Is Speaking in Tongues still available today?

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jamessb

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Do you have any scripture that when Paul spoke in tongues it was another language? Of all the scripture that pertains towards speaking in tongues all differ from the one single example in the Book of Acts. In fact, most other scripture describing speaking in tongues indicates "utterings and groanings." That for certain cannot be considered a form of language. But it's still considered speaking in tongues in the Bible.

Examples of no one claiming speaking in tongues was other languages someone could understand:
1. Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. 7 There were about twelve men in all.

2. Mark 16:17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

3. 1 Corinthians 14:2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, ""no one understands them;"" they utter mysteries by the Spirit.

...there's many more but "none of them" say someone can understand them because it's a human language.


So basically, "one verse" has the example of (human language) and the rest of the verses claim it's speaking to God and no one can understand it.

Since every verse "but one" shows us no human is able to understand it, wouldn't most of the Biblical examples sound gibberish then?
Yes it would.
If you don't understand speaking in tongues, perhaps you should look into it more carefully.
 

jamessb

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Even in Acts 10 it shows "NO ONE" understood it was a language but it was "ONLY" speaking tongues.

45 And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, 47 “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.

My bet is it sounded "gibberish" to the circumcised. Not as a human language since the Bible ""is clear to not include"" it was a human language being spoken.
So what species spoke it? Donkeys? Camels?
 

jamessb

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Feb 10, 2024
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8 For to one ""is given"" through the Spirit

10 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.

To interpret is a GIFT of the Holy Spirit. If you don't have the Gift it sounds gibberish.

But I can speak 5 human languages and that is learned.

To "interpret" speaking in tongues ""requires"" the GIFT of Interpretation from the Holy Spirit.
Yes, I agree. Perhaps I misunderstood your previous posts.
 

Jimbone

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Aug 22, 2014
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Some things to understand there were 120+ speaking in Tongues, now it could have been:
1. Each one was speaking a different language
2. Each one was speaking multiple languages one at a time
3. Some could have been speaking in tongues and some could have been interpreting.
no matter which scenario is being used, whether tongue or common spoken language, both are speaking in tongues. 15 different dialects or regions present in the crowd would have obviously understood what was being said with so many languages being spoken.

It is not like that today because 1. In most church setting today there won't be 15 or more different kinds of language with the congregation. 2. Nor would there be 120+ people speaking in Tongues --aloud for entirety of congregation to hear on purpose-- because that would be out of order. This was a one time event to mark the birth of the Church and display the Universality of the Gospel message.

It is not like that today because 1. In most church setting today there won't be 15 or more different kinds of language with the congregation. 2. Nor would there be 120+ people speaking in Tongues --aloud for entirety of congregation to hear on purpose-- because that would be out of order. Repeating this I have more to say and I hope it helps someone to understand.

The only exception to #2 is during worship service, healing service, pray meetings, and altar calls. Now I admit at times some new converts get a little overzealous with the Gifts and speak a little to loud or dance in the Spirit a little to wildly, but what do you expect from newborn babes. In time they will come to understand more and more. Carefully keep an eye on the leadership of the Church, if at times someone get out of control with the Gifts during regular service, and they don't take them aside, be leary of that Church or at least help them understand that everything needs to be decent and in order according to scripture. We are here on earth to help each other to better understand.

If someone is speaking aloud in the congregation during regular service and there is no interpreter they should be quiet. During regular service there should never be more that one speaking in tongues at a time. And there should never be more than 3 without an interpretation. Let me explain further what I mean:
1. Tongues, Tongues, Tongues, Interpretation
2. Tongues, Interpretation, Tongues, Interpretation, Tongues, Interpretation
3. Tongues, Interpretation, Tongues, Tongues, Interpretation, Tongues, Interpretation
4. etc...... In course by three at most anymore and the Pastor should immediately shut them down for being out of order of the Holy Ghost. I have seen this done before. Plus in a True NT following Church there will be The Gift of Discernment (the ability to know if the Spirit in someone is True to God or not) I hope this helps.
I guess it helps, I think you've misunderstood my position though. I agree with ALL that you just wrote and it's what I've been saying in this thread the whole time. Not exactly sure why you were replying to me as if I wasn't saying these exact things the whole time, that kind of confuses me. Please go back and read what I've said and I think you'll see there must have been a misunderstanding on my last comment by you, or you were just summing up and affirming everything I was saying as an, "we are on the same page", kind of comment. It didn't seem that way though, seems you were just correcting/teaching me everything I was already saying anyway. Not 100% sure though.
 

jamessb

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Feb 10, 2024
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Santa Fe NM
I did not see how the information you have presented supports the conclusion you draw in that last sentence.


Speaking in tongues means speaking in languages. It's in the meaning of the words used in the Bible.

now if those in cordelia's house spoken some foreign language that Peter or his friends knew about would this passage be worded incorrectly or would it be any less true or Peter stood up and interpreted their tongues and the gift of interpretation of tongues with this passage be any less true?
I am not saying that happened but not every detail that happened as recorded in the Bible and if there was an interpretation of tongues or that someone understood the language that was spoken in tongues the passage would still be true and accurate even if it doesn't include that detail.
Speaking in tongues is speaking in an unknown language. I speak in tongues -- or more accurately, the Spirit within me speaks in tongues. I do not understand with my conscious mind, but I understand it spiritually.
 
May 1, 2022
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I guess it helps, I think you've misunderstood my position though. I agree with ALL that you just wrote and it's what I've been saying in this thread the whole time. Not exactly sure why you were replying to me as if I wasn't saying these exact things the whole time, that kind of confuses me. Please go back and read what I've said and I think you'll see there must have been a misunderstanding on my last comment by you, or you were just summing up and affirming everything I was saying as an, "we are on the same page", kind of comment. It didn't seem that way though, seems you were just correcting/teaching me everything I was already saying anyway. Not 100% sure though.
I was just adding more info to hopefully help other people understand.
 

Jimbone

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I was just adding more info to hopefully help other people understand.
Then it seems it was me with the misunderstanding. Oops!:censored:
That's why it through me off so much. Very glad I left room for doubt for my doubt. :D
I do agree so sorry for misreading the "tone", it's so easy to do that I try to always ask first, rather than just assume, which we all know what that does. Thanks, and Have a great day brother.
 

presidente

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May 29, 2013
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Do you have any scripture that when Paul spoke in tongues it was another language?
Speaking in tongues means speaking in languages. Greek used the word for 'tongue' to refer to language. Paul even describes it 'speak in the tongues of men and of angels' in I Corinthians 13.


Of all the scripture that pertains towards speaking in tongues all differ from the one single example in the Book of Acts. In fact, most other scripture describing speaking in tongues indicates "utterings and groanings." That for certain cannot be considered a form of language.
But tongues is languages. The verse you are probably thinking of is Romans 8:26 where it says that the Spirit intercedes 'with groanings which cannot be uttered'. Clear tongues can be uttered. In Acts 2, we see they are given 'as the Spirit gave them utterance. That word 'which cannot be uttered' translates as 'unspeakable.' The Greek word is related to the word translated 'speak' as in 'speak in tongues.' It has a an 'a' at the beginning of the word translated 'which cannot be uttered', which means not, can't, or something like that.

Those groanings cannot be spoken. Speaking in tongues cannot be spoken. I can prove that from scripture because it mentions SPEAKING in tongues.

But it's still considered speaking in tongues in the Bible.
I've heard people make that argument from Romans 8:26. That doesn't mean it makes sense.

Examples of no one claiming speaking in tongues was other languages someone could understand:
1. Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. 7 There were about twelve men in all.
That passage doesn't mention the people wearing clothes, either. That doesn't prove they were naked. It doesn't mention the sun being out. That doesn't mean it was a cloudy day.

It does say they spoke in languages. It's in the passage. They spoke in tongues/languages.

2. Mark 16:17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
There it is again. Tongues.

3. 1 Corinthians 14:2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, ""no one understands them;"" they utter mysteries by the Spirit.
The first verse of the previous chapter clarifies 'tongues of men and of angels.' If you read on in chapter 14, Paul explains it as being like a barbarian....which was an old word for someone who didn't speak Greek who the Greeks apparently percieved as saying 'bar bar bar bar', so they called him a barbarian.

So the situation here is someone is speaking supernaturally in another language, but other people do not know the language (unlike the Acts 2 scenario where those present do know it). Paul doesn't say it is not a real language. In fact, he calls it a tongue, so it must be one because the Bible calls it that.

So basically, "one verse" has the example of (human language) and the rest of the verses claim it's speaking to God and no one can understand it.
No, there is one verse that says no one understands him. Its in a passage about speaking in tongues in church. Paul compares it to speaking to a foreigner and you don't know what he is saying. Paul doesn't say it is a code language that doesn't exist. In the chapter before, Paul writes of speaking in 'the tongues of men and of angels.'
 

presidente

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Speaking in tongues is speaking in an unknown language. I speak in tongues -- or more accurately, the Spirit within me speaks in tongues. I do not understand with my conscious mind, but I understand it spiritually.
Paul contrasts praying in tongues with praying with his mind, so apparently he did not understand it. But what he spoke were tongues/languages.
 

presidente

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so they spoke many different languages yet they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?"

So we are clearly told that they each heard them speaking in their own native tongue. This to me sounds more like the men would speak and each one of them understood what was being said in their own language.

One of the Key factors in my mind is they "understood", they all understood this day. Very much not what I see practiced in churches today. Where is my misunderstanding here?

But if you look just prior to that, it clarifies what was going on.

Acts 2 NKJV
6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. 7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?

It clarifies that what they heard was them speaking in their own languages.
 
May 1, 2022
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Then it seems it was me with the misunderstanding. Oops!:censored:
That's why it through me off so much. Very glad I left room for doubt for my doubt. :D
I do agree so sorry for misreading the "tone", it's so easy to do that I try to always ask first, rather than just assume, which we all know what that does. Thanks, and Have a great day brother.
It shocks me how many people on this forum know so little truth about the word of God and push on us their beliefs but unwilling to show scripture to back it up. I know at time it can get frustrating but I always do my best not to sound argumentative. Because I know that newborn babes or those that are not even Christians, just have the meat of the word. I humbly hope those people have a willing heart to learn from those seasoned in God's Word. Love you all Brothers and Sisters in the Lord.

My Signature------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noone on Earth brings new revelation, that isn't already revealed through the Word of God, which is fullest revelation given to man. Through the moving and operation of the Holy Ghost, I Pray what we say here brings the truth of these Revelations, truth by truth, or precept upon precept, to the heart of the hearer. Lay what we say before the feet of Jesus (Word of God) and compare, the Bible is Always truth, so if they don't match, we need to reevaluate our stance. What we say or do here will have lasting impact upon the believer and sinner alike. We most certainly have freedom of speech, but any true christian will weigh what they say against the Word of God and if they don't agree God is not in error, and we need to pray for understanding. Those that have more meat of the Word can help those who are struggling, if done with humility, peace and love. I don't mind a peaceful debate, but when we start to argue amongst each other that is not the Spirit of God. God Bless and Peace to you all. (This signature is in general and not pointing fingers at anyone at anytime. God Bless.)
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FollowerofShiloh

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I have zero interest in debating this. If that what you believe, great. Have a blessed day.
There's nothing to debate. If you need the "Gift of Interpretation" to understand tongues, it means it's not a human language. It's a language God created and only understands. Hence the reason it requires the Gift of Interpretation from the Holy Spirit to understand the Holy Spirit inspired language. In laymen's terms, speaking in tongues "IS NOT" human language. If it was then anyone could understand it and there would be no requirement to have the Gift of Interpretation.
 

FollowerofShiloh

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I did not see how the information you have presented supports the conclusion you draw in that last sentence.


Speaking in tongues means speaking in languages. It's in the meaning of the words used in the Bible.

now if those in cordelia's house spoken some foreign language that Peter or his friends knew about would this passage be worded incorrectly or would it be any less true or Peter stood up and interpreted their tongues and the gift of interpretation of tongues with this passage be any less true?
I am not saying that happened but not every detail that happened as recorded in the Bible and if there was an interpretation of tongues or that someone understood the language that was spoken in tongues the passage would still be true and accurate even if it doesn't include that detail.
I don't see why you're in this debate at all.
 

FollowerofShiloh

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The Bible is very clear here.
In order to understand speaking in tongues, which is the act of the Holy Spirit giving utterance, you need the Holy Spirit gift of Interpretation.
That removes all human language idealism from the equation.
Speaking in tongues ""is not a human language,"" it's the Holy Spirit speaking.
In order to understand what the Holy Spirit is saying you need the Holy Spirit Gift of Interpretation.
Once again, it ""IS NOT"" a human language it is the Holy Spirit's own language.
 
N

Niki7

Guest
It shocks me how many people on this forum know so little truth about the word of God and push on us their beliefs but unwilling to show scripture to back it up. I know at time it can get frustrating but I always do my best not to sound argumentative. Because I know that newborn babes or those that are not even Christians, just have the meat of the word. I humbly hope those people have a willing heart to learn from those seasoned in God's Word. Love you all Brothers and Sisters in the Lord.

My Signature------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noone on Earth brings new revelation, that isn't already revealed through the Word of God, which is fullest revelation given to man. Through the moving and operation of the Holy Ghost, I Pray what we say here brings the truth of these Revelations, truth by truth, or precept upon precept, to the heart of the hearer. Lay what we say before the feet of Jesus (Word of God) and compare, the Bible is Always truth, so if they don't match, we need to reevaluate our stance. What we say or do here will have lasting impact upon the believer and sinner alike. We most certainly have freedom of speech, but any true christian will weigh what they say against the Word of God and if they don't agree God is not in error, and we need to pray for understanding. Those that have more meat of the Word can help those who are struggling, if done with humility, peace and love. I don't mind a peaceful debate, but when we start to argue amongst each other that is not the Spirit of God. God Bless and Peace to you all. (This signature is in general and not pointing fingers at anyone at anytime. God Bless.)
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This forum has consistently devolved over time (not saying it is the fault of the forum or those who maintain it) and many people who used to be here have left. Seems to me, there used to be quite a bit more consistent upholding of biblical truth.

It's a glaring microcosm of the state of Christianity in this country.
 
N

Niki7

Guest
The Bible is very clear here.
In order to understand speaking in tongues, which is the act of the Holy Spirit giving utterance, you need the Holy Spirit gift of Interpretation.
That removes all human language idealism from the equation.
Speaking in tongues ""is not a human language,"" it's the Holy Spirit speaking.
In order to understand what the Holy Spirit is saying you need the Holy Spirit Gift of Interpretation.
Once again, it ""IS NOT"" a human language it is the Holy Spirit's own language.
For many, there is no 'being filled with the Holy Spirit' and receiving gifts given by God through the Holy Spirit. It is supposed to be God's order for the gifts but we all know that there are literally hundreds (prob thousands) of false prophets and teachers who falsely command respect and people seem happy to oblige because discernment is out the window .

I think it is incorrect to state that no human language is a part of 'tongues'....I do not see where that would be in scripture? However, I would tend to think that for most who do 'speak in tongues' that would not prob be true. Also, the abuse of this gift and the faking it all over the place tend to create some of the reactions we see and even read here.

That being said, there are some who go out of their way to belittle, besmirch, attack and negate that gift. I think one day they will answer for that but that is not my judgement. I do know we have a responsibility to study, to seek God, to pray and desire truth. I also suspect that some people who do properly speak in tongues just avoid threads like this because of the animosity .

Saying that speaking in tongues is of the devil, only a pagan practice or kundalini whatever, seems pretty deadlocked in the minds of many. People are taught that gift is not for 'today' and leave it at that. I would caution those who go out of their way to rant against it, to perhaps leave that to people like John MacArthur who has gone off the rails and said that all who speak in tongues do so by demonic power.

One thing for sure, the devil despises this particular gift and not without reason.
 

presidente

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May 29, 2013
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There's nothing to debate. If you need the "Gift of Interpretation" to understand tongues, it means it's not a human language. It's a language God created and only understands. Hence the reason it requires the Gift of Interpretation from the Holy Spirit to understand the Holy Spirit inspired language. In laymen's terms, speaking in tongues "IS NOT" human language. If it was then anyone could understand it and there would be no requirement to have the Gift of Interpretation.
I'm wondering where you get this, and how this doctrine evolved. I grew up Pentecostal and I've read a bit about the early years of the movement, the Azusa Street Revival. The newsletter from the revival related testimonies of people hearing 'tongues' in their own language. Vinson Synan, the founder of Pentecostal history as a field of study, interviewed people who were at Azusa Street. It's on YouTube. One of them said what drew people to the movement was the people coming in and hearing their own languages, Chinese, Japanese, etc. I've also read about Russian. Some people have confirmed the interpretation also. And there are testimonies from time to time among Pentecostal missionaries.

What they weren't able to do was go to a foreign country and have the tongue they spoke be the local language. There was no guarantee of that in scripture. God can arrange for that if He chooses. But there is no guarantee of shortcutting past understanding the language, and the preaching of the gospel in scripture was done in a language the speaker understood when we see people getting saved.

Paul's statement that 'no man understandeth him' needs to be taken in the broader context of the epistle. He said in the previous chapter, "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels..." If it's tongues of men, some men can understand that language somewhere. If it's tongues of angels, some if not all angels may be able to understand that.

I Corinthians 14, after saying 'no man understandeth him' explains that if Paul spoke in tongues he would be like a barbarian-- a foreigner who doesn't speak Greek and says 'bar bar bar'. That doesn't edify others. Tongues have to be interpreted.

Paul doesn't say no one in the universe understands that language except God. That's an odd interpretation that doesn't fit the overall context. But it certainly isn't the historical Pentecostal view. Did it come out of the influence of the Word of Faith movement? I've heard WOFers with similar ideas.
 
May 1, 2022
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There's nothing to debate. If you need the "Gift of Interpretation" to understand tongues, it means it's not a human language. It's a language God created and only understands. Hence the reason it requires the Gift of Interpretation from the Holy Spirit to understand the Holy Spirit inspired language. In laymen's terms, speaking in tongues "IS NOT" human language. If it was then anyone could understand it and there would be no requirement to have the Gift of Interpretation.
How about this scenario

In church 100% all congregation speaks and knows only english. Someone speaks in Tongues in Russian. Unknown tongue to everyone present, even the speaker. ALL present need and Interpretation in English to know what was said. But both of the speakers are Speaking in Tongues
 

presidente

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May 29, 2013
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How about this scenario

In church 100% all congregation speaks and knows only english. Someone speaks in Tongues in Russian. Unknown tongue to everyone present, even the speaker. ALL present need and Interpretation in English to know what was said. But both of the speakers are Speaking in Tongues
That fits I Corinthians 14 a lot better than these newer interpretations. I also read about that very thing happening at Azusa Street, except a Russian came in and understood the tongue. I don't remember if the individual understood the interpretation in that case. It was in 'Fire on Azusa' by Val Dez.
 

FollowerofShiloh

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Jan 24, 2024
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For many, there is no 'being filled with the Holy Spirit' and receiving gifts given by God through the Holy Spirit. It is supposed to be God's order for the gifts but we all know that there are literally hundreds (prob thousands) of false prophets and teachers who falsely command respect and people seem happy to oblige because discernment is out the window .

I think it is incorrect to state that no human language is a part of 'tongues'....I do not see where that would be in scripture? However, I would tend to think that for most who do 'speak in tongues' that would not prob be true. Also, the abuse of this gift and the faking it all over the place tend to create some of the reactions we see and even read here.

That being said, there are some who go out of their way to belittle, besmirch, attack and negate that gift. I think one day they will answer for that but that is not my judgement. I do know we have a responsibility to study, to seek God, to pray and desire truth. I also suspect that some people who do properly speak in tongues just avoid threads like this because of the animosity .

Saying that speaking in tongues is of the devil, only a pagan practice or kundalini whatever, seems pretty deadlocked in the minds of many. People are taught that gift is not for 'today' and leave it at that. I would caution those who go out of their way to rant against it, to perhaps leave that to people like John MacArthur who has gone off the rails and said that all who speak in tongues do so by demonic power.

One thing for sure, the devil despises this particular gift and not without reason.
If it was a human language then it would not "require" the Holy Spirit's Gift of Interpretation.
Anyone could interpret it.
Since it requires the Holy Spirit's Gift of Interpretation, we know it's a Godly language, not a human language.

And I agree with you (y)