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By Pastor Ramil Engle– The Love of Yeshua Ministry
Speaking in tongues is one of the most debated topics in the modern church. Some see it as a vital sign of spiritual life; others view it as a gift that has ceased. From a Reformed theological perspective, the discussion must begin and end with Scripture interpreted in its proper context.
In this article, we will examine what the Bible teaches about tongues, how the Reformed view understands them, and how this affects our church practice today.
1. What Are “Tongues” in the Bible?
The Greek term used in Acts 2 is glōssa (γλῶσσα), meaning “language” or “tongue.” In the New Testament, speaking in tongues refers to the miraculous ability to speak in actual human languages not previously learned.
At Pentecost (Acts 2:1–13), the apostles spoke in different known languages so that Jews from various nations could hear the gospel in their own native tongues. This was not unintelligible speech but clear, understandable communication.
2. The Purpose of Tongues
From a Reformed standpoint, the gift of tongues had specific purposes in the first-century church:
- A Sign for Unbelievers – Paul explicitly says in 1 Corinthians 14:21–22 that tongues were a sign, especially to unbelieving Jews, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy that God would speak to His people through foreign languages as judgment for their unbelief.
- Confirmation of the Apostolic Message – According to Hebrews 2:3–4, signs and wonders, including tongues, were given to authenticate the apostles as God’s messengers during the foundational era of the church.
- Edification When Interpreted – In church gatherings, tongues were only to be used with an interpreter so that the entire body could be built up (1 Corinthians 14:5, 27–28). Without interpretation, they caused confusion rather than edification.
3. Regulation of Tongues in the New Testament
The Reformed view emphasizes that the apostle Paul gave clear regulations for tongues in the early church:
- Only two or three should speak in tongues in a gathering (1 Corinthians 14:27).
- There must be an interpreter (v. 27–28).
- If no interpreter is present, the speaker should remain silent in the church (v. 28).
- Tongues should never cause confusion, because “God is not a God of confusion but of peace” (v. 33).
4. Have Tongues Ceased?
Most within the Reformed tradition hold to cessationism — the belief that certain miraculous gifts (including tongues) ceased after the apostolic age. This is based on several biblical and theological considerations:
- 1 Corinthians 13:8–10 says that tongues “will cease” when “the perfect” comes. The Reformed interpretation sees “the perfect” as the completion of the New Testament canon and the full establishment of the church’s foundation (Ephesians 2:20).
- Historical evidence shows tongues fading from regular church practice after the apostolic era.
- The purpose of tongues (as a sign of judgment and authentication of the apostolic message) has already been fulfilled.
5. The Danger of Misusing Tongues Today
Modern charismatic and Pentecostal movements often redefine tongues as ecstatic, unintelligible speech, which differs from the biblical description. This can lead to:
- Emotionalism over truth – placing experiences above Scripture.
- Division in the body – when tongues are made a test of spiritual maturity or salvation.
- Disorder in worship – when Paul’s biblical regulations are ignored.
6. How Should We Respond?
From a Reformed perspective:
- We should test all practices by Scripture (Acts 17:11).
- We must prioritize edification over personal experience (1 Corinthians 14:12).
- We should be thankful that the Holy Spirit still works powerfully today — primarily through the preaching of the Word, the sacraments, and prayer.
Conclusion
Speaking in tongues was a real, miraculous, and purposeful gift in the early church. It served as a sign for unbelieving Israel, authenticated the apostles, and edified the church when interpreted. According to the Reformed view, this gift has fulfilled its purpose and ceased with the close of the apostolic era.
Our focus now should be on faithful proclamation of the gospel in every known language of the world, using the ordinary means of grace that God has given His church.
“Let all things be done decently and in order.” – 1 Corinthians 14:40
