Spiritual Gift of Tongues

The spiritual gift of Tongues is one of the most discussed, misunderstood, and debated gifts in the New Testament. Although referenced only in a handful of passages (Acts 2; 1 Corinthians 12–14), it has produced wide-ranging interpretations across Christian traditions.

In Scripture, the gift appears in two primary forms:

Known human languages supernaturally spoken (Acts 2)
Spirit-prompted prayer or praise that may be unintelligible without interpretation (1 Corinthians 14)

Regardless of the form, the purpose of the gift is never self-exaltation, but the edification of the church and the advancement of the Gospel.

Tongues at Pentecost: Known Languages, Not Secret Ones

The first and clearest example of tongues occurs at Pentecost:

“Each one heard them speaking in his own language.”
—Acts 2:6

This event established two biblical truths:

1. Tongues Enabled Communication, Not Exclusivity

The apostles spoke recognizable languages they had never learned to proclaim the Gospel across cultural divides.

2. Spiritual Gifts Serve the Entire Body

Gifts do not exist to elevate certain believers or create spiritual hierarchies (1 Corinthians 12:7).

This is why Paul strongly warns against using tongues in ways that divide, confuse, or glorify individuals.

Tongues as a Bridge-Building Gift

You highlight an important insight often overlooked: those with the gift of tongues often excel in cross-cultural, cross-generational, and cross-context communication.

This broader understanding aligns with the heart of the Pentecost event:

God breaking down barriers
Bringing people from different cultures into one family
Demonstrating that Christ is for all people

Therefore, the gift of tongues can include:

Supernaturally learning or acquiring languages
Communicating across cultural or racial lines effortlessly
Translating spiritual truth into forms people can understand
Making outsiders feel welcomed, seen, and included
Acting as “ambassadors” of reconciliation

This reflects Paul’s heart:

“I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.”
—1 Corinthians 9:22

The gifted person becomes a bridge, not a barrier.

Tongues as Prayer and Worship

Some believers experience tongues primarily in:

Prayer
Worship
Private devotion

Paul acknowledges this dimension:

“One who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God.” (1 Cor. 14:2)
“I will pray with my spirit.” (1 Cor. 14:15)

This form of tongues:

Deepens intimacy with God
Helps express what words cannot
Encourages personal devotion
Must be exercised with humility and discernment
Should not overshadow the Gospel or unity of the church

Paul is clear that private tongues is permissible, but public tongues must include an interpreter (1 Cor. 14:27–28).

Clarity, Unity, and Order

Regardless of how tongues manifests, Scripture insists:

It must build up the church (1 Cor. 14:12)
It must not create confusion (1 Cor. 14:33)
It must be exercised with interpretation in public (1 Cor. 14:27)
It must not elevate some believers over others (1 Cor. 12:21)

Tongues is not a mark of spiritual superiority.

The Holy Spirit gives diverse gifts to prevent division—not create it.

Historical Perspectives

Martin Luther

Luther believed:

Biblical tongues were real human languages
The gift had largely ceased in everyday church life
Tongues could cause disorder if misused
The gift was not necessary for salvation or holiness
The Gospel—not tongues—was the heart of Christian unity

Luther’s primary caution was against seeking tongues as a spiritual badge.

John Wesley

Wesley believed:

Tongues was a genuine supernatural gift
It could aid evangelism and Gospel mission
It should be approached with humility and discernment
It was not a requirement of salvation
Its purpose was always to build up the church and reach the lost

Wesley encouraged openness without fanaticism.

The Catholic Church

The Catholic tradition teaches that tongues is:

One of the legitimate charismatic gifts
A Spirit-enabled form of praise, worship, or proclamation
Also potentially a human language not learned naturally
Subject to discernment and pastoral oversight
Always intended to glorify God and edify the Church

Catholic teaching emphasizes that tongues may take different forms and must always be approached with order and humility.

Distinguishing Tongues from Interpretation

Paul teaches that the gifts of tongues and interpretation are distinct:

The speaker may not understand what was said
An interpreter communicates the meaning
Without interpretation, tongues serve only the speaker
With interpretation, tongues serve the church

This reinforces Paul’s emphasis on building up the body.

Biblical Cautions and Misunderstandings

Because tongues is highly visible and emotionally charged, several dangers must be addressed:

Using Tongues as a Status Marker

Scripture rejects any form of spiritual elitism.

Confusing Emotional Experience with Spiritual Reality

Tongues feels dramatic, but drama isn’t holiness.

Seeking the Gift for Attention

Paul warns strongly against gifts used for self-promotion.

Dividing the Body Over Tongues

Paul devotes three chapters (1 Cor. 12–14) to correcting this exact problem.

Dismissing the Gift Entirely

Skepticism can become as harmful as fanaticism.

Overlooking Interpretation

Paul never permits uninterpreted public tongues.

Tongues must always operate inside biblical boundaries.

People with This Gift Often…

Pick up foreign languages with unusual ease
Communicate effectively across cultures, generations, and social barriers
Carry deep empathy for unbelievers
Act as “ambassadors” who make outsiders feel included
Build bridges between communities
Translate spiritual truth into accessible language
Are drawn to missionary work
Sense what people need spiritually and emotionally
Serve as signs or invitations to those far from faith
Help unify diverse groups within the body

Summary

The spiritual gift of tongues:

Is a real gift of the Holy Spirit
Serves both communication and devotion
Must always be exercised in love, humility, and order
Exists for the benefit of the church, not individual prestige
Helps bridge cultural, linguistic, and spiritual divides
Points always to Christ, not the gift or the gifted

Bible References

Mark 16:15-18	Christ states that speaking in new tongues will accompany those who preach the good news.
Acts 2:1-12	Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost
Acts 10:44-46	Gentiles hear Peter speaking in tongues
Acts 19:4-7	Paul places his hands on disciples and they speak in tongues
1 Corinthians 12:7-11	Gift of tongues mentioned by Paul
1 Corinthians 12:28-31	Gift of tongues compared to other gifts
1 Corinthians 13:1	Without love, speaking in tongues is worthless
1 Corinthians 14:1-25	Paul gives details on the gift of tongues

The Spiritual Gifts Project is always looking for personal perspective about the spiritual gifts. If you would like to share your experiences and help further all of our understanding about a particular spiritual gift, please visit our feedback page.

References

Zondervan, 1468-1469

Other Gifts

The spiritual gift of Tongues is one of the most discussed, misunderstood, and debated gifts in the New Testament. Although referenced only in a handful of passages (Acts 2; 1 Corinthians 12–14), it has produced wide-ranging interpretations across Christian traditions.

Tongues at Pentecost: Known Languages, Not Secret Ones