What is Tongues?

Discord and disruption are two results of the false practice of tongues. Whether it is the teaching or the speaking. And we know God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33), therefore what is God’s answer? Truth begins with the Scriptural definition of the original language word. Greek: glossa, meaning a known language naturally acquired, or a little member of the physical body.

On Pentecost the disciples spoke in their own language, and the listeners heard in their own language. What a miracle. On other occasions, where there was someone to interpret from the language of the speaker into the language of the hearer, God gives specific instructions.

On mission trips I have been blessed to speak in English, and have an interpreter to translate into the language of the hearers. As I wait for the interpreter to finish, I receive a blessing not typically known when I am the only one speaking…I can watch and see the people’s response to the Truths being presented. Well, amen!

It does us well to read verses closely and listen to the voice of God telling us what tongues is all about, and how that He intends for these to spread the Gospel. It also does us well to look up in an exhaustive concordance all the verses mentioning tongues and unknown tongues. Holy Spirit will reveal Truth every time.