Yes, however I believe only people from some cultures and denominations are generally given this gift.
It is for everyone at anytime by grace through faith. And there are scriptures that govern speaking in tongues. We are in the Dispensation of Grace which has ended until the Millennial reign of Christ. Read all these passages hope they help.
1 Corinthians 12:7-11:
"But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; To another prophecy; To another discerning of spirits; To another divers kinds of tongues; To another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will."
1 Corinthians 14:2-4, 14-15:
"For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying."
Acts 2:
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
These verses, spoken by Peter in Acts 2, represent a pivotal moment in the birth of the Christian Church.
Context: This passage comes after the Day of Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples and empowered them to speak in different languages. This event attracted a crowd from various nations, prompting Peter to address them.
Verse 38:
- "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
- Peter: This refers to the Apostle Peter, a close disciple of Jesus and a key leader in the early church.
- Repent: This calls for a change of heart, turning away from sin and towards God. It involves acknowledging one's wrongdoings, regretting them, and committing to a new way of living.
- Baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ: Baptism signifies a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ and identification with him. It represents a symbolic cleansing of sin and a new beginning.
- For the remission of sins: Baptism is not seen as a magical act that washes away sins, but a commitment to a process of forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
- And ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost: This refers to the empowering presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit, promised to those who follow Christ. The Holy Spirit strengthens believers, equips them with gifts, and guides them in their Christian walk.
Verse 39:
- "For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call."
- The promise: This refers to the offer of salvation, forgiveness, and the Holy Spirit, mentioned in verse 38.
- Unto you: This emphasizes that the offer is extended to the specific audience gathered: the people present on that day in Jerusalem.
- And to your children: This can be interpreted in two ways:
- Literally: It could signify that the promise of salvation is available to future generations within the existing families. However, this is not understood as automatic inheritance but is dependent on their own individual choice and faith.
- Figuratively: It could refer to spiritual descendants, believers who follow in the footsteps of those who have already accepted Christ.
- And to all that are afar off: This emphasizes the universality of the offer of salvation. It is not limited to a specific group, ethnicity, or location but is open to everyone, regardless of their background.
- Even as many as the Lord our God shall call: This acknowledges that while the offer is open to all, it ultimately rests with God to choose those who will respond to his grace and accept his offer.
This passage marks a significant turning point in the history of Christianity. It signifies the beginning of the church's mission to spread the Gospel message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, regardless of ethnicity, social status, or geographical location. It emphasizes the invitation extended to everyone, with the understanding that God ultimately chooses those who receive His grace.
Dispensation of Grace (Acts 2 - Present Day):
- Governing Principle: Salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
- Responsibility: Faith in Christ and living a life guided by the Holy Spirit.
- Key Events/Figures: Pentecost, ministry of Jesus, spread of the gospel.
Determining the exact moment the dispensation of Grace began according to Scripture depends on the specific interpretation of dispensationalism. There are two main views with supporting arguments:
1. Beginning at Pentecost (Acts 2):
This view is based on the following arguments:
- Fulfillment of prophecy: Acts 2:1-4 is seen as the fulfillment of Joel 2:28-32, which prophesies an outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon all flesh. This event signifies the inauguration of a new era characterized by grace.
- Shift of focus: Acts 2 marks the beginning of the Church Age, where the focus shifts from the Jewish nation and the Law to the universal offer of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
- Empowerment for the Gospel: The descent of the Holy Spirit empowers the disciples to spread the gospel message across the world, fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20).
2. Beginning with Paul's Conversion (Acts 9):
This view emphasizes the following:
- Revelation of the Mystery: Paul, in his epistles, claims to have received a special revelation concerning the dispensation of Grace (Ephesians 3:2-9). He describes it as a "mystery" previously hidden but revealed to him.
- Focus on Gentiles: Paul is seen as the "apostle to the Gentiles" (Romans 11:13), and his conversion marks the beginning of the inclusion of Gentiles into the body of Christ, previously limited primarily to Jews.
- Distinction from the Church Age: Some argue that Pentecost signifies the beginning of the Church Age, while Paul's conversion marks the specific initiation of the dispensation of Grace.
