The Bible describes 'tongues' as Spirit-given speech in another language — at Pentecost as known languages (Acts 2:4-11) and in Corinthian worship needing interpretation (1 Corinthians 14). Christians differ on whether the gift continues today.
Tongues (Greek glossai) appears in several NT contexts. (1) At Pentecost. Acts 2:4-11 — disciples spoke in 'other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.' Crowd heard known languages. (2) Acts 10, 19 — tongues accompanied the Spirit's coming. (3) As a spiritual gift in Corinth. 1 Cor 12-14 — required interpretation (1 Cor 14:13, 27-28). (4) Paul's guidance. 1 Cor 14:18-19 — 'I had rather speak five words with my understanding... than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.' (5) Love is greater. 1 Cor 13:1 — gifts without love are nothing. (6) Christians differ on continuation. Cessationists hold tongues ended; continuationists (Pentecostal, charismatic) hold it continues. Both cite Scripture; both affirm Scripture's sufficiency. (7) Apply 1 Cor 14: edify the church, require interpretation in public, value teaching, pursue love.
“And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
“To another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues.”
“If any man speak in an unknown tongue... let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church.”
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am nothing.”
“I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding... than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.”
Continuationist: pursue tongues humbly, with order. Cessationist: focus on gifts you have. All: pursue love above gifts. Don't divide over this.
Tongues appears at Pentecost as Spirit-given speech in known languages. 1 Cor 12-14 describes it as a spiritual gift requiring interpretation in public. Christians differ on continuation.
No. Salvation is by grace through faith (Eph 2:8-9). 1 Cor 12:30 — not all Christians speak in tongues.
Acts 2 — clearly known human languages. 1 Cor 14 — described as needing interpretation. Christians interpret the relationship differently.
Christians differ. Cessationists say no; continuationists say yes. Both cite Scripture. This is a secondary issue; don't divide over it.