Speaking in tongues is a subject that generates much debate among Christians, because there are so many different views on whether it is available to all believers, whether it died with the apostles, and how it should be used. Andreas Slot-Henriksen discusses speaking in tongues here by going through the Bible chronologically and looking at all the passages that mention it. The very first instance is actually found in the words of Jesus Himself in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 16, where, just before He is taken up into heaven, He says that certain signs will accompany those who believe – including speaking in new tongues, casting out demons and healing the sick. These words were among the last Jesus spoke, which makes them all the more important to take seriously.

On the Day of Pentecost, we see how the Holy Spirit comes upon the disciples with a mighty rushing wind and tongues of fire, and they all begin to speak in other languages. The amazing thing is that people from many different nations each hear them speaking in their own native tongue about God’s mighty works. The disciples themselves do not understand what they are saying, but God’s Spirit gives them the words. Interestingly, the devout Jews understand what is being said, whilst others mock and say that the disciples are drunk. This shows that God reveals His message to those who have an honest heart.

Later in the Acts of the Apostles, Peter meets the Gentile Cornelius, and whilst Peter is preaching the Gospel, the Holy Spirit falls upon all the assembled Gentiles, and they speak in tongues as proof that the Spirit has come. This shocks the believing Jews who are with Peter, because it clearly shows that the Holy Spirit is not only for Jews, but for all who believe. In Acts chapter 19, Paul meets some disciples in Ephesus who have never heard of the Holy Spirit. When he lays his hands on them, the Holy Spirit comes upon them, and they speak in tongues and prophesy. This shows that many believers walk in their own strength without the power of the Holy Spirit until they receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

In 1 Corinthians, Paul writes about different kinds of speaking in tongues. There is a difference between speaking in tongues for public use in the congregation and personal speaking in tongues, which is for our own edification. When we gather for worship, different people receive different gifts – one receives speaking in tongues, another receives interpretation, a third receives a prophecy. This is for the edification of the congregation. This does not mean that only a few can speak in tongues, but that the gifts are distributed differently within the assembly, so that there is order and not chaos. Paul actually states clearly that he would like everyone to speak in tongues, but that prophetic speech is even more important, because it edifies others.

Personal speaking in tongues is for our own devotional time and prayer. When we speak in tongues privately, we are not speaking to people, but to God. We do not understand it ourselves, but the Spirit prays through us with inexpressible groans. Paul writes that the one who speaks in tongues edifies himself, and he thanks God that he speaks in tongues more than all others. This shows how important this gift is in our personal spiritual lives. Many Christians do not know that they can receive the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues, because they believe it ceased with the apostles or is only for a select few.

But Paul writes clearly that love never fails, whilst prophetic gifts will cease and speaking in tongues will come to an end. Many use this as proof that speaking in tongues has ceased. But when is this to happen? When the perfect comes. And what is the perfect? It is Jesus Christ. When He returns, we will no longer need fragments of revelation through speaking in tongues and prophecy, for then we shall see Him face to face. Until then, speaking in tongues is still available and necessary.

There are basically three or four types of speaking in tongues. The first is a regular language, as we saw on the Day of Pentecost, where people actually understand it as a real language. The second is speaking in tongues that must be interpreted in a congregation. The third is personal speaking in tongues for edification, which no one understands, but which the Spirit uses in our prayer life. The fourth is also personal speaking in tongues, but where we pray for others through the Spirit’s guidance, without ourselves knowing what we are praying for. The Spirit may wake us in the night and call us to pray in tongues for a brother or sister in need of intercession.

When we use speaking in tongues in the congregation, it must be done properly. At most two or three may speak in tongues during a meeting, and there must be someone to interpret it. If there is no one to interpret, one must remain silent in the congregation – but one can still speak to oneself and to God. This is not about forbidding speaking in tongues, but about maintaining order. We can use personal speaking in tongues all the time in our own prayer life, but public speaking in tongues requires interpretation in order to build up the congregation.

Many Christians have the Holy Spirit dwelling within them, but have never opened up to speaking in tongues because they have the wrong expectation. They believe they must have the entire dictionary in their head and perfect pronunciation before they can begin. But speaking in tongues is about daring to open one’s mouth, making a sound, and trusting that God will provide the words. It often begins quite quietly and modestly, but as we practise and use it, it grows. Pride can also prevent us from speaking in tongues, because we are afraid of what others might think, or we feel humiliated. But when we set aside our pride and dare to obey God’s call, we experience His greatness.

Speaking in tongues is a sign that is to follow those who believe. Jesus made this clear. It is not something we might experience if we are lucky. It is something that should be a natural part of our Christian life. When the Holy Spirit comes upon us, we receive power to be witnesses for Jesus, to cast out demons, heal the sick and speak in new tongues. We must strive for the spiritual gifts, not just make do with what we have. Paul urges us to actively seek the gifts, especially those that build others up, but also personal speaking in tongues, which strengthens our own spiritual life.

Quote from the teaching: Jesus says that these signs will follow those who believe. It’s not a case of you going out and seeing some believers where these signs might follow if you’re lucky. He says that these signs will follow those who believe.

Relevant keywords: speaking in tongues – the Holy Spirit – spiritual gifts – baptism in the Holy Spirit – prophecy – Pentecost – Paul – 1 Corinthians – edification in the faith – prayer in the Spirit – spiritual power – Christian growth – Bible teaching – discipleship – gifts of grace – faith and action – Christian practice – church life – personal devotion