Is Speaking in Tongues Biblical?
- Boundless Team
- Mar 12
- 7 min read
Tier 2 → New Believers & Seekers
Yes, the Bible describes speaking in tongues as a spiritual gift and the initial physical evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4). It is a means of personal edification and a sign to the church, practiced today as it was in the early New Testament church.
Bible Verses to Ground This (Start Here)
Passage | What it shows |
Acts 2:4 | The Spirit fills believers and they speak in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. |
1 Corinthians 14:2 | Tongues can be prayer to God that builds up the believer (personal edification). |
Acts 10:46 | Gentile believers receive the Holy Spirit and are heard speaking in tongues and magnifying God. |
Why This Matters for Us
At First Assembly Memphis, we’re Pentecostal because we believe the Holy Spirit is still doing what we see Him doing in Acts—right here in the 901 and around the world. Tongues aren’t a “weird add-on.” They’re one way God strengthens believers, builds His church, and empowers witness.
Whether you’re exploring faith, coming back to church, or already following Jesus and hungry for more—this conversation matters because the Spirit’s work is meant to be personal and practical.
The Day Everything Changed
Let's go back to where it all started. Picture this: 120 followers of Jesus, huddled together in an upper room in Jerusalem. They'd been waiting, praying, believing Jesus' promise that something big was coming. Then it happened.
Acts 2:1-4 tells us that on the Day of Pentecost, "suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
This wasn't quiet. This wasn't orderly in a traditional sense. This was God showing up in power, and when He did, everyone in that room started speaking in languages they'd never learned. The crowd outside, Jews from all over the known world who'd come to Jerusalem for the feast, heard these Galilean believers praising God in their native tongues. Some were amazed. Others mocked, saying they must be drunk.
But Peter stood up and explained: this is exactly what the prophet Joel said would happen. God was pouring out His Spirit on all flesh, and this was just the beginning.
Not a One-Time Event
Here's what's crucial: Pentecost wasn't a one-and-done moment. Throughout the book of Acts, we see this pattern repeat again and again.
When Peter preached to Cornelius and his household (the first Gentile converts), Acts 10:44-46 records: "While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word... For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God." The Jewish believers with Peter were shocked, not that these Gentiles got saved, but that they received the same Holy Spirit with the same evidence they'd experienced at Pentecost.
When Paul met disciples in Ephesus who'd only heard John's baptism, he taught them about Jesus and baptized them. Acts 19:6 says, "And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied."
The pattern is clear: when believers received the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues accompanied that experience as a supernatural sign.
Pastoral Insight: Why Pentecostals Emphasize Tongues (And What It’s For)
In the Assemblies of God (and at FA Memphis), we believe speaking in tongues is the initial physical evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit—a Pentecostal distinctive anchored in what we repeatedly see in Acts (like Acts 2:4 and Acts 10:46).
But here’s the heart of it: tongues are not a “spiritual trophy.” They’re a gifted response when the Spirit fills someone—often spilling over into worship, prayer, and surrender.
Definition Block: Baptism in the Holy Spirit
Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a Spirit-empowered experience promised to believers, distinct from salvation, that brings power to witness and deeper spiritual empowerment (see Acts 1:8, Acts 2:4). In AG doctrine, tongues are the initial physical evidence of this baptism.
Definition Block: Speaking in Tongues
Speaking in tongues is Spirit-empowered speech given by God. In private prayer it can be speaking to God beyond our understanding (see 1 Corinthians 14:2). In public settings, Scripture teaches it should be practiced with love, order, and (when needed) interpretation for the church’s edification (1 Corinthians 12–14).
Practically, here’s what I’ve seen tongues do in a believer’s life:
Build personal prayer muscle when words run out (1 Corinthians 14:2).
Refocus worship when stress is loud and faith feels quiet.
Strengthen confidence that God is near and actively helping.
Keep Jesus central—because the Spirit’s job is to point us to Jesus, not to hype an experience.
Paul's Personal Experience
The apostle Paul himself was a tongue-talker. In 1 Corinthians 14:18, he wrote, "I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all." This wasn't Paul bragging, he was making a point about proper use of spiritual gifts in corporate worship. But in the process, he revealed that his personal prayer life was saturated with praying in tongues.
Paul understood both the private devotional aspect of tongues (speaking to God in the Spirit) and the public manifestation (when tongues are interpreted for the edification of the church). He valued both, but he also emphasized order and love as the governing principles.
Is It for Today?
Some Christian traditions teach that speaking in tongues ceased after the apostolic age. We respectfully but firmly disagree. Here's why:
The promise of the Holy Spirit wasn't just for the first century. Peter said at Pentecost, "For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call" (Acts 2:39). That includes us here in the 901, in Cordova, in Memphis, and everyone the Lord calls—no matter where they live.
God hasn't changed. His power hasn't diminished. The same Spirit who fell at Pentecost is available to every believer today. We've seen it happen in our own services, people from all walks of life receiving the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues just like the early church did.
What About Mark 16:17?
Jesus Himself said in Mark 16:17, "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues." Speaking in tongues is listed right there among the signs that follow believers, not apostles specifically, but believers in general.
This wasn't meant to be rare or unusual. It was meant to be normal Christianity.
Addressing Common Questions
"Isn't it just emotionalism?" No. While receiving the Holy Spirit can certainly be emotional (encountering God tends to move us!), speaking in tongues isn't manufactured emotion. It's the Spirit giving the utterance, not our minds producing it. Many people receive quietly and peacefully.
"What if I don't speak in tongues?" Speaking in tongues is connected to the baptism in the Holy Spirit, which is distinct from salvation. Every believer has the Spirit dwelling in them at conversion, but the baptism in the Holy Spirit is a separate, subsequent empowerment for service. If you're a believer and haven't experienced this yet, you can ask! Luke 11:13 promises that the Father gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask.
"Doesn't Paul say not everyone speaks in tongues?" In 1 Corinthians 12:30, Paul asks rhetorically, "Do all speak with tongues?" in the context of public manifestation gifts in the assembly. He's talking about the gift of tongues used in corporate worship (which requires interpretation). That's different from the initial evidence at Spirit baptism. It's the difference between the sign that you've been filled and the ongoing gift used to edify the church.
Why Does This Matter?
Because Jesus said in Acts 1:8, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me." The baptism in the Holy Spirit isn't about speaking in tongues for the sake of speaking in tongues. It's about power for witness, boldness for the gospel, intimacy with God, and spiritual effectiveness.
Speaking in tongues is simply the biblical doorway that shows you've entered into that Spirit-filled life. After that initial evidence, the real adventure begins, living in the daily power and guidance of the Holy Spirit, using all the gifts He distributes as He wills, and being the witnesses Jesus called us to be.
FA Memphis Series: This post is part of our FA Memphis teaching library, created to help people in Memphis and the 901 understand Scripture and grow in Spirit-filled faith.
Prayer: “Holy Spirit, Fill Me”
Holy Spirit, thank You for drawing me closer to Jesus. I ask You to fill me—fresh and full—just like You did in the book of Acts. Give me boldness to witness, power to live holy, and a deeper hunger for God. If You desire, let my prayer overflow in new tongues as You give the utterance. I trust You, and I receive what You have for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Ready to Learn More (And Ask Real Questions)?
If you want to learn more about the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, and Spirit baptism, come hang with us in our Sunday classes (and if you’re not in Memphis, we’ll help you take next steps online too). And if you’d like, you can also send a prayer request—no pressure, no embarrassment, just family.
Need prayers? Text us day or night at 1-901-213-7341. (Note: This line is for prayer and pastoral support, not emergency services. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please call 911.)
Sunday Grounding + Today’s Note (March 9)
Sundays at FA Memphis:9:30 AM Classes / 10:30 AM Worship
Today (March 9): Pastoral Staff Meeting at 9:00 AM
Want to go deeper?
If you're in Memphis, Cordova, Arlington, Bartlett, or the 901, join us in person: 🌐 www.famemphis.net
Outside the area? Join our online church community: 🌐 www.boundlessonlinechurch.org
Need prayer? 📞 Call or Text: (901) 213-7341
You are not alone.
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