Purpose of Tongues in the Church and its Significance
Purpose of Tongues in the Church and its Significance
The gift of tongues, first manifested at Pentecost when the apostles "did really hear themselves addressed in their own special language" [1], has generated substantial theological debate regarding its purpose and ongoing significance. Paul's extended treatment in 1 Corinthians 14 provides the primary framework for understanding this gift's function within the gathered church.
Sign Function and Evangelistic Purpose
Paul explicitly states that "tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not" [2, 4]. This designation as a sign gift connects to Old Testament patterns where foreign languages signaled divine judgment on unbelieving Israel [8, 9]. Adam Clarke interprets this to mean "the miraculous gift of tongues was never designed for the benefit of those who have already believed, but for the instruction of unbelievers, that they might see from such a miracle that this is the work of God; and so embrace the Gospel" [6]. The Pentecost narrative supports this evangelistic function, as the linguistic miracle enabled diverse peoples to hear the gospel in their native tongues [1].
Subordination to Prophecy
Paul consistently ranks prophecy above tongues in corporate worship. one tradition writes, "it would give me more pleasure to be hearing the prophet's word from you; for this is a greater thing than using tongues, if the sense is not given at the same time, for the good of the church" [3]. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown emphasizes that Paul "could never 'wish' for" unintelligible ecstatic utterances, confirming that tongues must refer to actual languages requiring interpretation "that the Church may receive edifying" [7]. The criterion throughout is congregational edification—prophecy directly builds up believers, while uninterpreted tongues leave the assembly unedified [10].
Personal Devotion versus Corporate Worship
Paul affirms personal value in the gift: he speaks in tongues more than the Corinthians [10]. Yet one tradition insists that "in church meeting should help others, not only the speaker" [10]. This distinction between private spiritual exercise and public ministry shapes how traditions assess the gift's contemporary relevance. The emphasis falls consistently on intelligibility and mutual edification within the body of Christ, where "all are united together, and make up one complete body" [5].
The gift's purpose centers on authenticating the gospel to unbelievers and, when interpreted, contributing to the church's upbuilding—always subordinate to clear prophetic speech that directly instructs the congregation.
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Tongues, Gift of — Granted on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4), in fulfilment of a promise Christ had made to his disciples (Mark 16:17). What this gift actually was has been a subject of much discussion. Some have argued that it was merely an outward sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit among the disciples, typifying his manifold gifts, and showing that salvation was to be extended to all nations. But the words of Luke (Acts 2:9) clearly show that the various peoples in Jerusalem at the time of Pentecost did really hear themselves addressed in their own special la”
- King James Version “[KJV] 1 Corinthians 14:22 — Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.”
- I Corinthians “I Corinthians 14:5 (BBE) — Now though it is my desire for you all to have the power of tongues, it would give me more pleasure to be hearing the prophet's word from you; for this is a greater thing than using tongues, if the sense is not given at the same time, for the good of the church.”
- I Corinthians “I Corinthians 14:22 (KJV) — Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.”
- 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 12:20: But now are they many members,.... Of different make and shape, in different parts and places, and of different use and service: yet but one body; all are united together, and make up one complete body, and which without each of them would not be perfect: so there are many members in the body of Christ, the church; some are teachers, others are hearers; some give, and others receive; but all make up but one church, of which Christ is the head; nor can anyone of them be spared; was anyone wanting, even the meanest, there would be a deficiency, and the church ”
- 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 14:22: Wherefore tongues are for a sign - The miraculous gift of tongues was never designed for the benefit of those who have already believed, but for the instruction of unbelievers, that they might see from such a miracle that this is the work of God; and so embrace the Gospel. But as, in the times of the prophet, the strange Babylonish tongues came in the way of punishment, and not in the way of mercy; take heed that it be not the case now: that, by dwelling on the gift, ye forget the Giver; and what was designed for you as a blessing, may prove to you to be a c”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 14:5: Translate, "Now I wish you all to speak with tongues (so far am I from thus speaking through having any objection to tongues), but rather IN ORDER THAT (as my ulterior and higher wish for you) ye should prophesy." Tongues must therefore mean languages, not ecstatic, unintelligible rhapsodie (as NEANDER fancied): for Paul could never "wish" for the latter in their behalf. greater--because more useful. except he interpret--the unknown tongue which he speaks, "that the Church may receive edifying (building up)."”
- 1 Corinthians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 14:21: In this passage the apostle pursues the argument, and reasons from other topics; as, I. Tongues, as the Corinthians used them, were rather a token of judgment from God than mercy to any people (Co1 14:21): In the law (that is, the Old Testament) it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak to this people; and yet for all this they will not hear me, saith the Lord, Isa 28:11. Compare Deu 28:46, Deu 28:49. To both these passages, it is thought, the apostle refers. Both are delivered by way of threatening, and one is supposed to interp”
- 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 14:21: Wherefore tongues are for a sign,.... Of wrath and punishment inflicted on a rebellious and unbelieving people, and not of grace and kindness, as prophesying, or speaking to them by the prophets, was; and so this is an inference from what is said in the preceding verse, and shows, that there was no reason why believers should be so very desirous of them. But if these words refer to all that is said before on this subject, the word "sign" may be taken for a miracle; and so a new argument is formed against an over fondness for divers tongues, and the use of them”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 14:18: 14:18-19 Paul affirmed the personal value of speaking in tongues, but speaking in a church meeting should help others, not only the speaker.”