Tongues in the Letters: Paul’s Take and My Conclusion Pt 3
(Part 3 of the Series)
We’ve looked at where Pentecostal teaching on tongues came from and how Acts shows a bigger, more varied picture. But if you really want to know how to think about tongues today, you’ve got to talk to Paul.
Tongues in Paul’s Letters
The most detailed teaching on tongues is in 1 Corinthians 12–14. Here’s the quick flyover:
What Tongues Are
Given by the Spirit — 1 Cor 12:10.
Not for everyone — 1 Cor 12:30.
One of many gifts — and we should desire the most helpful ones — 1 Cor 12:31.
What Tongues Do
Addressed to God — v2.
Not understood by others — v2.
Spirit-empowered but mysterious — v2.
Strengthens the speaker personally — v4.
Paul wishes all spoke in tongues — v5.
Can be used to pray and sing in the Spirit — vv14–15.
A way of giving thanks — v17.
Paul himself speaks in tongues often — v18.
Guidelines for Use
Can be a sign to unbelievers — v22 (though Paul, quoting Isaiah 28, uses this as a warning — uncomprehended tongues may point to judgment, not blessing).
Can confuse unbelievers if uninterpreted — v23.
Should be interpreted in gatherings — v26.
Paul’s Main Point
When you zoom out, Paul’s big idea is simple:
Every believer has Spirit-given gifts for building up the church.
All gifts should be used in love.
In gathered worship, prioritise gifts that strengthen the whole body.
Tongues are wonderful for personal prayer, praise, and spiritual strengthening. They can also be powerful in a corporate setting — but only if interpreted so others can benefit.
There’s a tension, in chapter 12 he says not all have the gift, and in chapter 14 he wishes all did???
Known Languages or Heavenly Languages?
From the biblical record, tongues can be:
Known human languages (Acts 2 — unlearned but understood by hearers).
Heavenly languages (1 Cor 13:1; 14 — often unintelligible without interpretation).
Both are biblical, but Paul’s letters suggest the more common usage in the church setting was the second category — Spirit-given speech that builds up the speaker and, when interpreted, builds up the church.
So… Are Tongues Initial Evidence?
From what we’ve seen:
Pentecostal denominations have traditionally taught that tongues are the initial evidence of Spirit baptism, largely drawing from Acts 2, 10, and 19 where tongues follow the Spirit’s outpouring.
But the Acts narrative also records Spirit fillings without tongues (Acts 4, 8, 9) — and never calls tongues the universal sign.
In 1 Corinthians 12–14, Paul treats tongues as one gift among many, given “as the Spirit wills” (12:11). He even asks, “Do all speak in tongues?” (12:30), expecting the answer “No.”
This means the New Testament actually describes two distinct realities:
Tongues as a gift — a continuing ministry function in the church, given variably to believers for personal prayer and corporate edification (1 Cor 12–14).
Tongues as a sign — in Acts, a visible marker at key moments of gospel expansion in salvation history (e.g., to show Gentiles were included).
Both are real, both are Spirit-given — but they serve different purposes.
So while tongues can be initial evidence, Scripture doesn’t require them to be the universal marker of Spirit baptism.
What We Should Desire
If we take Paul seriously, our posture should be:
Be constantly filled with the Spirit — not just once, but again and again.
Do everything in love — gifts without love miss the point entirely.
Earnestly desire gifts that build others up — but also seek those that strengthen you personally, like tongues.
Celebrate diversity in gifting — not everyone will have the same expression of the Spirit’s work.
My Conclusion
Tongues are a beautiful gift — personal, powerful, sometimes mysterious.
They’re not the proof of spiritual maturity, but they are worth seeking, not because we have to, but because we get to.
The bigger goal isn’t to argue for or against tongues as initial evidence — it’s to live so open to the Spirit that every part of our life, from the way we speak to the way we love, carries His presence and power.
Wherever you are in your journey with this gift, the invitation is the same: stay open, stay hungry, and let the Spirit work through you for the good of others.
