Speaking In Tongues/Glossolalia

Speaking in tongues appears in the New Testament in two forms: speaking in languages one does not know, and speaking in a kind of “spirit language” when under the influence of the Holy Spirit.

At Pentecost, Jesus’ apostles were filled with the Sprit and began to “speak with other tongues” and could be understood by people from other nations (Acts 2:1–12).

But more often the New Testament refers to the second meaning of “speaking in tongues,” an “unknown tongue” as a way of prophesying and praising God.

Acts mentions this several time (Acts 10:46; 19:6), and Paul stated he had spoken in tongues many times.

In 1 Corinthians 12 we learn that the Christians at Corinth placed a high value on speaking in tongues.

Paul told the Corinthians that this was fine, but that it was only one of many gifts from the Holy Spirit, and not everyone should expect the same gifts.

Pentecostals and charismatic Christians place a high value on gifts of the Sprit, including speaking in tongues. See 327 (Pentecostals) and 328 (charismatics).
For more on gifts of the Spirit, see 148.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Reflections on the Incarnation and Freedom of God

Philip Yancey

Think of the condescension involved: the incarnation, which sliced history into two parts had more animal than human witnesses. Think, too, of the risk. In the incarnation, God spanned the vast chasm of fear that had distanced him from his human creation.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Blessing of the Presence of Jesus

Charles Spurgeon

He is as certainly with us now as He was with the disciples at the lake when they saw coals of fire, fish on the coals, and bread (John 21:9). Not physically, but still in real truth, Jesus is with us!

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

God’s Awesome Love

Charles Stanley

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them. With great awe and in complete reverence, the shepherds looked upon the baby Jesus. It was true.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Announcement to Mary

John Macarthur

When we first meet Mary in Luke’s gospel, it is on the occasion when an archangel appeared to her suddenly and without fanfare to disclose to her God’s wonderful plan.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Sanctifying Joy and Cleansing Grace

Charles Spurgeon

Amid the cheerfulness of household gatherings, it is easy to slide into sinful amusements and forget our declared character as Christians. It should not be so, but it is, that our days of feasting are very seldom days of sanctified enjoyment.