Wednesday: The Gift of Tongues
Daily Lesson for Wednesday 5th of August 2026
What about the gift of tongues? In line with the manifestation of the gift elsewhere in the Bible (Mark 16:17, Acts 2:1-13, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 19:6), the gift of tongues in 1 Corinthians is most likely the Spirit-granted ability to speak in foreign languages.
Paul mentions the gift of tongues in the list of gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 (see also 1 Corinthians 12:28,30; 1 Corinthians 13:1,8). However, he refers to it repeatedly in 1 Corinthians 14:1-40. Indeed, the Greek word glōssa (“tongue”) appears more than twenty times in 1 Corinthians 12:1-31; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; 1 Corinthians 14:1-40, with fifteen occurrences in 1 Corinthians 14:1-40 alone. Besides these, the Greek word heteroglōssos (“another tongue”) also occurs, in 1 Corinthians 14:21. This high number of references to the gift of tongues suggests that this matter is of particular concern for Paul. The misuse and abuse of this gift by the church in Corinth caused disorder and confusion in public worship (1 Corinthians 14:23,27,33,40).
Read 1 Corinthians 14:5,13,26-27 and 1 Corinthians 12:10,30. What particular instruction did Paul give concerning the gift of tongues?
Image © Pacific Press from GoodSalt.com
The reason the gift of speaking in tongues must go hand in hand with that of interpreting them is that tongues must be intelligible (1 Corinthians 14:9); otherwise, there is no benefit in using the gift (1 Corinthians 14:6). This explains why Paul put so much emphasis on interpretation and understanding. Obviously, he is criticizing not the gift of tongues itself, but, as we will see tomorrow, the excessive prominence the Corinthians attributed to it, which led to the neglect of the gift of prophecy.
At this point, it is important to notice that although Paul desired that all the Corinthians could speak foreign languages (1 Corinthians 14:5), he did not expect that to happen (1 Corinthians 12:10). Thus, the thought that “all must speak in tongues before claiming baptism in the Holy Spirit is a perversion of Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 12:1-31 and 14.”—Raoul Dederen, Handbook of Seventh-day Adventist Theology, Commentary Reference Series, vol. 12 (Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 2001), p. 620.
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Are there people in your church who speak other languages? How can they use this ability to reach other people for Christ? How can this fact help us understand the true nature of tongues that Paul is addressing? |
I suspect, from reading 1 Corinthians 14, that speaking in tongues got out of hand. I have no doubt that there were cases of genuine speaking in other languages, but as is often the case, some folk were envious of the gift and wanted it too. Paul makes the point that it is not much use making a noise if nobody understands what the noise is all about.
There are two major references to “speaking in tongues in the New Testament.
It is worth mentioning that this section of the epistle comes after the discussion about diverse spiritual gifts where the emphasis is that not everyone will have the same gifts. In the discussion on tongues in appears that some people coveted this gift (and probably for all the wrong reasons). The chapter on love comes right after the discussion on diversity of spiritual gifts and before the chapter on speaking in tongues. Indicating a progression of understanding about the diversity of gifts within a framework of love.
I don’t know a lot about the current charismatic movement, but I understand that in some churches there is the notion that unless you speak in tongues, you do not have the Holy Spirit. I don’t think there is a biblical basis for that. I would argue that the expression of self-sacrificing love in a better indicator.
(I suggest that it is a good idea to read 1Corinthians 12-14 in a modern translation or paraphrase to get the big picture.)
Being a Seventh-day Adventist for a long long time, I am well aware of our church’s teachings on the gift of tongues. My understanding of our teachings is that tongues are manifestations of the Spirit and are displayed as individuals speaking in a language different from their native language, and that it is spoken to people who can understand it.
What confused me is Acts chapter 19. Here Paul met a group of individuals who were baptized by John. After speaking with these individuals in a language that they clearly understood, they all agreed to be rebaptized. The bible goes on to say that they all received the Holy Spirit after the baptism and they spoke in tongues.
Now, this is where I am confused, if these individuals knew each other prior to meeting Paul, they understood Paul when he spoke to them, and as a result they all followed Paul’s teachings and got baptized, they all subsequently received the Holy Spirit, then, why was it necessary for them to speak to each other and to Paul in tongues?
As I understand it, the gift of tongues was given for the purpose of evangelism. Perhaps in some instances, it was also given as validation that the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the group. I don’t fully understand just what happened with the gift of tongues in the New Testament, but I know that “tongues” was synonymous with “languages” both in King James English and in Greek. And languages are a form of communication, which implies understanding by both parties.
Note that the gift of prophecy was given at the same time in Acts 19:6. Compare with 1 Cor. 14:5 where Paul writes that the person who prophesies is “greater” than the person who speaks in tongues.
The text does not name the languages or say who heard them. Luke focuses on the people receiving the Holy Spirit, not the details of the event.The question asks why they spoke in tongues if they already understood each other.
However, the Bible passage in Acts 19 never says they were talking to each other or to Paul. Speaking in tongues was simply a sign that came with the Holy Spirit. It was God’s way of showing that these followers of John the Baptist were now fully part of the Christian church.This matches the rest of the Book of Acts. Miracles there are usually meant to prove something, not to serve a practical purpose.
The miracle was not only for communication. It was a visible proof that these believers received the exact same Holy Spirit given at Pentecost.
The devil is a spoiler of godly things. God intended spiritual gifts to build His church and be a blessing to its members. Unfortunately, as the Corinthians church, they became a source of division, pride, disorder, jealousy, and conflict. Among the many spiritual gifts which was in great “demand” was speaking in tongues. Sadly, it was grossly misused and abused. Instead of being used to edify the church, it was misused for individual expression, status and competition. Speaking in tongues was misconstrued to be a spiritual status, personal influence and power. What was meant for common good, became a personal property. In our times, we are not immune from using spiritual gifts for personal gains.
All gifts are vulnerable for misuse and abuse. For instance, the gift of prophesy can be abused. A person may say, “God told me…” and the statement can become difficult for others to question. Some people might prophesy as a means of personal authority. However, the Bible says, “Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:20–21). Other gifts which can be easily misused and abused are leadership and teaching. A charismatic leader and teacher or communication can gradually become the centre of the church rather than Christ. It happens all the time in the so-called personality churches. These persons forget that they are not the owner of the gift they possess but God. Another gift which often misused, and abuse is healing and miracles. Overnight, the giftedness turns people into celebrities.
Using the Corinthian church as a point of reference, there are profound lessons to learn:
1. Spiritual giftedness is not a mark of spiritual maturity. A person may be highly gifted but still struggling with pride, selfishness or bad character.
2. Spiritual gifts are owned by God, and they are not for personal status.
3. Spiritual gifts must not be used for spiritual superiority or arrogancy.
4. All spiritual gifts must be exercised in love without which they lose their meaning and purpose.
5. Spiritual gifts must edify the body of Christ.
6. Public worship and fellowship should be conducted in an understandable and orderly manner.
7. Giftedness must be accompanied with character.
8. Spiritual gifts must never be used to intimidate or manipulate the church.
Your comment was very impressive and I am blessed for that. Amen!
Well said! Amen brother.
God intended the gifts of the Spirit to serve the advancement and understanding of the Gospel, rather than to become a means of personal spiritual pride. At Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples, they spoke in other languages, and the people gathered from different nations heard them declaring the mighty works of God in their own languages (Acts 2:4–11). This suggests that the gift of tongues had a clear ministry purpose: enabling people to hear and understand the message of the Gospel. Paul reinforces this principle by teaching that spiritual gifts are given “for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7), and that whatever gift is exercised in the church should contribute to the building up of others (1 Corinthians 14:12).
Therefore, the gift of tongues was never intended to become a private spiritual achievement or a source of self-importance. Paul makes it clear that speaking in tongues without interpretation does not benefit the gathered church, while understandable speech strengthens and encourages others (1 Corinthians 14:5–6, 12–13). He concludes, “Let all things be done for edification” (1 Corinthians 14:26). The emphasis, therefore, is not on demonstrating how spiritually gifted we are, but on how our gifts can help others encounter Christ. True spiritual maturity uses God’s gifts for ministry, evangelism, encouragement, and the building up of the body of Christ—not for self-glorification (1 Corinthians 13:1–2; 14:19).
Amen for that comment
What beautiful gifts God has given to us Hus children. They speak of God’s abiding presence and His great love for His children and the world. May each of us purpose to use these gifts for edification of the body,evangelizing the world and glorification of the triune God.
It appears that the issue with understanding tongue speaking as human languages is in 1 Corinthians 14:2. How is it explained?
The only place speaking in tongues is actually explained a little is in the first instance it is mentioned, namely Acts 2:1-11. We read in Acts 2:8-11 that people from various parts of the world each heard them in their own language. So it is evident that the gift was languages, not ecstatic utterances, as was and still is common among pagans.
1 Corinthians 14:2 is explained this way: If I speak German in a congregation where people only speak English, only God understands me. So I’m only speaking to God.
A charismatic pastor explained to me that “tongues” is the language of God, and when he prays in tongues “in the Spirit.” So I inquired further – whether he knew what he was saying, and he admitted that he didn’t know, but God knew. Now, if what he said is correct, we have God use a human body to pray to Himself? What kind of God would do that?
By contrast, true language is a means of communication, and the one who speaks understand what he is saying, but to communicate effectively, the hearer must also understand what he is saying.
I think of Samson who was gifted with great physical strength. He could have used it to advance God’s cause but instead squandered it by cavorting with the enemy. Could it be that some of us use our gifts to advance the enemy’s work rather than God’s? Am I guilty of that?
Glossalalia or the ecstatic repetition of nonsensical gibberish is currently being practiced in some Adventist churches and camp meetings. Is the NAD addressing this issue?
While in the hospital recently I met a young phlebotomist from the DRC who exuded the Christian virtues. We established a rapport, he gave me a hardcover book from his church and I gave him the new color illustrated Steps to Christ. he invited me to attend his Sunday home church. He described the service as follows: singing, 2-3 people speaking in tongues, interpretation of the tongues and ending with 2-3 people prophesying. This was the order they always followed.
Any thoughts on this?
I recently had a conversation with a charismatic friend. I had asked, “don’t you think it strange that an organization would have almost all its members speak in tongues and have no interpreters”. He replied, “O, but we do have interpreters.” My challenge was to take a recorded tongues message and have 3 or 4 interpreters privately interpret the message. Then compare the interpretations. He obviously didn’t take me up on it. Maybe that was a stupid challenge. Could Satan work a miracle?
Some languages are perceived as inferior. Let us respect all languages and put some effort in learning a new language if we have the chance for God respects and needs all languages.
I know that for every truth of scripture Satan has a counterfeit. I have read of instances where people were expressing the so called gift of tongues, however they were actually blaspheming and cursing God in a foreign language and weren’t even aware of it.
The charismatic and evangelical churches seem to abuse, or misuse the gift of tongues. It seems to me to be for show, to impress others. There is never any interpretation, a clear violation. God speaks all languages so He isn’t impressed. In the actual biblical use of tongues, could it be that the person’s native language was spoken but the hearer’s language was heard? (Acts 2:7-11) I wouldn’t want to limit how God uses this gift in people. We humans seem to pick and choose which spiritual gift is the greatest. Paul said that he would rather prophesy than speak in a tongue. (1 Cor. 14:5) He also said that the greatest manifestation of the Holy Spirit was love. (1 Cor. 13:13) That’s agape love, God’s kind of love.
How much more effective would our witness be if we weren’t just speaking words, but speaking the language of love? Maybe then the world will be more receptive to the words we speak in any language.
Love In Any Language, Sandy Patty
Speaking in toungues is the gift for the benefit of the church, if there is no interpreter for that it is importance to be silent because it will not benefit the church. so it is advisable to desire the gift of prophecy than for the tongue.
It is interesting to see this topic generating such interest. Does this particular ‘gift’ have the same relevance in our day and time as it did at Pentecost? Maybe so much attention is given to this matter because a whole organized, Christian movement has build its denominational identity around the aspects of ‘speaking in tongues’.
I want to look at this from the perspective of those present at Pentecost. Jesus encouraged His disciples, before going out to share the Gosepl with others, to remain in town to wait for the ‘Power from on High’. Acts 2:1 mentions 120 people gathered in the Upper Room awaiting the Holy Spirit to descend upon them. After these stunning events unfolded, Peter was emboldened to speak to anyone he met about the miracle which transpired in the Upper Room.
Acts 1:4-8 addresses the greater opportunity and reason why Jesus wanted them to remain in the city after celebrating Shavuot. ‘While the Jewish Shavuot celebrated the giving of the Law on stone tablets, Christian Pentecost would mark the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples.’ [Gateway Cener for Israel] And Peter, enthusiastically sharing the ‘Word of God’ with all of them, saw about 3000 believe that Jesus is the long awaited Messiah – Acts 2:41. And they went home, filled with the excitement inherent in revealed Truth, to share the Gospel and their experience with others.
At Pentecost, the ‘Power from on High – the ‘Holy Spirit’ filled the people causing them to understand the ‘Word of God’. The authority first vested in the ‘Law’ has been transferred to the Holy Spirit. No matter where the believer finds himself, the heart which is prepared to receive the Holy Spirit, seeks to be baptized into/by Him – to become born-again – revealing diverse spiritual gifts as God sees fit.
I share this English Lesson (link and comment) with almost 200 people every day (Acts 1:8)—I’d say this is a gift of language (1 Corinthians 12:10), since English is not my mother tongue. And sometimes I even share this on my social media—this could reach hundreds of people (Matthew 5:14-16)! That’s my daily goal: to exercise this gift (1 Peter 4:10).
I’m left with more questions than answers when I study the subject of tongues in today’s lesson. I agree that chapter 2 of Acts should be the foundation of understanding what tongues are. It’s very clear there that they are other languages and I think we should assume that everywhere else unless it is very obvious that it means something else.
It also does seem from reading I Corinthians 12, that not everyone receives the gift of tongues. That being said, a big BUT is that it seems that the gift of tongues was used by God to demonstrate the filling of the Holy Spirit in Acts. The verses we read today show everyone in groups receiving that gift. It seems to be complicated.
I also noted that I Corinthians 13:1 mentions the tongues of angels. Now, maybe Paul is just being poetic here, but it leaves me to wonder if there are languages people with the gift of tongues speak that are not human. I Corinthians 14 does lead me to wonder if something more is going on here.
Also, I don’t like the question at the end about people in our churches speaking other languages. I think that is badly simplifying the gift of tongues. Everyone I know who speaks more than one language, learned the language. Opportunity is usually behind this. For example, if you live in a country with multiple languages, the opportunity to learn these languages from childhood is very real. And we know children can pick up languages very easily. But knowing these languages is not a spiritual gift.
I studied some French in school and I never really worked hard to become proficient in it, but even if I had, I would never say that is a spiritual gift. I also believe that you need a fairly high competence in a language to be able to use it for evangelistic purposes. Spiritual things are deep. That is why I imagine people default to their mother tongue when praying and studying the Bible (I know at least a few people who do that). It is much more comfortable.
That, to me, means that the gift of tongues is far beyond just knowing other languages or even being quite skilled in learning other languages (as some people are). Remember, the disciples received the gift of tongues immediately and I doubt they were stumbling in the new language or speaking with a thick accent.
That does leave the question of why we don’t seem to see the gift of tongues today. It’s possible it does exist in places we don’t know of. But perhaps it is not as greatly needed as it was in the first century.
Those are my long thoughts. We probably will never have all the answers on this subject.
I believe that we emphasize some parts of the teachings on tongues and not so much other parts. It is what makes it difficult for us to explain why did the believers in Acts 19 spoke to themselves and to Paul in tongues.
If you speak aloud in a language that no one else in the room understands, you are speaking only to yourself. If you pray in a foreign language, you speak only to God, and no one else can pray with you.
I have the gift of tongues. When I speak in tongues, it usually is a prayer of either a beautiful worship or a prayer for a person or a group of people. It isn’t for other’s interpretation. As I am speaking, the Spirit shows me what I am praying for, which I believe is the interpretation of what I am saying.
One day I was in a Pentecostal church and we all were worshipping. Many were praising God loudly, some in tongues. Over all the noise I heard one speaking in tongues. As he spoke, I was receiving the interpretation. It was a personal prayer and not a message for the church. I was filled with joy while listening to it. The prayer was so sincere and beautiful, I wished I could have written it down for review from time to time.
I am sure that God can use those situations to draw people closer to him and to encourage one another. However, I am rather hesitant to say that such phenomena are essential to demonstrate the presence of the Holy Spirit. I remain convinced that above all else, the actions of self-sacrificing love are the most powerful witness.
I agree with you. When I received the Holy Spirit, I didn’t speak in tongues. The prominent gift I received was His love flowing through me and out to others around me. I asked him for the gift of tongues, and he graciously gave it to me. I speak the tongue under my breath as he leads me in prayer.
Let me say this. I haven’t found it a necessary gift today, and God doesn’t lead me to use it the way the Corinthians did. But I am glad he gave it to me for his purpose in my worship and prayers.
The fact that you understand what you are praying for it shows its interpreting thr tongue you are speaking ad its said in 1 corinthians 14:13
I agree with your statement that the gift of tongues was given as, “validation that the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the group.” My experience as a long time member of the Seventh-day Adventist church is that there is reluctance to publicly make that statement. I have asked this question before and has never been given a proper response.
The manifestation of the Holy Spirit through the gift of tongues (languages) was also done to jumpstart the then fledgling Christian Church.
I believe God equips His church with whatever means are necessary to accomplish His mission in each generation. In the first century, the miraculous gift of tongues enabled the gospel to spread rapidly into new territories by overcoming language barriers. Today, while God is certainly able to bestow that same gift whenever He chooses, He has also placed in our hands powerful tools that serve the same missionary purpose.
The printing press, radio, television, satellite broadcasting, the internet, smartphones, Bible translation software, artificial intelligence, and social media have made it possible for the gospel to reach millions of people in their own languages without requiring every missionary to miraculously speak those languages.
God’s commission has never changed: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). What has changed are the methods available to fulfill that commission. Throughout history, God has providentially opened new avenues for proclaiming His truth to the world.
The miracle is not in the technology itself, but in how God uses these tools through Spirit-filled believers to accomplish His mission.
There is an experience that was conveyed to Ellen White of a lady in Ohio who was filled with the Holy Spirit and talked in tongues on the streets of Toledo. A Polish gentleman got a big smile on his face and said, “she is speaking in my own native language.” others around her did not understand her tongues but the message was well understood by the intended recipient. The whole story is in volume 3 of Selected Messages pages 363 – 378.
Perhaps this article by Ray Roennfeldt may help to shed some more lights on the issue of tongues: “An Adventist Perspective on Tongues,” by Ray C. W. Roennfeldt
https://research.avondale.edu.au/server/api/core/bitstreams/976d3cf8-cbab-4e6f-9501-632cf91edb37/content
It is indeed a useful article on the topic and well worth reading. Ray Roennfeldt was a colleague of mine and the President of Avondale College (University)
Follow up
After reading the whole story the point is still, that the tongues are given for the edifice of someone, therefore must be understood by someone, so they can gain Christ. How would God be glorified in reaching people with the Gospel of Christ if that was not the case?
Now, the sad part of the story is, due to self-glorification it led them beyond the leading of the Holy Spirit into fanaticism, which hinders the spread of the Gospel. It is a must read especially the letter she wrote to the visitors from Ohio on counsel to them. Pertinent, for these last days. Are we doing the Lord’s work for self-gratification, or for the glory of God. I would hope the latter. Amazing how last week’s lesson can tie into spiritual gifts this week, all to the glory of God.
The issue of speaking in tongues in this lesson looks like has been interpreted as just as another language which people learn other than their native languages. If it was so then it wouldn’t be an issue in the early church to be depicted as a gift of the Holy Spirit.
I get confused sometimes the way the church teaches about this gift as if an adventist can’t speak in tongues.
But I see that Jesus foretold about this that his followers will speak in tongues. And in first corinthians 14 Paul says those who speak in another tongue speaks to God and then he talks about that the person edifies himself.
He says in public don’t speak if there is no interpreter.
I was actually thinking will have a lesson that is open but seems the issue of spiritual gifts we select the ones we agree with and wants to elaborate which leaves people like me confused. Not just gift of tongues, same as healing, delivering demon possed people, prophecy e.t.c
I think if you look over the comments in our discussion on Wednesday, you will find that a range of views have been expressed.