With very few exceptions, it was not until almost the 18th century that any mention of tongues is found and it was not until very recently (the 20th century) that the charismatic movement even began to be heard of in America. So we cannot say that this has been going on since the first century church. This is a new thing for the "church". The modern American charismatic movement is said to have begun January 1, 1901, in Bethel Bible College (Topeka, Kansas). Students began to seek tongues, and Agnes Ozman was the first student to experience speaking in tongues. She claimed she spoke in several languages immediately, which started numerous copy-cat Holy Spirit baptisms among other students and all of them were accompanied with this ability to speak in known foreign languages (not gibberish). The revival soon spread to many denominations until it became what it is today...Why did tongues disappear, why are they here now, and are they genuine today?

What does the Bible say about speaking in tongues?

Here it is... EVERYTHING the Bible says about tongues...
In the New Testament two lists of gifts appear where the gift of tongues is included. In I Corinthians 12:8-11 “kinds of tongues” and “the interpretation of tongues” are said to be gifts of the Holy Spirit. In I Corinthians 12:28-30 “tongues” appears in the list of gifts. We call them “spiritual gifts” (from the Greek word charisma), suggesting that it's a gift of God’s grace. It is not a natural ability that one might develop or can be taught, but rather a special gift.

Following the listing of the gifts, Paul adds, “But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will” (I Corinthians 12:11). No one person has all the gifts, nor are we to seek the gifts. And no gift is given to all members of the church. We must be careful that we do not confuse the Spirit (as a gift to the believer) with the gifts that The Spirit gives to believers.

The Biblical Meanings of "Tongues"

The word "tongue" in the Bible is used to mean the physical tongue as in James 3:5; once in reference to the flames of fire shaped like tongues (Acts 2:3); at least once in a metaphorical sense when referring to speech as in the statement, “my tongue (speech) was glad (joyous)” (Acts 2:26). As far as I understand the remaining usages of the word, the Bible always means a language. When Jesus mentioned tongues (the only mention of tongues in the four Gospels) He said, “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name they shall cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues” (Mark 16:17). The adjective “new” (Gr. kainos) can only mean they were going to speak in languages new to them, that is, languages they had not learned or used until that time.

In Acts 2:4 Luke uses a different word when he says, “they began to speak with other tongues.” The word “other” (Gr. heteros) simply means that they spoke in languages different from the normal language they were used to. The Bible confirms this—“And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?” (Acts 2:7,8). Every man heard them speak in a known language (Acts 2:6).

Here the word “language” is the word dialektos from where our word “dialect” comes. . Which again is confirmed by what everyone said at Pentecost (Ac 2:8) In verses 9-11 the languages are identified- languages which they had never learned. Here in these passages we have tongues-speaking in its pure and un-perverted form as God gave it. It was the gift to break barriers of language separation for the spreading of the Gospel.

There are twenty-one references to tongues in First Corinthians chapters 12-14. Some say that the tongues in First Corinthians are ecstatic utterances not known in any country on earth because of the term “unknown” which appears in I Corinthians 14:2, 4, 13, 14, 19, and 27. But we must see that the word “unknown” in every place is in italicized letters, which means that it is not in the Bible, but was added by translators. The Holy Spirit did not direct Paul to write that the tongue is "unknown".

The reason we speak is to communicate (either to God or to man). As we saw in the section called "Gods Plan", God has sent us His Word for us to understand. The miracle that took place at Pentecost was a gift whereby many people, at Jerusalem, heard and understood God’s message in their own language despite their language barriers. Which is supported by the Scripture.

The Ministry and purpose of Speaking in Tongues

Tongues were ALWAYS used communicate the Gospel message. Its purpose was NEVER stated as being proof or evidence of being filled with the Spirit. Jesus told His apostles that they were to go out to all nations and preach the Gospel. So why would he tell them not to leave Jerusalem if they were supposed to spread the Gospel (Acts1:4)? Because before they were to go out to all nations, they needed the gift of tongues- so that they could effectively go out to all nations and speak the Gospel without language barriers!

Paul says, “Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not.” (I Corinthians 14:22). In other words tongues are not for the church, they are to bring people into the church. This is also the emphasis in John 20:30, 31 where we read, “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.” The signs (miracles) were never performed without purpose, but so all would have faith in the message that was communicated, or the messenger (Christ or His Apostles).

The Misuse of Speaking in Tongues

We know speaking in tongues is no sign of spirituality, holiness or closeness to God because the Corinthian church was unspiritual, carnal (I Cor 3:1-3) and in gross sin (5:1). And because of the abuse of tongues in Corinth ( like today) Paul states its purpose- “Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men” (I Corinthians 14:20). The Apostle reminded them that they were “babes in Christ” (3:1). Paul adds, “In the law it is written . . . ” (Vs. 21), pointing out why they were still babes- failure to study God’s Word. Paul is here referring to a prophecy God had given through Isaiah. "For with stammering lips and another tongue will He speak to this people" (Isaiah 28: 12). Paul saw the gift of tongues as a sign to Israel. The abuse of tongues in Corinth came from the neglect of the Scriptures. You will always find confusion where the study of God’s Word is neglected. Which teaches us it's proper use and purpose.

This purpose of tongues, to communicate God’s message to Israel, is shown in the three passages in Acts where tongues is mentioned. In Acts 2 tongues was used as a missionary or evangelistic tool in fulfillment of Isaiah 28:11. There was no need for the disciples to learn other languages before they spread the Gospel. God overcame the language barrier through the miracle of tongues. On the day of Pentecost there were “Jews out of every nation under heaven” (Acts 2: 5). And when the disciples “began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4), the hearers responded with the question, “And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?” (Acts 2:8). They were “Jews” who spoke many languages and dialects, and yet each heard the Gospel in his own tongue. Isaiah’s prophecy was being fulfilled.

In Acts 10:46 another mention of speaking in tongues occurs which again was to communicate the Gospel, this time for Cornelius and his house. This cannot be disassociated from Pentecost because Peter said, “And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning” (Acts 11: 15). At the house of Cornelius tongues was a sign to Jews at a time when the Gospel was being communicated (Acts 10:44-46).

Again in Acts 19:1-6 its purpose was missionary and evangelistic. When Paul came to Ephesus he met twelve disciples of John the Baptist. He asked, “Did you receive the Holy Ghost when you believed?” (Acts 19:2). They considered themselves to be Christians because they heard the message of John. But when Paul learned they were not saved, he told them they must trust Christ for their salvation. “And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came upon them; and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied”. Again we see the purpose for speaking in tongues (as well as prophecy) is to communicate the Gospel message. Prophesying was the act of giving God's message in your own language. Tongues was the act of Prophesying in another language.

In I Cor 13:8 we see that tongues and prophecy will cease "when that which is perfect has come". So we know that tongues and prophecy are not eternal. There will one day be no use for them. "That which is perfect" can only refer to two things-The Bible or Jesus. If it refers to the Bible, then there is no such thing as "tongues" today. If it refers to Jesus' return, then tongues cannot be a "language of heaven or angels" because we won't be using tongues in heaven, they will be "done away".

These are the only Scriptures that mention tongues in the entire Bible, so we must use these scriptures to know about tongues. None of the other letters or books in the Bible mention speaking in tongues and few subjects in the entire Bible are so little discussed. When the Apostles and disciples used the gift of tongues it was because they did not have what you and I have today, the completed Word of God, God’s full revelation to man. When they went out preaching the Gospel, their message and authority were confirmed by the gifts. - “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds” (II Cor 12:12).

If an Apostle lived today (an Apostle is one who saw the resurrected Lord Jesus per Ac 2:21-22 and many other verses so there are no Apostles living today), would he need tongues? He wouldn't since he would have what we have, and what Peter, Paul and John did not have, (the completed written Word of God). Now that we have the Scriptures do we not need miracles to confirm God’s message? Or do you think that the Bible is not enough? We have the Holy Scriptures, the Holy Spirit, so let us “walk by faith, not by sight” (II Corinthians 5:7).

If anyone denies the message of God’s written Word today, there is no appeal (Luke 16:31). In the days of the Apostles, the New Testament being unwritten, the Holy Spirit supported their message by accompanying it with signs. After those inspired men completed writing the New Testament, are they necessary?

Frequent Questions About Speaking in Tongues

Q: Is speaking in tongues a sign of the baptism of the Holy Spirit?
A: Baptism of the Spirit is definitely required to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The Scriptures say that all saved persons have received the Holy Spirit. All the believers at Corinth had received the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 12:13), but did they all speak in tongues? I Cor 14:30, “Do all speak with tongues?” seems to answer, “No.”
Be careful not to confuse receiving the Spirit with the command to be “filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). All believers share equally in Christ and there is only one experience of baptism (Eph 4:4-6) by the Holy Spirit, but there can be many experiences of being filled with Spirit (Eph 5:18).

Q: Is speaking in tongues evidence or fruit of being filled with the Spirit?
A: All believers are commanded to “be filled with (controlled by) the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18), but nowhere in Scripture are we EVER commanded to speak in tongues. Nowhere in scripture does it say anything remotely close to "the evidence of the Spirit is speaking in tongues". And if one is filled with the Holy Spirit, we will know by his fruit. There are instances when the believers were filled with the Spirit but did not speak in tongues. See Acts 4:31 and 13:9-11. To be Spirit-filled is to be Spirit-controlled. Were the thousands of men and women of God, the world’s best missionaries of Christ’s Gospel and Bible teachers never filled with the Holy Spirit because they never spoke in tongues? Perish the thought!

How can you know if you are filled with the Spirit? You will be "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God” (Ephesians 5:18-21). Three things are mentioned here as evidence of being Spirit-filled; a joyful heart, a thankful heart and a submissive heart. Nothing is said about speaking in tongues.

The fruits of the Spirit are results of being filled with the Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” (Galatians 5:22-23). The Christian who is filled with the Spirit will be this way regardless of tongues, which is not mentioned in any of the "evidence" passages.

Q: Is it a mistake to seek the gift of speaking in tongues?
A:  Paul says in I Cor 12:31 “But covet earnestly the best gifts . . .” he is not commanding them. Rather he is issuing a statement. He is saying, “You are selfishly desiring the spectacular gifts.” The word “covet” is not used in a good way, but in a bad way, of self-seeking. “You are not satisfied to be a foot, concealed in a stocking and shoe; you want to be an eye. You want to be seen and heard.” And then the Apostle adds, “Yet show I unto you a more excellent way- though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity (love), I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal “ (I Corinthians 12:31,13:1).

Some say the basis for speaking in tongues today is I Cor 14:4, self-edification. Is this selfish and wrong? Paul did say, “He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself” (14:4), but then he added, “Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the Church” (14:12). The gifts were given for the edification and profit of the Body of Christ, not ourselves. “The members should have the same care one for another” (I Cor 12:25). Self-edification is opposite of love as taught in I Cor “love seeketh not her own” (13:5).

Q: Should women speak in tongues in church?
A: " Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak . . .” (I cor 14:34). Earlier in the same letter he told women how to dress when they prayed or prophesied in the church (11 :3-10), so he would not forbid them here in Chapter 14 what is okay in Chapter 11. Now he is not saying that women may not teach women and children or testify or pray. Paul writes, “But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence” (I Timothy 2: 12). The point of this passage is that a woman’s ministry must not usurp authority over the man. She may teach women or children, but not men. The Adam Clark Commentary gives a good definition.

The purpose of this entire section is the use of tongues. Verses 27-33 give instruction for "men" in the matter of speaking in tongues. “If any man speak in an unknown tongue . . .” (14:27); verses 34-36 are directed to “women”. The church does not need a new Bible, or new apostles, or new faith-healers, or new movements, or self-styled miracle workers. What the Church needs is to return to the Word of God.


"Tongues: A Biblical/Historical Perspective"

There were many reasons for God to cause tongues to be used in early church but as we shall see, the reason for tongues diminished and therefore tongues eventually ceased.
(I Corinthians 13:8)

Acts 1:6-9- A sign to the disciples that the power Jesus promised to them was now come upon them Acts 2:14-18 Languages-Acts 2:1-4

Mark 16:17-20- A sign to confirm the Word. (Note-Those who practice tongues today do not try to perform the other signs listed.

Acts 11:12-18- A sign to Jewish believers that the Gentiles were also to be equal participators

I Corinthians 14:21,22-A sign to them who believe not. Verse 28 is a direct quote of Isaiah 28:11. Israel was blessed when living in the land, but when out of the land, down through their history there judgment from God and unknown tongues for their ears. In A.D. 70 the Romans put them out of the land, a judgment from God for rejecting their Messiah. The Early Church tongues was a sign to the Jew of this coming judgment from God which was the fulfillment of I Corinthians 14:28

II Corinthians 12:11,12; Ephesians 2:20-A sign to authenticate the Apostolic office and authenticate the Early Church as from the hand of God. Acts 2:43; Hebrews 2:3,4; II Corinthians 12:12 also teach that the Apostles were the only ones to possess the sign gifts and with the passing away of the Apostles, all of these sign gifts ceased.

I Corinthians 14 reveals that tongues in the Early Church was a means of revealing previously unknown New Testament truths which they needed from God, before the Word of God was written and available to the many churches.

A sign in and of itself is nothing in the program of God, but what it reveals or points to is important.

The tongues movement of today wrongly teaches that speaking in tongues is a sign of having the Holy Spirit indicating the spirituality of the one 'speaking in tongues' in direct opposition to the revealed truth of the Word of God. (James 4:6; Philippians 2:3)

In I Corinthians Paul said tongues would cease, and according to history they did!

Last Biblical Miracles-A.D. 58 (Acts 28:3-9)
Around A.D. 60 Epaphroditus was sick unto death (Philippians 2:25-30)
A.D. 62 stomach ailment not cured (I Timothy 1:2)
A.D. 64 Trophimus left sick (II Timothy 4:20) A.D. 95 Clement of Rome's letter to Corinth-NO tongues!
Early Church Fathers wrote to every area of the Roman Empire on many types of doctrinal issues without mentioning tongues.

Justin Martyr A.D. 100-165 traveled extensively throughout Roman Empire-NO mention of tongues even though he included lists of the gifts of the Holy Spirit: understanding, counseling, strength, teaching, foreknowledge, and fear of God!

Origen A.D. 185-253 most scholarly of his day, read and traveled extensively. Quote: "The signs of the Apostolic age had been temporary, and that no contemporary Christian exercised any of the ancient prophetical gifts."

Chrysostom A.D. 345-407 said tongues no longer take place.
Augustine A.D. 354-430 said tongues passed away.
The great men of the faith did not exercise this sign gift even though they did great exploits for God! Martin Luther, John & Charles Wesley, Charles Finney, C.H.Spurgeon, D.L.Moody, R.A.Torrey, Billy Sunday and tongues were not included in the Great Awakenings of the U.S.A.

Tongues in Biblical Perspective by Charles R. Smith gives a lot of insightful information on the tongues movement of today:
     1.  Speaking in tongues is definitely a learned skill today.
     2.  Many teach and write instructions on how to learn.
     3.  Tongues can be spoken at the speaker's will.

An Apostle was a 'sent one' with power and authority of the One who sent them, which was Christ. All were healed in Acts 5:12-16, 19:11,12. Today, according to James 5:14-16 it is the prayer of faith. If your sickness/disease/trial hinders your effectiveness to have a ministry for the Lord,He may choose to heal or change your situation, but many times you are more effective with the affliction, as Paul was, and so, because He knows what is best He may choose to allow it to remain.

In I Corinthians 12:11 God divides the gifts to His children as He wills. He chooses what kind of gifts and how many. Gifts are not learned, but given.

Finally, this is not to say that some of the people in the tongues movement are not saved, but they are clearly in error according to the Word of God!