The spiritual gift of speaking in tongues is often debated throughout the different denominations of Christianity. Some argue that it is specific gift that is given to specific people and if there is NOT an interpreter present with the message then it is unholy or false. However, in Scripture, there are explanations of this gift divided into distinct types just as we have different dialects and languages in diverse cultures. In 1 Corinthians 14:1-5 a description of each is given–” Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that may prophesy. For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.”
There is an angelic language bestowed to everyone that has been baptized in the Holy Spirit, this tongue is unknown to man and is intimate between you and Yahweh. While it may not be a recognizable phrase to you when it is uttered, it is something to honor and practice regularly in private. I have discovered mine in recent years, and it was recently revealed to my husband during time of him laying hands and praying over me. It was when I spoke these words that the migraine and body pain, I was experiencing was instantly soothed. This language is a beautiful way to communicate with the Holy Spirit on a deeper level and does indeed bring healing and restoration, Jehovah Shalom (The Lord is Peace).
There is also 2 other type of tongues that are separated by their purpose, one would be to edify the church and prophesy, while the other is to edify oneself. I have spoken in tongues and realized it was Hebrew words I was uttering although I did not will myself to say these words. I recognized Jehovah T’sidkenu (The God of My Righteousness), which before research I did not know about that specific title of the Lord. I am still growing and learning as I grow nearer, closer each day. This was done during intercessory prayer for a loved one. This would not be the same still as the specific spiritual gift of tongues. Not every believer possesses such a gift aside from their prayer language. It is true that known earthly languages can be spoken by those who never learned them, and this has been made evident throughout history.
This phenomenon was first recorded in the Holy Bible in Acts 2:5-11, to the time of the Ante-Nicene Fathers, to today. There are many recorded instances regarding this gift including Tertullian; an early Christian author from Carthage (circa 155-240 AD) that wrote about how the gift of tongues was not done with human sense but with the Spirit of God, and how it was done to prophesy. St. Francis Xavier (circa 1506-1552) was a missionary given the gift of tongues by God to render him the ability to preach to Chinese merchants even though he had never learned the language, they understood him and his message. An interpreter should always be present in these cases, whereas his audience was in that moment because it was their native language.
In 1 Corinthians 12:27-30 these specific spiritual gifts are outlined–” Now you are the Body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?” Not all believers will have the same gifts, which means not all believers will share this gift of tongues and interpretation. But all believers can and will speak in angelic tongues. To elaborate on the gift of tongues look to 1 Corinthians 14:6-9–” But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I prophet you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching? Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played? For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle? So likewise, you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.” This means even if the tongues do not make sense to others, that does not mean it is nonsense and there will be an interpretation given if this is indeed the gift of tongues, given to prophesy to and edify the church, which is the Body of Christ.
There are spiritual gifts we have received when baptized in the Holy Spirit and there are spiritual gifts bestowed upon those who the Lord has appointed in that office. It is important to discern which gifts we are given freely, and which are selected for each member of the Body of Christ. The greatest of which is Love. Elohim’s unconditional love for us is to be honored when we practice our gifts; everything should be done in accordance with the Living Word. We should all be responsible and utilize each offering because we ourselves are offerings to the Lord. We sacrifice our selfish pride and submit to a Doulos servitude with humility by the Grace of God. These appointed gifts are revealed through God unveiling them as we draw nearer to Him as told in James 4:7-8–” Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” It took casting out all worry and doubt (doublemindedness), to have my prayer language put into action.
