The Power of Speaking in Tongues: A Biblical Examination

Primary Scripture Text

Acts 2:1–4 KJV 1900

1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Introduction

Speaking in tongues is one of the most powerful yet often misunderstood gifts of the Holy Ghost. Some question its necessity, while others deny its continuation. However, the Bible reveals speaking in tongues as a divine sign of the Spirit’s infilling and a gift for edification and intercession.

In this sermon, we will examine the origin, purpose, and gifting of speaking in tongues, alongside its necessity as the biblical evidence of being filled with the Holy Ghost.

I. The Origin of Speaking in Tongues

A. The Day of Pentecost

• The first instance of speaking in tongues occurred in Acts 2:1-4, when believers were filled with the Holy Ghost.

• They spoke in languages (glōssa - Strong’s G1100) that people of different nations understood (Acts 2:6-11).

B. A Parallel with the Tower of Babel

• In Genesis 11:1-9, God confused languages at Babel due to human rebellion.

• At Pentecost, God restored unity by giving believers new tongues to glorify Him.

Where Babel caused division, Pentecost brought spiritual unity through the Holy Ghost.

II. The Purpose of Speaking in Tongues

A. The Initial Evidence of the Holy Ghost Baptism

• Acts 10:44-46 – Cornelius and his household spoke in tongues when they received the Spirit.

• Acts 19:1-6 – The Ephesian believers spoke in tongues as evidence of receiving the Spirit.

• Speaking in tongues is the biblical sign of receiving the Holy Ghost.

B. Personal Edification

• 1 Corinthians 14:4 – He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself.

• Jude 1:20 – Building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.

C. A Supernatural Prayer Language

• Romans 8:26 – The Spirit intercedes through us with groanings that cannot be uttered.

• 1 Corinthians 14:14 – When we pray in tongues, our spirit prays.

D. A Sign to Unbelievers

• 1 Corinthians 14:22 – Tongues serve as a sign to the unbelieving.

• Acts 2:41 – 3,000 souls were converted after witnessing tongues on Pentecost.

III. The Gift of Tongues

A. The Difference Between the Evidence and the Gift

1. Initial Evidence of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2, 10, 19) – For all believers.

2. The Gift of Tongues (1 Corinthians 12:10) – For public edification with interpretation.

B. Interpretation in the Church

• 1 Corinthians 14:27-28 – If tongues are spoken publicly, they must be interpreted to edify others.

• 1 Corinthians 12:30 – Paul’s question, “Do all speak with tongues?” refers to the gift, not the personal evidence of receiving the Spirit.

IV. Does a Believer Without Tongues Have the Holy Ghost?

A. Biblical Evidence of the Holy Ghost

1. Every explicit instance in Acts where people were filled with the Holy Ghost includes speaking in tongues.

2. Even Paul, though not recorded in Acts 9, later declared, “I speak with tongues more than ye all” (1 Corinthians 14:18).

B. Can Someone Believe in Jesus Without Speaking in Tongues?

• Many believers love God, live righteously, and show fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

• However, the Holy Ghost baptism, according to Acts, includes speaking in tongues as the initial evidence.

• Acts 8 and 19 show that believers who had faith still needed to receive the Holy Ghost.

C. Why Haven’t Some Spoken in Tongues?

1. They may not have sought the fullness of the Spirit.

2. They may not have yielded to the Spirit.

3. God’s timing and their faith must align.

D. Jesus’ Promise Still Stands

• Luke 11:13 – How much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

• Acts 2:39 – For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off.

If God is still calling, then tongues have not ceased!

V. How to Receive the Holy Ghost with Evidence of Tongues

1. Believe the promise (Acts 2:39).

2. Ask in faith (Luke 11:9-13).

3. Yield to the Spirit (Acts 2:4).

4. Pray with others who have received it (Acts 8:17).

Conclusion: The Power and Importance of Speaking in Tongues

Speaking in tongues is:

✔ The biblical evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost.

✔ A sign of supernatural power and connection to God.

✔ A personal edification tool for strengthening faith.

✔ A supernatural means of prayer beyond human understanding.

✔ A gift for the church when interpreted.

The promise is still available today! If you have not yet received the Holy Ghost with the evidence of tongues, seek God, yield to the Spirit, and expect the infilling!

Call to Action

1. If you have not spoken in tongues, ask God for the Holy Ghost today.

2. If you have received it, pray in tongues daily to strengthen your spirit.

3. If you desire the gift of tongues and interpretation, seek God’s wisdom and timing.

May we embrace the fullness of God’s Spirit and experience the power of speaking in tongues as the early church did!

“The Holy Ghost does not manifest Himself in tongues to be hidden away, but to bring power to the believer!” – Smith Wigglesworth