They Spoke in Tongues

I didn't want to bring up this subject until I studied it in depth with proper interpretation; comparing scripture with scripture. Now, I don't want to sound like I'm creating my own idea of what they meant by 'tongues,' but by comparing scripture with scripture this is what I understood.

In Mark 16:17 Jesus says,

And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues.

Then in Acts 2:3 it says,

Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

The first time I read the text about tongues in Romans I understood it as dialects. I don't believe that they were just babbling, but they were speaking a language that the other people didn't understand.

Tongues in Greek means dialect(Dialektos): the tongue or language peculiar to any people; an uncommon language belonging exclusively to a group or people.

This gets misinterpreted easily as someone babbling and not speaking a real language. A language must be interpreted, so it couldn't be just gibberish. To clarify, it was known to be a language, just not known to them. The Gentiles were speaking in another language. This refers back to Genesis 10:5; the division of the nations and division of languages, that's what God said he'd do, he has divide the nations. But he also brought together all tongues and nations. (Isaiah 66:18).

As it says in the text after tongues, it talks about different languages. In Acts 2:1-11 makes it clear it's just different languages. This is the difference when people don't look up the meanings of the words translated from Greek or Arabic and alter the meaning of the word, or just simply take the verse out of context. Without reading the whole passage it can be misinterpreted.

In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul speaks about spiritual gifts. Read verses 10-12. Then read verses 27-30.

Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles? Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages? Do we have the ability to interpret unknown languages? Of course not!

In other parts of the Bible they use the word tongue for the actual tongue. So be careful on how this word is being used in text. It's sometimes confusing reading one verse such as 1 Corinthians 14:14. But if you continue reading it is explained.

Paul's esteem regarding the concern for tongues is clearly shown in 1 Corinthians 14. He makes it clear that 'Tongues Must Be Interpreted.' He said it's better if you can speak in a variety of tongues. He'd rather be able to utter just five words to help others than ten thousand words in an unknown language. (verse 19)

Be wise in understanding these matters. If believers and unbelievers come to your meetings and you are speaking in an unknown language, they will think you are crazy. But all of us who prophesy to unbelievers who don't understand should speak in their language, then they will understand this, and be convicted of sin and judged. When they listen, their secret thoughts will be exposed and they will fall to their knees and worship God. (1 Cor 14:20-25)

Some people can speak in other tongues and some cannot. Don't be jealous. But if you can, don't try to speak to someone in other tongues. They will not understand you if it is not interpreted. (1 Corinthians 14:27-28)