corinthians (1 Cor. 14:18), he seems more concerned with maintaining order in their gatherings. He instructs that no more than two or three should speak in tongues and then only if someone interprets (1 Cor. 14:27). Otherwise, those with the gift should remain silent. Prophecy is preferred over tongues because it can strengthen, encourage and comfort others (1 Cor. 14:1-5). The one who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be built up (1 Cor. 14:5).
Paul’s emphasis on order was to prevent confusion and offense of unbelievers who might visit their meetings (1 Cor. 14:23). Although he does not forbid tongues entirely, he clearly regulates when and how they should be used. The lesson is that all things should be done in a fitting and orderly way in the church (1 Cor. 14:26,40).
Purpose and Function of Glossolalia
Based on these accounts, we can summarize the main purposes and functions of speaking in tongues:
Praise and Prayer
Speaking in tongues is a means of offering praise and prayer to God. It is a private prayer language that the Spirit enables. Paul indicates he spoke in tongues more than all the Corinthians as a part of his personal worship of God (1 Cor. 14:18).
Self-Edification
According to Paul, those who speak in an unknown tongue speak not to men but to God, because no one understands them. They edify themselves (1 Cor. 14:2,4) as the Spirit gives utterance. This suggests tongues can be an edifying experience for the individual believer.
Sign of Spirit Baptism
As evidenced in Acts, speaking in tongues was an initial evidence or sign of receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It gave tangible proof that the Spirit had come upon these believers.
Overcomes Language Barriers
At Pentecost, the gift enabled disciples to supernaturally communicate the gospel to people of other languages. It served as a miraculous tool to overcome a language barrier and expand the reach of the gospel.
Sign for Unbelievers
It was a miraculous sign to unbelieving Jews that God’s Spirit was now being poured out on all flesh, including Gentiles. However, Paul later indicates prophecy is actually preferred over uninterpreted tongues in gatherings where unbelievers are present (1 Cor. 14:22).
Manifestation of the Spirit
Paul lists tongues as one of the manifestations or gifts of the Spirit in the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:7-11). Not every believer will have this gift, just as not all have other gifts.
Interpretation of Tongues
Paul mentions “interpretation of tongues” as a separate spiritual gift (1 Cor. 12:10). This enables someone to interpret the meaning of an utterance given in an unknown tongue. This gift allows tongues to edify others when interpreted, rather than just the individual speaker.
If tongues are spoken in the church, Paul instructs that they should be limited and must be followed by interpretation so that the church can be edified (1 Cor. 14:5,13,27-28). Otherwise, the person should remain silent.
Cessationism vs. Continuationism
Bible scholars differ as to whether the gift of tongues ceased along with the rest of miraculous gifts shortly after the apostolic age ended, or whether tongues and other gifts continued to function throughout church history. These two main views are known as cessationism and continuationism.
Cessationists believe tongues were limited to the apostolic era as a sign gift to validate the gospel and the authority of the apostles. Once the church was established and the New Testament completed, tongues ceased. Continuationists argue that tongues and other gifts continued beyond the apostles as valuable gifts for edification and expanding the church. There are reasoned biblical cases for both perspectives.
Either way, continuationists generally agree that modern occurrences of tongues do not serve the same functions or purposes as in Acts, such as evangelism or prophesying. The function is primarily private prayer and personal edification.
Speaking in Tongues Today
Those who believe speaking in tongues is still a valid gift today emphasize the following points:
– It is a private prayer language for personal edification, not public teaching.
– It should not be elevated over other gifts like teaching and service.
– Praying in the Spirit can help believers pray according to God’s will when unsure of what to pray.
– It is not a required sign of salvation nor an indication of spiritual maturity.
– There is no standard pattern; tongues can vary in their sound or form of expression.
– It requires faith, but cannot be manufactured or conjured up at will.
– There should be order in the church if tongues occur publicly along with interpretation.
– Not all believers must have this gift, as Scripture indicates.
Cessationists and some continuationists caution against potential abuses or exaggerations regarding tongues:
– It is wrong to teach that tongues are a necessary sign of salvation or Spirit baptism.
– Tongues must not be used as manipulative pressure to make people feel spiritually lacking.
– Praying in tongues should not wholly replace praying with understanding.
– There should be concern if tongues draw too much attention to an individual rather than exalting Christ.
– Appropriate order and interpretation must accompany public tongues.
– Tongues must not be allowed to divide churches. Unity in Christ is paramount.
Testing the Spirits
Because modern occurrences of tongues are difficult to conclusively verify, believers must test them carefully according to biblical standards:
– “No one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:3)
– “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” (1 John 4:1)
– Does speaking in tongues glorify and exalt Jesus Christ?
– Is there good fruit in the believer’s life?
– Are the tongues orderly and edifying if in public?
– Do they line up with Scripture’s instructions for the gift of tongues?
While differences exist on whether tongues ceased or continued, believers should seek unity in the Spirit based on core truths:
– Every good gift comes from the Father (James 1:17).
– No gift should become a point of division, pride or selfish ambition (1 Cor. 3:4-9, 12:31b-13:13)
– In all things, believers are to act in love (1 Cor. 13).
– God graciously gives His children gifts according to His sovereign will and purposes (1 Cor. 12:11).
Speaking in tongues remains a controversial and challenging issue. As with many debated matters, humility, graciousness towards others, and focus on the gospel of Christ are imperative.
