What It Was, Why It Existed, and Why It Does Not Happen Today
Foreward
In every matter of doctrine and practice, the Word of God stands as the final and absolute authority. It is not shaped by human tradition, emotional experience, or modern interpretation, but by the divine revelation of God Himself — breathed out through the Holy Spirit and preserved for all generations.
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
— 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NKJV)
When questions arise about spiritual gifts, prophecy, or tongues, the first and only recourse must be to the Scriptures, not to experiences or denominational teachings. God has spoken, and His Word is sufficient. The Apostle Peter reminds us that the written Word is even “more sure” than any miraculous experience or vision:
“And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place… knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”
— 2 Peter 1:19–21 (NKJV)
It is upon this foundation that every doctrine must rest. The Holy Spirit, who once empowered men to speak in foreign tongues as a sign of divine truth, now speaks through the written Word — clear, sufficient, and enduring. To look beyond Scripture for new revelations or signs is to neglect the very authority God has given to instruct His people.
“Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.”
— Psalm 119:89 (NKJV)
Therefore, this study on Tongues in the New Testament is not an exploration of human experience, but a return to divine truth. We seek not what feels right, but what God’s Word declares to be right. For the Scriptures alone define the work of the Holy Spirit, the purpose of His gifts, and the timeline of their operation.
The Word of God does not change — and neither does its Author.
“For I am the LORD, I do not change.”
— Malachi 3:6 (NKJV)
In understanding tongues, or any other spiritual matter, we must let Scripture interpret Scripture. When we do, confusion gives way to clarity, emotion yields to truth, and God’s eternal Word stands vindicated above all human opinion.
1. The Meaning of Tongues
The term “tongues” (Greek: glōssa, γλῶσσα) literally means languages. In the New Testament, the gift of tongues referred to the supernatural ability given by the Holy Spirit to speak in actual human languages previously unknown to the speaker.
“Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
— Acts 2:3–4 (NKJV)
The context of Acts 2 makes this meaning clear. Jews from many nations heard the apostles speak in their own native languages:
“And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?”
— Acts 2:8 (NKJV)
Thus, the “tongues” were not random or unintelligible utterances but real, known languages used by the Holy Spirit to confirm God’s message and power to diverse audiences.
2. The Purpose of Tongues
Tongues had a very specific, time-bound purpose in the New Testament church — primarily to authenticate God’s message and the new covenant to unbelieving Jews and Gentiles.
(a) A Sign of the Holy Spirit’s Arrival
The first occurrence at Pentecost (Acts 2) signified the birth of the Church and the coming of the Holy Spirit. It was a divine sign that the promises of Christ were fulfilled:
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me…”
— Acts 1:8 (NKJV)
Tongues, therefore, were a visible and audible sign that God’s Spirit now indwelt believers — uniting Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles under one faith (see also Acts 10:44–46, Acts 19:6).
(b) A Sign to Unbelievers
Paul clarified in 1 Corinthians 14:21–22 that tongues were not for self-edification or private use, but rather a sign to unbelievers, particularly unbelieving Jews:
“In the law it is written: ‘With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; and yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,’ says the Lord. Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers…”
— 1 Corinthians 14:21–22 (NKJV)
Paul references Isaiah 28:11–12, where foreign tongues symbolized God’s judgment upon Israel’s unbelief. Thus, the miraculous languages were a divine signal that God was moving beyond Israel, confirming that His gospel was now extended to all nations.
(c) Confirmation of the Apostolic Message
Tongues also served as authentication of the apostles’ preaching. They confirmed that the message of Christ came with divine authority, not human wisdom.
“God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will.”
— Hebrews 2:4 (NKJV)
These signs were necessary during the foundational era of the Church when Scripture was still being written and doctrine established.
3. When Tongues Were Used
The book of Acts records three key events where tongues appeared — each marking a major expansion of the gospel:
| Occasion | Scripture | Group Reached | Purpose |
| Pentecost | Acts 2 | Jews in Jerusalem | To mark the birth of the Church and the Spirit’s arrival |
| Cornelius’ Household | Acts 10 | Gentiles | To confirm that salvation was also for the Gentiles |
| Ephesus Disciples | Acts 19 | Former followers of John | To affirm the completeness of the gospel through Christ |
In each case, tongues were public, verifiable, and purposeful — demonstrating that the same Spirit was working in all believers, Jew or Gentile.
4. The Cessation of Tongues
The New Testament itself indicates that tongues were temporary and would cease once their purpose was fulfilled.
“Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.”
— 1 Corinthians 13:8 (NKJV)
The Greek term for “cease” here (pauō, παύω) means “to stop by itself.” Unlike prophecy (which would be replaced by the completed Word), tongues would simply fade away once no longer needed.
After the book of Acts, the gift of tongues disappears from the biblical record. Later epistles (Romans, Ephesians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, etc.) — written decades later — make no mention of it as an ongoing practice or requirement in the church.
Why Tongues Ceased:
- Scripture Was Completed — The Word of God, not miraculous signs, became the standard of truth (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
- The Apostolic Era Ended — The unique signs that validated the apostles’ authority were no longer necessary (2 Corinthians 12:12).
- The Church Was Established — Once the gospel had been confirmed to all nations, the sign gifts had fulfilled their purpose.
5. Why Modern “Tongues” Differ
What is often practiced today as “tongues” (ecstatic speech or emotional utterance) differs entirely from the biblical gift:
Biblical Tongues | Modern Tongues |
Real, known languages | Unintelligible sounds |
Understood by hearers | Requires interpreters or remains vague |
Public sign to unbelievers | Often private or emotional |
Confirmed divine message | Often experience-driven |
Scripture warns against confusing spiritual experiences with biblical truth:
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God…”
— 1 John 4:1 (NKJV)
Thus, today’s “tongues” are not a continuation of the biblical gift but a misunderstanding or imitation of a sign that has already served its divine purpose.
6. The Spirit’s Work Today
Though the gift of tongues has ceased, the Holy Spirit remains fully active — convicting, guiding, sanctifying, and empowering believers.
“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth.”
— John 16:13 (NKJV)
Today, the Spirit’s work is seen not in outward signs but in inner transformation, the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23), and the illumination of Scripture to guide believers in truth.
Conclusion
The biblical gift of tongues was a miraculous, time-bound sign given to authenticate the gospel during the Church’s foundation.
It confirmed the Spirit’s coming, validated the apostles, and opened the door of salvation to all nations. Once the purpose was accomplished and Scripture completed, the sign ceased.
Today, believers walk not by sight or signs, but by faith and the complete revelation of God’s Word:
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
— Romans 10:17 (NKJV)