In order to clarify a Bible doctrine which sometimes is easy to misunderstand, we will here present it in brief. In the early church the teaching about the phenomenon of the Holy Spirit’s gift of speaking in foreign languages is presented in Acts chapter two.
Shortly after Jesus the crucified Savior rose from the tomb to appear among men, his disciples were meeting together in unity for prayer. They were surprised at the coming of the Holy Spirit upon them with the sound of a rushing wind. Tongues of flame appeared over them and they were enabled to speak “of the mighty works of God” as the Spirit of God directed them. Outside many people heard them and were amazed that each one understood them in their own language. And they were native of at least thirteen countries! The witnesses were divided, as some believed this to be divine revelation, while others rejected it as nonsense. Then Peter addressed them all proclaiming their sins of calling for the Savior’s crucifixion, demanding their deep repentance, and crying out for forgiveness unto salvation. The result of all this tumultuous experience was the life-changing conversion of about three thousand souls. The result was the sudden and necessary great growth of the church! Marvelous godly changes became evident in the lives of those converted in Jerusalem.
We understand here the clear purpose of God in his vast plan for the global church by his power through his word and work. This astonishing manifestation was appropriate at the time before the New Testament was written and available.
Much further instruction on speaking in tongues is found in the book of 1 Corinthians chapters 13 and 14.
1 Corinthians 13:13 “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three, but the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthian 14:1 “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.”
1 Corinthians 14:5 “The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.”
