Speaking in Tongues - The Biblical Evidence
One of the most distinctive marks of the Pentecostal experience is speaking in tongues—a miraculous sign of the infilling of the Holy Ghost. But far from being a modern phenomenon or emotional outburst, speaking in tongues is a biblical pattern found throughout the New Testament. It is the initial, outward evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit and continues to be a vital part of the believer’s spiritual life.
What Is Speaking in Tongues?
Speaking in tongues (glossolalia) is the supernatural ability to speak in a language unknown to the speaker, as enabled by the Holy Ghost. It is not learned or imitated—it is Spirit-empowered.
Tongues in the Book of Acts
The Book of Acts provides the clearest pattern for receiving the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues:
- 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.”
- Acts 10:45–46 – “…on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues…”
- Acts 19:6 – “…the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.”
In each of these cases, tongues were the immediate, recognizable sign that someone had received the Holy Ghost.
Jesus Foretold This Experience
Jesus Himself foretold the experience of tongues as a sign:
“And these signs shall follow them that believe… they shall speak with new tongues.” — Mark 16:17
On the Day of Pentecost, this prophecy was fulfilled. The 120 believers spoke in tongues, and thousands were added to the Church as a result of that supernatural manifestation.
Paul’s Teaching on Tongues
Paul, in 1 Corinthians 12–14, discusses the gift of tongues within the Church. It’s important to distinguish between:
- Tongues as the initial evidence of receiving the Spirit (for all believers).
- The gift of tongues for use in public worship, which operates with interpretation and edification.
Paul himself declared:
“I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all.” — 1 Corinthians 14:18
Far from discouraging tongues, Paul endorsed and practiced them.
A Sign and a Blessing
Speaking in tongues is:
- A sign of the new birth (John 3:8).
- A means of prayer in the Spirit (Romans 8:26; Jude 1:20).
- A channel for spiritual refreshing (Isaiah 28:11–12).
Tongues are not optional—they are a vital and consistent part of the New Testament experience with God.
Conclusion
Speaking in tongues is not merely tradition—it is truth. It is the biblical evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost and an ongoing source of spiritual power and connection with God.
“For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people…” — Isaiah 28:11
God still fills believers with the Holy Ghost today—and they still speak in tongues, just as they did in the Book of Acts.