Speaking with the Tongues of Men and Angels
“They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues.” (Acts 2:4)
One topic most Christians find highly controversial is speaking in tongues. Many believe it is a heavenly or angelic language that edifies God and proves one’s salvation, while others contend it is simply gibberish. Proponents often point to Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13 for proof.
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels but have not love, I have become a sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.” (1 Cor 13:1)
They also point to 1 Corinthians 14:2, where Paul seems to indicate that he can speak an angelic language meant for God, and men cannot understand it because “he speaks mysteries.”
“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.”
A third common Scripture proponents use is also in 1 Corinthians 14.
“Therefore, let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.” (v13)
This verse seems to indicate that speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift that others can interpret. Further on in chapter fourteen, Paul says, “Therefore, tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers,” which many people…
