Speaking in Unknown Tongues

Speaking in Unknown Tongues

Speaking in "unknown tongues" is widely practiced in some modern churches. The practice grows out of religious emotional hysteria and frenzy. It is usually accompanied by claims of Holy Spirit baptism, miracles and women preachers. The general confusion that often attends these services indicates God is not the author of them (I Corinthians 14:33). What say the Scriptures about speaking in tongues?

1. The gift of speaking in unknown tongues was a reality in the early church (Acts 2:4; I Corinthians 12:10). It was a miraculous gift (Mark 16:17). This gift could only be received in one of two ways: (1). The Apostles received a baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2); (2). Others received it by laying on of the apostles' hands "Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them and they spake with tongues. ((Acts 19:6; 8:14-17).

2. What was the Biblical gift of speaking in tongues? Was it the jibber-jabber heard in churches today? God's Word defines tongues as: (a). New tongues (Mark 16:17); (b). Other tongues (Acts 2:4); (c). Different kinds of tongues (I Corinthians 12:10); (d). Tongues may be interpreted (I Corinthians 14:13). "Let him that speaketh a tongue... let one interpret... but if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church" (I Corinthians 14:26); (e). Every man heard them speaking "in his own language wherein he was born" (Acts 2:6-8).

The gift of unknown tongues was simply the miraculous ability to speak in an intelligent way, a language one had not acquired by natural means of learning. If you, an English speaking Christian, lived then, God may have given you the miraculous ability to speak Greek, or Spanish, which to you, was an unknown tongue or language.

3. The purpose of the gift was to aid in spreading the gospel to new sections where people spoke different languages. It also served as a sign to unbelievers (I Corinthians 14:22). It confirmed the words of those who spoke as from God (Mark 16:20).

4. The gift of tongues ceased to be given at the close of the first century. Paul wrote, "tongues... shall cease" (I Corinthians 13:8-10). The tongue speaking of our day and the confusion and unscriptural teaching that goes with it is not a true demonstration of Christianity. Rather it flows from a warped conception of God and the Bible. It appeals to the carnal side of man's nature.

Back -- or go -- Home