Bible Study: The Gift of Tongues in the New Testament

Main Passages
• Acts 2:1-4 – The first instance of speaking in tongues at Pentecost
• 1 Corinthians 14:1-5, 13-19, 27-28 – Paul’s teaching on the use of tongues in the church
• Mark 16:17 – Jesus mentions tongues as a sign of believers

Opening Discussion
• Have you ever heard someone speak in tongues? What was your reaction?
• What do you think the Bible teaches about speaking in tongues?

1. What Are Tongues?

Read: Acts 2:1-13

Discussion Questions:
1. What do you notice about the tongues spoken at Pentecost?
2. According to Acts 2:5-11, how did people react?
3. Were these tongues known human languages, or something else?

Key Point:
• In Acts 2, tongues were known languages understood by different people.
• Tongues are a supernatural ability given by the Holy Spirit to speak in languages not learned naturally.

2. The Purpose of Tongues

Read: 1 Corinthians 14:1-5, 22

Discussion Questions:
1. What does Paul say is greater: prophecy or speaking in tongues? Why?
2. According to verse 22, what is one purpose of tongues? (A sign for unbelievers.)
3. How does speaking in tongues benefit the individual and the church?

Key Points:
• Personal Edification: Speaking in tongues builds up the believer (1 Corinthians 14:4).
• A Sign for Unbelievers: Tongues can be a miraculous sign (1 Corinthians 14:22).
• Communication of God’s Message: Sometimes, tongues are used to communicate God’s truth to others, as in Acts 2.

3. How Are Tongues to Be Used?

Read: 1 Corinthians 14:13-19, 27-28

Discussion Questions:
1. Why does Paul emphasize praying for an interpretation (v. 13)?
2. What is Paul’s personal approach to speaking in tongues (v. 18-19)?
3. What guidelines does Paul give for tongues in a church gathering (v. 27-28)?

Key Points:
• Tongues should be used with interpretation in corporate worship (1 Corinthians 14:27-28).
• Not everyone speaks in tongues (1 Corinthians 12:30).
• Tongues should be used in order and not cause confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40).

4. Practical Application
• Do you believe speaking in tongues is still relevant today? Why or why not?
• If you have experienced or witnessed tongues, did it align with biblical teaching?
• How can we ensure spiritual gifts, including tongues, are used biblically in our churches today?

Read: 1 Corinthians 13: 1-8

Closing Prayer

Ask God for wisdom in understanding and using spiritual gifts for His glory and the edification of the church.