Can someone explain to me the uniqueness of this gift of speaking in tongues which most congregations in my neighbourhood insist on acquiring? Is it in any way superior to or more edifying than other gifts?
Speaking in tongues is not a gift for a true worshipper (John 4:23-24) but is a sign that shall follow those who believe the gospel
as fully preached by Jesus and the apostles. It is the Bible given evidence of truly being baptized in the Holy Spirit, and it is our
prayer language - a spiritual language described in the NT as praying in the (Holy) Spirit.
Mark 16:17 and these
signs shall follow them that believe: Strongs 4592: sēmeia σημεῖα signs
15 And he [Jesus] said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and
preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
17 And
these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils;
they shall speak with new tongues;
18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick,
and they shall recover.
1Corinthians 12:4 Now there are diversities of
gifts, but the same Spirit.
gifts, χαρισμάτων (charismatōn) Strong's Greek 5486: From charizomai; a gratuity, i.e. Deliverance;, a endowment, i.e. religious qualification, or miraculous faculty.
10 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: