The Spiritual Gift of Tongues
Sign Gift — 1 Corinthians 12:10
γλῶσσα (gloce-sah’) — the physical tongue; by extension a known human language or dialect. The companion word διάλεκτος (Acts 2:6) confirms that what was spoken at Pentecost was recognized human language — not unintelligible sound.
Tongues as Defined
- Language — ACS 2:6
- Speech — ACS 10:46, ACS 19:6
- Unlearned — MAR 16:17
- Unknown — 1CO 12:28
- Utterance — 1CO 14:2
Tongues as Named
On the day of Pentecost, Galileans spoke and fifteen language groups heard in their own dialects (ACS 2:3-11). The Gentiles at Cornelius’s house spoke with tongues and magnified God (ACS 10:44-46). The church at Corinth operated in tongues with Paul providing order and boundaries (1CO 14:27-28).
Tongues as Signs
Tongues are a sign to unbelievers (1CO 14:22) and carry an evangelistic purpose rooted in the plurality of languages. The gift will cease (1CO 13:8). Order in the church must be maintained — no more than two or three, each with an interpreter, and silence if no interpreter is present (1CO 14:27-28).
Serving in Tongues
Avoid speaking in tongues without an interpreter in the assembly. Avoid using the gift to elevate personal spirituality above others. Avoid confusion — God is not the author of confusion, but of peace (1CO 14:33).