A New Testament Historian Explains What Speaking in Tongues Actually Was
In a Nutshell
Speaking in tongues in the New Testament refers almost exclusively to supernaturally speaking actual, existing languages unknown to the speaker, as seen at Pentecost where disciples addressed Jewish diaspora in their native tongues, and Paul required an interpreter for church use. These spiritual sign gifts (tongues, healing, prophecy) were normative during the apostolic era to authenticate the church's foundation but are not today, now that apostolic authority is codified in Scripture. While modern miracles like healings occur, tongues as a normative practice ended with that foundational period.
These notes were generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.
Speaking in tongues in the New Testament is almost exclusively an actual language.
At Pentecost, disciples including Peter preach the gospel in Jerusalem, the site of Jesus' crucifixion shortly after his resurrection. This is significant because they return to ground zero where people witnessed Jesus' death, yet proclaim his resurrection. The Spirit descends, appearing as tongues of fire above the apostles' heads. They speak in the languages of Jewish diaspora visitors from around the Roman world gathered for the religious event, who do not necessarily speak the native language of Jerusalem.
In the Pauline epistles, Paul requires a translator or interpreter for speaking in tongues.
Tongues primarily involves a supernatural experience of communicating in an existing language the speaker does not otherwise know.
Paul mentions the language of angels, often emphasized in charismatic Christian communities. The speaker is wary of much of that but has never encountered it, though not precluding it as a possibility.
Spiritual sign gifts—speaking in tongues, healing, and prophecy—occur in the New Testament during the apostolic period. Apostles and disciples preach to build the foundation of the church, making these gifts unique and normative then but not now.
Like architecture, you build one foundation; additional foundations compromise the building's integrity.
In the apostolic witness period, Jesus appears as the resurrected Messiah, Savior, Son of God, and second person of the Trinity to disciples in the upper room. He breathes on them, saying, "> I give you my spirit," granting authority to communicate in his name. This authority is codified in the New Testament books, where God now speaks directly.
Miracles like healing still occur—the speaker has a personal miracle story of being healed. Speaking in tongues, healing, and prophesying happen but are not normative as in the New Testament, which established the church's groundwork.
Tongues is almost exclusively an actual, understandable language, with Paul requiring an interpreter in church life.
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