Tongues
Paul insists that tongues must be interpreted in order for edification to occur (14:13–19, 28). The gift of tongues occurs in all of the gift lists in 1 Corinthians but is mentioned nowhere else in the other Pauline letters. This does not necessarily imply that the gift was not present in other churches, but it does suggest that it was a problem in Corinth.
The gift of tongues is mentioned in three places in the book of Acts. In Acts 2:4–11, the apostles spoke in tongues under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (2:4), declaring the wonders of God (2:11), and were understood by those present in their native languages (dialects). Clearly the gift of tongues at Pentecost was inspired speech exalting God in known human languages. In Acts 10:44–48 Gentiles also spoke in tongues exalting God, “For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God” (Acts 10:46). The gift was recognized by Jewish believers as the same gift of Pentecost, “Then Peter said, ‘Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have’ ” (Acts 10:46b–47). In Acts 19:1–7, the gift of tongues accompanied the reception of the Spirit of the disciples of John the Baptist, but the content of the tongues in Acts 19 is left unstated.