Tongues, Division, and What Paul Actually Said

Few topics in the Church create more arguments than the gift of tongues.

Some believers say tongues were only known human languages spoken in Acts 2. Others believe tongues can also be a spiritual language given by the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, instead of seeking understanding together, many Christians end up attacking one another over a gift Paul specifically told us not to forbid.

The goal of this blog is not to create more division—but to bring us back to Scripture, humility, and the heart behind Paul’s teaching.

What Happened at Pentecost?

In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples, and they began speaking in other tongues.

The people gathered in Jerusalem were shocked because they heard the disciples speaking in their own native languages:

“And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?” — Acts 2:8 (NKJV)

This clearly shows that tongues can involve known human languages that the speaker never learned naturally.

But this is not the only thing Scripture says about tongues.

Paul Describes Something More

When Paul addresses tongues in 1 Corinthians 12–14, he describes experiences that go beyond simply speaking another earthly language.

He writes:

“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.” — 1 Corinthians 14:2 (NKJV)

Paul also says:

“For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.” — 1 Corinthians 14:14 (NKJV)

And perhaps most interestingly:

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels…” — 1 Corinthians 13:1 (NKJV)

These verses show that Scripture leaves room for tongues to be more than only known earthly languages. Paul describes tongues that:

• are directed toward God,

• are not understood by others,

• involve spiritual mysteries,

• and may even include heavenly or angelic language.

The Real Context of Paul’s Teaching

One of the biggest misunderstandings surrounding tongues is this:

Paul was not trying to stop the gift.

He was trying to bring order to how it was being used within the church.

The Corinthian church had become disorderly. People were speaking over one another, drawing attention to themselves, and creating confusion during gatherings.

Paul’s correction was not:

“Stop speaking in tongues.”

Instead, his correction was:

“Use the gifts properly and in love.”

He instructed that if tongues are spoken publicly in the church, there should be interpretation so the body can be edified:

“Let all things be done decently and in order.” — 1 Corinthians 14:40 (NKJV)

Yet in the same chapter Paul also says:

“Do not forbid to speak with tongues.” — 1 Corinthians 14:39 (NKJV)

That verse alone should cause believers to approach this subject with humility and caution.

Tongues Are Not the Greatest Gift

Another important truth often missed in these debates is that Paul never places tongues above other gifts.

In fact, Paul emphasizes love far more than spiritual gifts themselves.

It is no accident that between chapters 12 and 14—the two largest discussions on spiritual gifts—Paul places chapter 13, the chapter about love.

Without love:

• gifts become noise,

• knowledge becomes pride,

• and spiritual discussions become division.

The real tragedy is not whether someone believes tongues are spiritual or linguistic.

The real tragedy is when Christians destroy unity over a gift that was meant to glorify God.

Babel and Pentecost

There is also a beautiful contrast in Scripture worth noticing.

At the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11), languages became a source of division and scattering because of human pride and rebellion.

At Pentecost (Acts 2), God used languages through the Holy Spirit to unite people under the Gospel.

Babel scattered.The Spirit gathers.

What once divided humanity became, through Christ, a sign that the Gospel was for every nation, tribe, and tongue.

What Should Our Response Be?

As believers, we should:

• stay grounded in Scripture,

• remain teachable,

• avoid pride,

• and refuse to attack fellow Christians over secondary issues.

Not every believer will agree perfectly on spiritual gifts, but we should all agree on this:

Jesus Christ is Lord. The Holy Spirit still works. And the Church must walk in love.

Paul himself asked:

“Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? … Do all speak with tongues?” — 1 Corinthians 12:29–30 (NKJV)

The implied answer is no.

Yet Paul also said:

“I wish you all spoke with tongues…” — 1 Corinthians 14:5 (NKJV)

This shows that tongues are neither required for salvation nor something believers should mock, fear, or forbid.

Final Thoughts

The problem today is not simply misunderstanding tongues.

The deeper issue is pride.

One side may try to shut down anything supernatural. Another side may elevate spiritual gifts above spiritual maturity.

But Scripture calls us higher.

The goal was never to win arguments. The goal was always to become more like Christ.

May we pursue truth without arrogance, correction without condemnation, and spiritual gifts without losing love.

Pastor Scott