Biblical Topics A to Z
Tongues
What the New Testament says about speaking in tongues, how the event at Pentecost in Acts 2 differs from the practice Paul addresses in 1 Corinthians 14.
At a Glance
The tongues at Pentecost in Acts 2 were known human languages given as a sign, while the gift Paul addresses in 1 Corinthians 14 is regulated for orderly use in the church with interpretation.
Overview
Acts 2:4-11 describes tongues at Pentecost as known human languages, understood by hearers from many nations without translation, while 1 Corinthians 14 addresses a related but distinct exercise of the gift within the church that Paul regulates carefully, requiring interpretation and insisting that everything be 'done decently and in order.'
Learning Objectives
- •Describe what Acts 2:4-11 records about the nature of the tongues spoken at Pentecost.
- •Explain what 1 Corinthians 14:27-28 requires regarding interpretation when tongues are exercised in the church.
- •Identify why Paul in 1 Corinthians 14:19 prefers a few intelligible words over many words in an unknown tongue during corporate worship.
Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
Acts 2:6
Read It in Context
This study quotes Acts 2:6, but no verse stands alone. Open a Bible and read the whole surrounding chapter to see the full argument the passage sits within, then look up the other references cited throughout this study — 1 Corinthians 14:39-40 and beyond — in their own context. Scripture is the final authority here, not this summary.
Historical & Literary Context
Acts 2 records the Holy Spirit's coming at Pentecost, where Galilean believers spoke and were understood by a diverse crowd 'out of every nation under heaven' (Acts 2:5), each hearing 'in his own language wherein he was born' (Acts 2:8), functioning as a sign accompanying the birth of the church and the reversal of Babel's confusion. 1 Corinthians 14 was written into a church where the gift of tongues was apparently being exercised without order or interpretation, prompting Paul to give clear, practical regulations for its use in corporate worship.
Known Languages at Pentecost
Acts 2:6-11 explicitly describes the crowd hearing the disciples' speech, each in their own native language, listing over a dozen specific regions, establishing that the tongues at Pentecost were understood, known human languages, not an unintelligible utterance.
Interpretation Required in Corporate Worship
1 Corinthians 14:27-28 instructs that if tongues are spoken in the church, it should be done 'by two, or at the most by three,' with one interpreting, and 'if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church,' making interpretation a required condition for public use.
Preferring the Intelligible for the Church's Benefit
1 Corinthians 14:19 states Paul would 'rather speak five words with my understanding... than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue,' prioritizing the edification of the gathered church through intelligible communication over uninterpreted speech.
Christ-Centered Focus
The reversal of Babel's confusion at Pentecost, where diverse peoples heard the gospel of Christ each in their own tongue, points to the church's mission to proclaim the risen Christ to every nation, language, and people, unified around him rather than around any single gift.
Practical Application
This week, apply 1 Corinthians 14:40's principle directly to any area of corporate worship or church practice: pursue what is done 'decently and in order' for the building up of others, not merely for personal experience.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the gifts You give Your church. Help me pursue whatever gifts I have been given in a way that builds up others and honors order, always centered on the proclamation of Christ. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Scripture Memory
"Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order."
1 Corinthians 14:39-40
Reflection Questions
- 1How does Acts 2:6-11's description of hearers understanding 'in his own language' shape your understanding of the tongues at Pentecost?
- 2What does 1 Corinthians 14:27-28's requirement of interpretation teach about the proper use of tongues in corporate worship?
- 3Why does Paul prioritize intelligible words over 'ten thousand words in an unknown tongue' in 1 Corinthians 14:19?
- 4How does 1 Corinthians 14:40's call to do 'all things... decently and in order' apply to your own church community?