What exactly is the gift of tongues? Some may say its a gift of learning different languages for evangelistic purpose while other may say its a kind of ecstatic speech used in prayer and praise. The former group believe it as an earthly language while the later group think it to be angelic language. Well, the debate goes on. Its uncertain what Paul exactly meant by tongues; you cannot be helped by any Bible commentaries; you cannot get help from the historical documentation or testimonies. They support either sides. But there is certain obvious message Paul had in his mind.
In 1 Corinthians 12–14, the Apostle Paul addresses the proper use of spiritual gifts, with a particular focus on speaking in tongues. Far from debating the nature of tongues—whether they are earthly languages or heavenly utterances—Paul’s primary concern is their disciplined and appropriate function in the church. His teaching, rooted in the priority of love and edification, offers timeless guidance for Christian communities.
Paul sets the stage in 1 Corinthians 12 by outlining the diversity of spiritual gifts, emphasizing that each is given for the “common good” (1 Cor 12:7, ESV). In chapter 13, he elevates love as the “more excellent way” (12:31; 13:1–13), declaring that without love, even the gift of tongues is “a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal” (13:1). This context shapes his discussion in chapter 14, where he corrects the Corinthian church’s overemphasis on tongues, which some likely viewed as a mark of spiritual superiority.
Rather than dismissing tongues, Paul acknowledges their value, noting that he himself speaks in tongues “more than all of you” (14:18). However, he stresses their proper place: tongues must edify the church, typically through interpretation (14:5, 13, 27–28). He contrasts tongues with prophecy, which directly builds up the community (14:3–4), urging believers to “strive to excel in building up the church” (14:12). For Paul, the issue is not the gift’s nature but its misuse when it fosters confusion or self-exaltation rather than unity and love.
The debate over whether tongues are earthly (as in Acts 2:4–11) or ecstatic (as some interpret 1 Cor 14:2) is secondary to Paul’s point. As scholar Gordon Fee notes, “Paul’s concern is not with the gift itself but with its abuse in the Corinthian assembly” (The First Epistle to the Corinthians, NICNT, p. 656). Similarly, John Chrysostom, in his Homilies on First Corinthians, emphasizes that Paul seeks to “knit the church together in harmony” by directing gifts toward communal benefit (Homily 35).
Paul’s teaching remains relevant today: spiritual gifts, including tongues, are God-given but must serve love and edification. By prioritizing these, the church reflects the unity and peace of a God who is not a God of disorder but of harmony (1 Cor 14:33).
Despite my honest uncertainty regarding the nature of tongues, I side with angelic nature though I am quite open to evangelistic nature. The only lesson we must learn is: Do we have attitude of Love while using it? Else, read 1 Corinthians 13-14 again.
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