What does this gift really mean?
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 2:4
It seems that in American culture, speaking in tongues is primarily practiced in charismatic and Pentecostal churches. The more traditional and liturgical a church is, the less likely it is to hear of it being done. Some denominations also view it as a part of the past, not the present.
In Acts Chapter 2, we read how the Holy Spirit came upon the believers, amazing those who heard the Galileans speaking in other languages. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if people gifted with speaking in tongues knew what language it was, and would then visit and testify to those who speak that language?!
This chapter clearly tells us that speaking in tongues is speaking another language and is made possible by the Holy Spirit (verses 6, 8, and 11). The Greek word used here for “tongues” means “languages”. Some also believe there is a heavenly language also spoken at times, but there is not room here to lay out the details.
Let me tell you a story to support my original explanation. Over the years, our ministry has brought our foreign partners to the U.S. to speak in various capacities. It is one of the best ways to inspire and encourage those who can’t travel to these countries and participate in ministry there first-hand. One year, we brought our partner from Nepal to the U.S. for a series of speaking engagements. One of the places he spoke was in a home gathering. Before he started to share, we showed a video that included praise and worship in Nepal. One of the women present in the home began to weep. She immediately recognized the Nepali language as the one she had been using while she was speaking in tongues.
In 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, we read that both speaking and interpreting tongues are listed as spiritual gifts bestowed on believers. It is worth noting what Paul clearly shared two chapters later in 1 Corinthians 14:1-28: whatever is spoken in tongues through the Holy Spirit needs to be interpreted. Otherwise, it doesn’t edify those who are present. I have witnessed this in a church service in America. A woman fervently prayed loudly in tongues, and when she was done, an elder in the church stood up and offered the interpretation through the power of the Holy Spirit. It was a blessing to witness.
Here’s the best way Paul knew to ensure that all believers present were edified:
I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.
But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words
to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.
1 Corinthians 14:18-19