As I set out to write this post my intention is to try to keep it as simple as possible. What I write is informed by both scripture and experience. I have many good Christian friends some of whom make statements about speaking in tongues that I know to be inaccurate. Sometimes this is because although they read the Bible they cannot understand what it states about speaking in tongues through their own experience, and sometimes because it is entirely experientially understood but not supported by biblical text. Both situations make me sad as this is a wonderful and important gift that the Holy Spirit gives to some Christians, and a balanced understanding is bound to prove helpful.
The first biblical reference to this is Luke's account of the experience the disciples of Jesus had on the Day of Pentecost. It is probable, in my opinion, that around 120 people were regularly meeting in a large upper room (or gust chamber) in Jerusalem. Jesus had told them to wait for the Holy Spirit to come upon them to give them power (not ability) to be his witnesses (Acts 1: 4-8). Luke goes on to tell us in verses 12 to 14 of those specifically named as gathering in the upper room. But he then tells us of a gathering numbering 120 people (verse 15). This appears to be the total number of believers in Jerusalem at that time. Acts 2 begins by telling us they were all together when the Holy Spirit came. Clearly, over the ten days between the ascension of Jesus and the Day of Pentecost there may have been some coming and going. But events in that upper room were to become such that it would have been exceedingly noisy, so much so that it quickly attracted a large crowd.
One of the things that happened that morning was that as the Holy Spirit came upon those there they began to speak in other tongues - or languages - as they were enabled by the Holy Spirit. The text goes on to tell us that some of those in the crowd attracted by the noise were able to recognise some of the languages as those spoken in their (the listeners) native country. Those who could understand the assorted languages describe this as 'declaring the wonders of God'. What is not described here is any kind of communication to them. It is as if they are listening in. They are amazed and perplexed by what they hear and see. It is irrational such that they conclude they must be drunk. Such a conclusion would not be made if what was happening (as some suggest) was multi-lingual gospel preaching.
The phenomenon of speaking in tongues occurs in other places in Acts usually when the Holy Spirit comes upon people for the first time (though it is not mentioned specifically on every occasion).
We need to go to 1Corinthians 12 - 14 to build up our understanding. It is listed as one of the twelve gifts of the Spirit. In 1Cor. 12:10 it is mentioned alongside another gift of "interpretation of tongues'. Later in verse 30 Paul asks a question that implies that not everyone has the gift of speaking in tongues.
We then need to go to chapter 14 for more information. The first 25 verses cover speaking in tongues and contrasts this with prophecy. Both these gifts of the spirit are about inspired utterances but is important to emphasise that a person speaking in tongues or prophesying is not 'taken over'. They remain totally in control of themselves, which is why Paul later in this chapter writes about things being done in order.
Note in verse 2 that someone speaking in tongues is speaking TO God. So there is no such thing as 'a message in tongues'. Paul tells us in verse 14 that speaking in tongues can be praying. Note here that when a person speaks in tongues he or she does not understand what is being said; this is spiritual communication from the believer to God enabled by the Holy Spirit. In verse 16 it is described as 'thanksgiving'.
So what do we know so far. People that spoke in tongues were described by those who understood them as declaring the wonders of God. It is a communication from a believer to God. So it could be praise, prayer or thanksgiving.
In the first part of chapter 14 Paul compares speaking in tongues publicly (i.e. at a church gathering) to prophecy (i.e. an immediately understandable inspired utterance communicating 'to men and women' see verse 3). The point that Paul makes in this chapter is strictly about the benefit these gifts have in a gathering or meeting of a church. He points out that if someone speaks in tongues and nobody understands what is said the only person to benefit is the person doing the speaking, who is edified (built up) by the experience. On the other hand is someone prophesies then everyone can benefit.
The only way someone speaking in tongues can benefit a meeting is if there is an interpretation. While verse 5 and verse 13 seem to imply that interpreting your own utterance in a tongue is acceptable, verses 27 and 28 seem to suggest otherwise. What is clear is that verses 27 and 28 is speaking about the actual practise of speaking in tongues in a meeting but that verse 5 and 13 is talking about who brings greater benefit to a meeting. Paul argues clearly that a person who prophesies is of greater benefit in a meeting situation.
For this reason I discourage self-interpretation. On the other hand I have heard amazing interpretations that have revealed wonderful and sometimes profound expressions of praise and worship. If a so-called interpretation is God speaking to man then it clearly cannot be a true interpretation. It could, of course, be a prophecy.
So what is the point of speaking in tongues? It is for personal edification. It can be for a sign to unbelievers but note verse 23 as hearing people speaking in tongues can create a misunderstanding. Paul values his gift of speaking in tongues (verse 18) and states that speaking in tongues should not be forbidden (verse 39). This is a precious and wonderful gift he longs that everyone should have (verse 5). Obviously the primary purpose of this gift is for its use in private and personal devotion, though Paul states that provided it is exercised with discipline and interpreted it has its place in public worship (verse 26).
Many years ago the Holy Spirit was moving in a Kent village. Conversions were taking place and some Christians were being baptised in the Spirit and had spoken with tongues. This was an area where Strict and Particular Baptists were prominent and some who had spoken in tongues were from families well known in those circles. A concerned group of Strict Baptists arranged a meeting to try to understand this. They were uncomfortable that the gospel was being preached with an open invitation for people to come to Christ, as they felt that this was presumption and one should always leave it entirely to the Spirit to convince people that they were being called to salvation. However, they could not deny that people were being saved. But what is this about speaking in tongues.
We had an interesting discussion. Part way through one of the Strict Baptists who was a greatly respected preacher suddenly spoke up. "Brothers, you have all said at times how my preaching has been used of God". They all expressed agreement to this. "You may also have noticed", he went on, "That it is my practise that during the hymn before the sermon I bow in prayer in the pulpit". Again they all expressed agreement. He then let loose his bombshell: "During that hymn I quietly pray in tongues"!
Nothing more needed to be said. Speaking in tongues is a gift of the Holy Spirit. As such it should not be despised, demeaned or criticised. Who would dare to do that to a gift that a loving generous God gives. Those who have this gift and who use it in their personal devotions know of its value. It enables a quality of communication with God that can never otherwise be experienced. The speaker feels strengthened. Used correctly in a church meeting, together with interpretation it can also be a blessing just as a hymn of praise can be.
But it was not given to enable the gospel to be proclaimed or as a means of bringing messages from God. I was drawn back to God in my teens, having strayed away from him. At that time the gospel engaged with my heart as well as my head and I gladly surrendered my life to the Lord. A year or so later, while sitting in a church in north Kent I was overwhelmed by the Spirit while listening to a sermon and can only describe this as being baptised in the Holy Spirit. I could not stop praising God and my legs had turned to jelly, and fountains of spiritual joy were erupting from deep within me. I was as one drunk. I did not speak in tongues, though after the service people laid hands on me and sought to encourage me to speak in tongues. It was perhaps a week or so later in the privacy of my bedroom as i knelt in prayer and praise that I found some strange words forming in my mouth instead of the English I had been using. It is a gift often used since that day which, like Paul and my Strict Baptist friend, I value and for which I thank God.
I hope these notes have proved helpful.
