All You Need to Know About Speaking in Tongues

February 19, 2012 — 24 Comments In Bible Study

This entry is part 19 of 30 in the series Featured Bible Study: 30 Christian Basics

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Before we look at how to receive the gift of speaking in tongues, allow me to quickly take you through what speaking in tongues – otherwise known as “the unknown tongues” - means.

The promise of our Lord to His disciples – They shall speak with new tongues (Mark 16:17) – was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost when cloven tongues-like fire rested upon the disciples, and “every man heard them speak in his own language” (Acts 2:1-12). This is the first recorded instance of speaking in tongues when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:4).

The gift of tongues that came with an ecstatic burst of worship is definitely understood to be a fulfillment of the prophetic Word of Joel 2:28 which says: And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.

Has Speaking in Tongues Ceased?

One of the most contentious debates today is whether speaking in tongues has ceased. On the contrary, the Lord told the disciples that they shall speak with new tongues.

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues (Mark 16:17).

And from the epistles of St. Paul, it is evident that this prophecy does not refer to Acts 2 alone. We read in 1 Corinthians 12:10 that in the apostolic Church, spiritual gifts included that of tongues:

to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues (1 Cor. 12:10).

Different Tongues

1 Corinthians 12:10 clearly states that there are different kinds of tongues as well as the interpretation of tongues. This explains how visitors from various countries were able to recognize the tongues that were spoken; as recorded in Acts 2.

So it is possible that some tongues may be a language from another continent, or it could be an unknown language that only God can understand. At times – depending on the need – the Holy Spirit allows people to interpret it as a word of encouragement or prophetic direction.

Can I speak in Tongues in Public?

This argument comes from the Apostle Paul’s perspective. He suggests that those who speak in tongues should pray that he may interpret it so that people might understand what is spoken (1 Cor. 14:13). Notice that he says: Pray that he may interpret it.

And if he could not do this, he would not excel in his gift to the edification of the church. This is essential so that there may be order in the service and that it does not cause unnecessary commotion with people trying to speak in tongues when the ministry of the Word is happening.

However, that does not nullify the fact that in speaking in tongues, he edifies himself (1 Cor. 14:4). The same Paul goes on to clarify and say in 1 Corinthians 14:18: I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.

How Does God Move Through the Gift of Speaking in Tongues?

We just read in 1 Cor. 14:4 that speaking in tongues edifies one’s spirit man. The Holy Spirit grants the gift of speaking in tongues to educate, empower and enlighten our walk with Jesus.
Mark 16:17 states that speaking in other tongues is supposed to be a sign of those who believe. I can’t find a greater reason to speak in tongues than in knowing the fact that Jesus gave that as a gift to those who believe.
When you believe in Jesus and accept Him, He wants to fill you with the heavenly language of Heaven.
Acts 2:4 refers to the Spirit giving utterance. Paul also mentions how he prays in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit uses the gift of tongues to pray through you. For instance, to warn about dangers that lie ahead, what to avoid, and all kinds of issues that our eyes, ears and hearts do not perceive. These are some of the types of prayers that the Holy Spirit says through us when we speak in tongues.
You are declaring the unknown into the Spirit realm. 1 Corinthians 14:2: For he that speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not to men, but to God: for no man understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. Sometimes we don’t need to understand everything God is doing but when we pray in the Spirit, we are declaring the mysteries of God.

How to Receive the Gift of Tongues?

Now, it is very clear in the Bible that it is the Spirit that gives you utterance. In others words, it is not something you can make up.

Here are some practical steps that can help you in receiving the gift of tongues:

1. Obedience to God. Then Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38).

2. Ask! Tongues belong to those that have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Yes, it starts by being hungry for God. If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children: how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? (Luke 11:13).

3. Stop thinking about what to say. One of the greatest hindrances to the operation of this gift happens when the person wishing to speak in tongues keeps on wondering what to say. I have noticed that people who use a lot of thinking to comprehend tongues find it harder to receive it. You need to stop thinking, pondering and planning; and simply believe that you will open your mouth and the Holy Spirit will fill it.

4. It comes from within. What many people don’t realize is that the Holy Spirit gives them the speaking utterance from within them. You may or not feel anything in your body, but it flows from within your belly. It’s simple: 1 Corinthians 6:19 says, What? Know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own? So it is not something that comes from around you or above you. When you have Jesus inside you, the Holy Spirit dwells in you, and you need to let it overflow from within you.

5. Believe. Remember Jesus said this is for those who believe. It is good if someone can pray for you but no one needs to lay hands. You will receive it if you believe it. So why don’t you ask the Lord and begin to allow the Holy Spirit to give you the utterance from within you right now!

6. Let go! Some get the first words easily, and then they start to ponder and wonder if it is really from God or if they are making it up; which hinders them from receiving the overflow. It can be normal for you to wonder what you are saying, but do not let that stop you from speaking it. Continue speaking by faith and it will overflow.

7. Practise it. Just like any language, you will need to speak it often. You may not lose the language, but it is possible for you to lose the confidence to speak it. While traveling; when you wake up; whenever possible; make it a practice to speak in tongues.

If you have already asked the Holy Spirit for tongues, allow me to pray for you to be filled with the gift of speaking in tongues now. If you believe, you can receive this as you pray with us here.

Dear Father,

I pray with this reader who is believing to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Thank You for Your Word says that You desire to fill them more than their desire to be filled. Thank You because there are no barriers to receiving the blessings of God. And I pray right now, in the Name of Jesus, be filled with the Holy Spirit and receive the gift of speaking in tongues right now.

Be loosed in Jesus’ Name! Be fruitful and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit; in Jesus’ Name!
Thank You, Father, for hearing our prayer.

In the Name of Jesus we pray,
Amen!

Now, continue to yield yourself unto the Holy Spirit to grow in this gift. There’s more to come!

Question: How and when did you receive the gift of speaking in tongues? What was your greatest hindrance and how did you overcome it?

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Aswini Galilee

Jesus filled me with the Gift of tounges when i was being confronted with my relatives for believing God.They learned about me & came home to contend with me about my salvation (they were hindus), But
God answered my prayer just before i opened the door of my room.I was standing there in my room pleading with God and crying for the accusations they made about God and then and there God filled me with the Gift of his tongues( for first time in my life) and i was never the same again.
- http://www.qrimusings.com/ QRI
  
  What a powerful testimony you have Sis! May His name continue to be glorified through your life!
- http://www.pastorpriji.com Priji
  
  WOW, Praise God!
http://twitter.com/KennethmyJesus Kenneth Justin

After my Baptism in the Spirit,satan filled me with doubts(he said that what i spoke was not from God).After many days,a preacher laid His hands on me-i started speaking in tongues immediately.He also told me i was baptized in the Spirit before and doubts stopped me from speaking.From then on,i pray in tongues and will do till our Lord Jesus comes!!!!!!!
http://www.facebook.com/isaacmoses001 Isaac Moses

Praise God for the awesome article.

I have one doubt, can we ourselves understand the meaning of the words at the same time when we are speaking in tongues?

God Bless.
- Anonymous
  
  Agree with you Issac, its a powerful article indeed!
  With respect to your doubt, there’s a scripture quoted above that can be a good reference >> 1 Corinthians 14:2: For he that speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not to men, but to God: for no man understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.
  
  When we speak in flesh, we speak our mind and our thoughts–hence we are able to understand the words AT THE SAME TIME when we are speaking. But when we speak in tongues we speak God’s mind, that is beyond human understanding. But then God may give the same person the gift to interpret tongues as per 1 Corin 12:10.
  But Praise God as the writer puts it “Sometimes we don’t need to understand everything God is doing but when we pray in the Spirit, we are declaring the mysteries of God.”
- Ujjwal
  
  Usually no. But if you want to know what you speak in tongues then call upon a person who has a good record of interpreting in tongues so that you may add virtue to your faith in Christ. But otherwise , i would encourage you to just speak in tongues because the more you speak , you are actually building up your most holy faith by praying in the Spirit (Jude v20). God bless.
http://twitter.com/funkysheri Sherin Linda

Is the operation of the gift of tongues a sign of salvation?
- raja
  
  nooo……
Anonymous

Needed the 7th point about practicing .. didn’t know about that one ..
Now I’ll sure do ..
Anonymous

Needed the 7th point about practicing .. didn’t know about that one ..
Now I’ll sure do ..
Bernadine Wicket

Wonderful post and I am sure many will be blessed by reading the post. May the Holy Spirit enlighten many who have not yet exercised this gift, including my children.

Sometimes when I am praying for a particular situation or person that the Lord is leading me to pray for, I pray in tongues as I do not know what to pray for.

Thanks for sharing this.
Esther4Jesus

Thank you JESUS for giving us the gift of the Holy Spirit . What do you do if you have lost confidence in speaking in tongues after hearing someone (who is also filled with the Holy Spirit) criticizing you about the way you speak in tongues ?
- http://www.shyjumathew.com/blog Shyju Mathew
  
  Forgive their ignorance. It’s only a hindrance in the mind sister, ur gift has not been lost. As u read this I release u to speak again without fear in Jesus name!!!
  - Esther4Jesus
    
    This person is elder than me by about 2 years.And I know that I should not fear anyone when you are filled in the Spirit,because GOD has not given us a Spirit of fear but of boldness.But most of the time whenever the person is present when I worship GOD in the fellowship ,I just get so fearful.And sometimes I don’t, but then too,I just can’t worship GOD in the way I want to. Please pray for me.
    - http://www.shyjumathew.com/blog Shyju Mathew
      
      Overcome in the Spirit. Don’t let that person intimidate u. You re the daughter of the King of Kings. Prayers.
      - Esther4Jesus
        
        Thanks a lot.GOD Bless You !!!!!!
    - http://www.facebook.com/sarah.e.fuqua Sarah Elaine Fuqua
      
      Esther Matthew 18:15-16 says that, “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. 16 But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses.” These instructions came from Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. It sounds as if this person has sinned against you by criticizing you without the authority to do so. You should write down what it is they said that hurt you, how that made you feel, and read it to them when you talk to them. It’s very hard to take correction sometimes, especially for someone who has sinned in pride like this person has, so it will help to illustrate to them how they made YOU FEEL, and how it’s interrupted YOUR life. Following the biblical code of conduct when confronting a brother or sister will not lead you wrong, and may have to approach this person again with witnesses if they don’t listen to you the first time, but we are called to bear with one another in Christ. I know it’s very scary, and very difficult to stand up for yourself, but the more you do it, the more you will grow in confidence. God puts these circumstances in our lives at times to teach us how to deal with conflict in a Biblical and loving manner, and the longer you live the more you will have to deal with it, so it’s good to learn now. I have in-laws who won’t talk to me because I tried to do this, but they aren’t saved, so I hope you have a better experience and I’ll pray for you!! Stay strong and God Bless!!!
http://www.facebook.com/sarah.e.fuqua Sarah Elaine Fuqua

Finally! A blog written about tongues by people who actually use scripture and know what they’re talking about. I just had to go through several sites promising to be a blog about the gift of speaking in tongues, and all of them were prefaced with, “I’ve never spoken in tongues before, but here’s my opinion on it.” Then they babbled about the incoherent babbling of others without quoting any scripture to back up their argument. UGH! Rant over.
I spoke in tongues for the first time when I was 11, but like some of you confessed, the enemy told me I wasn’t really speaking in tongues. For the next 20 years I didn’t try again until one day when my Pastor was praying for me and a group of ladies during a leadership meeting at church. He asked me if I’d ever spoken in tongues before, and since this was not the topic of the meeting or in our conversation at all I knew the Lord was using my Pastor to draw me out and confess my feelings of inferiority where it came to this gifting. I went home and prayed and began repeating a word Meshiah (pronounced ma-shee-yah) and when I told him and another leader about it they said that was like the ancient Hebrew Meshiach-meaning Messiah. This gave me confidence, but it was another two years before I spoke in tongues again, and it was last Sunday. Again my Pastor invited all those who had never spoken in tongues before, but wanted the gift to come forward and receive prayer. After praying for the group he told me, “You already have this gift, I promise you.” It took me a few minutes, but after a minute I did speak long sentences, and I have no idea what I said, but I think one of the words was Adonai which I think is one of the names of God. I’m very excited to move forward with confidence in my prayer life.
- http://www.shyjumathew.com/ Shyju Mathew
  
  Great testimony. The more you are conscious about what you are speaking the more you may let your mind to interfere. Tongues best flow when our minds forget everything else & be lost in worship to God. May The Lord give you more grace & thank God for your pastor!
http://www.facebook.com/sarah.e.fuqua Sarah Elaine Fuqua

I also wanted to share a story a good friend of mine shared about her grandmother and speaking in tongues. Her grandmother was speaking in tongues in church one day when a lady sitting close by informed her (the grandmother) that she was speaking in her native language of Hawaiian and that she had just said, “I am sending bouquets of flowers to Heaven.” I always thought that was beautiful and should be shared.
- http://www.twitter.com/MelPhilipnery Melanie Philipnery
  
  Thank you for sharing that with us. What a beautiful thing to say! Often times we don’t know what we are saying when we speak in tongues but the times when there is interpretation, it brings an edification. Some time ago I heard of an English woman speak in tongues during a service. It happened to be Arabic and a visiting Muslim was astounded at the things she heard in her mother tongue, all from a foreigner who didn’t know the language. She then gave her life to Christ that day! Tongues are definitely powerful!!
Markalix

It has become more clear to me lately that when we pray in an unknown tongue, God, Himself, can give meaning to our sounds, as they come out of our mouths. It is an act of sheer faith to let sounds come out of your mouth that you do not understand, but believe that God gives it the meaning that it should have, because we don’t know how to pray as we should (Ro. 8:26). My son is 4 years old and I am still giving the proper meaning to his utterances, as he grows into maturity.
- http://www.pastorpriji.com/ Priji
  
  That’s a great way to look at that. However speaking in tongues is more than just us speaking, if is indeed the Spirit of God dwelling within us, speaking to the Father! Glad to hear from you here. Remain Blessed!