by Andrew Wilson
The gift of tongues, or (as I prefer to call it) the gift of languages, is the most controversial of the all the spiritual gifts we find in the New Testament, and that's saying something. It attracts more extreme comments than any other gift, from both sides of the aisle.
Here are ten points that need to be borne in mind when developing a theology, and practice, of the gift of languages:
1. The gift of languages on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) and the gift of languages in the church at Corinth (1 Corinthians 12-14) are almost certainly different. The former were immediately understood by those who heard; the latter required interpretation.
2. The eschatology of the New Testament suggests that both forms of the gift continue until the return of Christ. Peter sees the gift of languages as an example of exactly what Joel said would characterise the last days, which have not finished.
3. At least two of the Church fathers make reference to the continuation of the gift of languages beyond the apostolic period. Irenaeus (c.180) wrote: "In like manner we do also hear many brethren in the Church, who possess prophetic gifts, and who through the Spirit speak all kinds of languages."
4. The gift of languages should be pursued. All gifts of the Spirit, including the gift of languages, should be earnestly desired (1 Cor 14:1); Paul says he wants all believers to speak in languages (14:5).
5. The use of the gift in a public meeting is only legitimate if its purpose is to build up the church. In the church, the gift is not for self-expression, or ecstatic encounters, but should only be used out of a desire to love and edify other believers.
6. Practically, that means that in the church, languages should always, always be interpreted. If they aren't, they shouldn't be used in the first place (14:27-28).
7. Therefore, anyone who speaks in languages in public should pray that they may interpret what they have said (14:13).
8. Not all believers will speak in languages. This is true of all spiritual gifts, as is clear from Paul's string of rhetorical questions in 1 Corinthians 12:29-30.
9. There is no scriptural precedent for teaching people to speak in languages by imitating someone else's sounds.
10. Banning tongue-speaking is manifestly unbiblical. "So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues" (1 Cor 14:39).
