Tongues

Jun

2026

Speaking in Tongues: Real Known Languages That Ceased in the First Century.

A Biblical Examination from the King James Version of the New Testament,

Speaking in tongues, as described in the New Testament, was the supernatural ability given by the Holy Spirit to speak in real, known human languages that the speaker had never learned. Far from unintelligible ecstatic speech or a private heavenly language, the biblical accounts consistently present it as actual foreign languages understood by listeners. Scripture also indicates that this sign gift, along with certain other temporary gifts, ceased by the close of the first century once its purpose was fulfilled.

Continue reading →

Dec

2025

1 Cor 14:17-40 – The Regulation of Tongues in the Church

Problem: Paul, in correcting the misuse of tongues in Corinth, set forth certain regulations for the proper use of tongues in the assembly. The governing principles behind all of these regulations are summed up in verse 26 (“Let all things be done unto edifying”) and in verse 40 (“Let all things be done decently and in order”). Paul did not forbid the Corinthians to speak with tongues (verse 39) but he did forbid any tongues-speaking contrary to the rules which he set forth.

Continue reading →

Dec

2025

I Cor 14:21-26 – The Purpose of Tongues in the Assembly

Problem: What were tongues for? What was the purpose of this gift? The one place in the New Testament which clearly sets forth the purpose of tongues is 1 Corinthians 14:22: “Wherefore, tongues are for a sign . . .” The preposition translated “for” (eis) here denotes purpose. The verse is introduced by the particle “wherefore” (hoste), which means “for this reason, therefore.” Paul’s explanation in verse 22 concerning the purpose of tongues is actually an inference based upon his words in verse 21. Therefore, the key to understanding the purpose of tongues must be found in 1 Corinthians 14:21. Verse 21 begins with these important words, “In the law it is written . . .”

Continue reading →

Dec

2025

1 Cor 3:8 – The Duration Of Tongues In The Church

Problem: 1 Corinthians 13:8

In 1 Corinthians 13:8 Paul makes this important statement: “Whether there be tongues, they shall cease [stop].” Tongues will cease! Paul thus predicted that this gift would stop and become inoperative. The big question which must be answered is when? When will tongues cease?

It would have been helpful had Paul been more specific: “Tongues shall cease one hundred years from now!” or “Tongues shall cease in 2000 A.D.” The apostle, however, gave no such date. Obviously, at the time when Paul wrote to the Corinthians (approximately 55 A.D.), tongues had not yet ceased. At that time, God was still giving this gift (1 Corinthians 12:10).
Continue reading →

Nov

2025

1 Cor 13:8 – When did the gift of tongues cease?

CHARISMATIC ANSWERS:

1) Tongues have not ceased. God is still giving the gift of tongues today just as He did in New Testament times.

or

2) The gift of tongues ceased early in the history of the church, perhaps at the end of the first century. However, in these last days the gift of tongues has reappeared and God is once again giving this gift.

Continue reading →

Tongues

Speaking in Tongues: Real Known Languages That Ceased in the First Century.

1 Cor 14:17-40 – The Regulation of Tongues in the Church

I Cor 14:21-26 – The Purpose of Tongues in the Assembly

1 Cor 3:8 – The Duration Of Tongues In The Church

1 Cor 13:8 – When did the gift of tongues cease?

Spurgeon Devotional:

Recent Posts

Archives