The Bible teaches that speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift where a person speaks in languages unknown to them, often seen as a supernatural ability to speak in human languages or spiritual languages ("tongues of men" and "tongues of angels"). This gift is described primarily in the New Testament, notably in Acts 2 (Pentecost), Acts 10, Acts 19, and extensively in 1 Corinthians chapters 12 to 14. Speaking in tongues serves several purposes:
- It can be a supernatural manifestation of speaking in actual human languages unknown to the speaker, which were understood by listeners from different language backgrounds (Acts 2:4-11) as a sign from God.
- It can be a spiritual language directed to God for personal edification, where the speaker utters "mysteries" by the Spirit that others do not understand (1 Corinthians 14:2).
- When spoken publicly in the church, it needs to be interpreted for the edification and benefit of all present (1 Corinthians 14:27-28), otherwise, it should be done quietly for personal spiritual building.
- Paul emphasizes that speaking in tongues without interpretation is ineffective for the church community and that prophecy (speaking plainly) is more beneficial for collective instruction (1 Corinthians 14:5, 14:19).
Additionally, the gift of tongues was meant as a sign especially to unbelievers, particularly Jewish unbelievers, to demonstrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the arrival of the Messiah fulfillment prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:21-22). In summary, the Bible presents speaking in tongues as a legitimate spiritual gift given by the Holy Spirit, with guidelines for its use to ensure it serves God's purpose and edifies the church either as a sign or for spiritual build-up, especially when interpreted.
