Was Paul referring to "Tongues of angels" as literal language or hyperbole?

 

Well, that's obviously a hyperbole but there is a deep message and purpose or strategy behind Paul's use of it. Paul spends a good time in between listing and desiring spiritual gifts and explaining about tongues and prophecy in light of church edification and worship discipline just to show that without Love spiritual gifts are nothing.

 

The likely purpose of Paul’s use of tongues of angels could be sarcasm to a self-elevated view of Corinthians in spiritual conduct. There are certain mention of tongues of angels in non-canonical book like Testament of Job. The thing unusually going around with Corinthians was their high view of spirituality because of tongues. But they were deprived of love and proper conduct at church. Hence, Paul urged them to seek benefit of the whole church instead and desire prophecy more.

 

Paul neither highlights tongues as awesome gift nor does he condemn its usage. It seems by his own words that he knows this gift is really amazing and fruitful. Meanwhile, he also realizes its appropriate place of use. He also ends by saying not to forbid tongues by knowing its usefulness alongside giving warning of its inappropriate usage at the church.

 

With these things all in mind, addressing the problems of Corinthians, Paul used the term they might have been familiar with to show their foolishness.

 

Hence, it was a hyperbole but with something significant meaning it carries in that culture.

Resources:

•          Abingdon Bible commentary
•          Commentary by Gordon D Fee
•          An Evaluation of Speaking in Tongues as Angelic An Evaluation of Speaking in Tongues as Angelic Language from the Judaean and Early Christian Language from the Judaean and Early Christian Perspectives Perspectives by Eben jager
•          Hard sayings of the Bible, Walter Kaiser