The Benefits of Speaking in Tongues: A Biblical and Historical Exploration

Speaking in tongues (also referred to as glossolalia) has captivated believers for centuries with its mysterious yet deeply personal nature. From the Day of Pentecost to modern charismatic and Pentecostal movements, Christians who embrace this spiritual gift testify to a range of remarkable benefits: profound inner peace, heightened prayer effectiveness, and even miraculous signs and healings.

Far from being just an emotional experience, many find that speaking in tongues can transform their daily walk with God, enriching personal devotion and igniting a greater passion for worship.

What You Will Learn

• Biblical Foundations: Discover the scriptural basis for speaking in tongues and how it has been practiced since the early Church.
• Historical Context: Explore key moments in church history—from the early Church Fathers to the Azusa Street Revival—where this gift has reemerged powerfully.
• Spiritual Benefits: Learn how speaking in tongues can deepen personal devotion, strengthen faith, and facilitate intercessory prayer.
• Miraculous Testimonies: Read about reported healings and supernatural events attributed to the gift of tongues.
• Famous Figures: Find out which influential Christian leaders and revivalists have testified to the power of speaking in tongues.
• Key Debates: Understand the most common arguments for and against speaking in tongues, as well as the practical considerations for modern believers.

Biblical Foundations for Speaking in Tongues

Scriptural support for speaking in tongues is found in both the Old and New Testaments. The Bible presents speaking in tongues as a genuine gift from God, meant for the edification of believers and as a sign of His power. Key biblical references include:

• Old Testament Foreshadowing: The prophet Isaiah delivered a curious prophecy: “For with stammering lips and another tongue will He speak to this people”​biblestudytools.com. This is often seen as a foreshadowing of God speaking through unknown tongues. Likewise, Joel 2:28 predicted God would “pour out [His] Spirit on all flesh” – a prophecy the Apostle Peter said was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:16-18).
• Jesus’ Promise: After His resurrection, Jesus foretold that “those who believe…will speak in new tongues” (Mark 16:17). This anticipated sign was realized by the early disciples.
• Day of Pentecost (Acts 2): The first dramatic instance of tongue-speaking in the New Testament was on Pentecost. “All of [the apostles] were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance”​biblehub.com. Jews from various nations were astonished to each hear the disciples speaking in their own native languages, declaring the wonders of God (Acts 2:4-11). About 3,000 people came to faith that day, showing tongues as an evangelistic sign as well as a personal infilling.
• Gentiles Receive the Spirit (Acts 10): When the first Gentiles (non-Jews) converted to Christianity at Cornelius’s house, God gave a visible confirmation: “the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word”, and the Jewish witnesses “heard them speak with tongues and magnify God”​biblehub.com. This showed that speaking in tongues was not just for the first apostles or Jews, but for all believers as God willed.
• Disciples at Ephesus (Acts 19): The pattern continued as the gospel spread. In Ephesus, the Apostle Paul laid hands on some new disciples, “the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied” (Acts 19:6). This demonstrated that years after Pentecost, the gift of tongues was still being bestowed.
• Teaching in the Epistles: The Apostle Paul discusses tongues at length, especially in 1 Corinthians. He lists “various kinds of tongues” among the gifts of the Spirit distributed in the church (1 Corinthians 12:7-11,28). In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul gives instructions on the proper use of tongues in worship. He explains that “anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God...he utters mysteries by the Spirit”​web.mit.edu. Paul highlights both personal and communal aspects of the gift:
  
  • Personal Edification: “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself”​web.mit.edu – it builds up the individual spiritually.
  • Corporate Edification: If interpreted, a tongue can edify others like prophecy does. Paul says he wants “everyone of you to speak in tongues”​web.mit.edu but in the gathered church he values clear prophecy more unless there is interpretation.
  • Prayer and Praise: “If I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays” and “I will sing with the spirit….”​web.mit.edu – indicating tongues can be used in prayer and singing worship to God.
  • A Sign for Unbelievers: Quoting Isaiah, Paul notes that “tongues are a sign…for unbelievers” (1 Cor 14:22) – as happened at Pentecost when outsiders witnessed God’s power. Yet he also cautions that in a congregation, if everyone speaks in tongues without order, an outsider might be confused (1 Cor 14:23). Thus, he regulates the use (only a few at a time, and someone interpret the meaning – 1 Cor 14:27-28).
  • Not to Be Forbidden: Importantly, Paul’s conclusion is “do not forbid speaking in tongues”​web.mit.edu, as long as everything is done “decently and in order” (1 Cor 14:39-40).
• Prayer in the Spirit: Elsewhere, believers are encouraged to “pray in the Holy Spirit” (Jude 1:20, cf. Ephesians 6:18). Many Christians understand this to include praying in tongues as a Spirit-led prayer language when human words are insufficient. Paul also writes that “the Spirit helps in our weakness, interceding for us with groanings too deep for words” (Romans 8:26), which Charismatic teachers often connect with the gift of tongues operating in deep prayer.

In summary, the Bible portrays speaking in tongues as a real gift from God. It was present among Jesus’ earliest followers and the next generation of believers across various regions. The New Testament gives guidelines rather than any indication that the gift was to disappear. These scriptures form the foundation for Christians who practice speaking in tongues today.

Historical Context: Tongues in the Church Through the Ages

After the biblical era, did speaking in tongues continue? Historical records suggest that it did, surfacing in different periods of church history. While not always common, there are documented cases of glossolalia from the early church up to modern times:

• Early Church (2nd–4th Centuries): Several Church Fathers reference miraculous gifts. Around 150 AD (only decades after the last apostle died), Irenaeus of Lyons wrote, “we hear many brethren in the Church who possess prophetic gifts and who through the Spirit speak all kinds of languages”​apostolic.edu. In the late 2nd century, the North African theologian Tertullian challenged a heretic by asking him to produce a similar display of the Spirit, including tongues with interpretation, as was common among true believers​apostolic.edu. A notable movement in this era was Montanism (2nd century), whose followers engaged in ecstatic prophecy and speaking in tongues; their intense practices were “carried away in spirit” and eventually deemed heterodox by the wider church​apostolic.edu. St. Augustine in the 4th century indicated that in his days converts still “spoke with new tongues” when they received the Holy Spirit​apostolic.edu – suggesting the expectation of tongues at Spirit baptism lingered in some Christian communities.
• Middle Ages: Reports of tongue-speaking are scarcer in the medieval era (5th–15th century), possibly due to strict church control and less documentation. One shining example is Hildegard of Bingen, a 12th-century German abbess and mystic. It was recorded that she could “speak and interpret an entirely unknown language” during ecstatic worship​apostolic.edu. Some sources also note instances among certain monastic or mystical groups. Overall, one historian observed that from the Church Fathers until the Reformation, tongues became an “almost forgotten phenomenon,” only reappearing when people rediscovered the Scriptural teaching on it​apostolic.edu​apostolic.edu.
• Reformation and Post-Reformation (16th–18th Centuries): The Protestant Reformation (1500s) brought a new emphasis on the Bible, and with it came fresh reports of spiritual gifts. Martin Luther himself was described by a contemporary historian as “a prophet, evangelist, speaker in tongues, and interpreter, in one person, endowed with all the gifts of the Holy Spirit”​apostolic.edu. Not long after, around 1700, persecuted French Protestants known as Huguenot prophets (in the Cévennes region) experienced outbreaks of singing and speaking in tongues. Even children among them, who spoke only their local dialect, would suddenly preach or pray in perfect French under the Spirit’s influence​apostolic.edu​apostolic.edu. John Wesley, the 18th-century revivalist and founder of Methodism, acknowledged reports of tongues among French Christians. Responding to an academic who claimed no such gifts occurred after the apostles, Wesley retorted that “it has been heard more than once, no further off than the valleys of Dauphiny” (the Cévennes in France)​apostolic.edu​apostolic.edu. This indicates Wesley knew of instances of tongues in recent history. During the fiery early Methodist and evangelical revivals, there were phenomena of people sobbing, shouting, and even uttering “unintelligible sounds” in prayer​apostolic.edu, which some link to a form of tongues. Meanwhile, the Quakers (Society of Friends) in the 17th century reported moments when, after long silence, “our hearts were glad and our tongues loosed… and we spake with new tongues as the Lord gave us utterance”​apostolic.edu, breaking out in Spirit-inspired praise.
• 19th Century Holiness and Revival Movements: In the 1800s, as Christians prayed for a “New Pentecost,” sporadic cases of tongue-speaking were recorded. Edward Irving, a Presbyterian minister in London (1820s), encouraged ecstatic utterances in his congregation; eventually “the gift of tongues was soon to follow and became a part of his services.” Irving’s meetings grew so controversial that his group was forced out of the Presbyterian church, forming the Catholic Apostolic Church which included tongues in its theology​apostolic.edu. In the United States, holiness movement prayer meetings in the late 1800s also saw instances of tongues. Notably, in 1896 a revival among the Christian Union in North Carolina reported many speaking in tongues, and missionaries like Dwight L. Moody observed youth in his London meetings suddenly praying in tongues after an outpouring of the Spirit​apostolic.edu​apostolic.edu. These scattered sparks were harbingers of a coming blaze.
• Early 20th Century: Pentecostal Outpouring: In January 1901, in Topeka, Kansas, a Bible school led by Charles Parham was studying Acts 2. During a New Year’s prayer vigil, a young woman named Agnes Ozman asked for prayer to receive the Holy Spirit – and began to speak in tongues (reportedly in an unknown Chinese dialect)​cuamerica.org​cuamerica.org. This event is often considered the dawn of the modern Pentecostal revival. A few years later in 1906, an African-American Holiness preacher, William J. Seymour, led the famous Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles. At Azusa Street, people of all races and backgrounds gathered, seeking the “baptism in the Holy Spirit.” The meetings were marked by “ecstatic spiritual experiences accompanied by miracles, dramatic worship services, speaking in tongues, and inter-racial fellowship”​en.wikipedia.org. Eyewitnesses at Azusa reported that many received healing (blind eyes opened, diseases cured) and that uneducated individuals miraculously spoke in foreign languages unknown to them​cuamerica.org​cuamerica.org. The local press, both intrigued and mocking, dubbed it a “Weird Babel of Tongues”​cuamerica.org. Despite criticism, the Azusa revival ignited the Pentecostal Movement, spreading the practice of speaking in tongues across the U.S. and to the ends of the earth. By 1908 the revival’s intensity waned, but by then missionaries and new Pentecostal converts had carried the fire worldwide.
• Mid/Late 20th Century: Charismatic Movement: In the 1960s, the experience of tongues spread beyond Pentecostal denominations into traditional churches. In 1960, Rev. Dennis Bennett, an Episcopal rector in California, announced to his congregation that he had spoken in tongues—an event often credited with kicking off the Charismatic renewal in mainline Protestantism. Over the next decade, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Baptist, and even Roman Catholic believers reported receiving the Holy Spirit in a similar fashion. In 1967, a retreat of Catholic students at Duquesne University led to a spontaneous outbreak of praying in tongues, birthing the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. By the 1970s and 1980s, prayer groups and fellowships practicing tongues were found in almost every Christian tradition, emphasizing that this gift was not limited to classical Pentecostal churches.
• Today: Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians now number around 600 million globally, making this one of the largest and fastest-growing branches of Christianity​cuamerica.org. For these believers, speaking in tongues remains a normal part of devotional life and worship. Churches around the world – from large congregations in Africa and Latin America to small prayer meetings in homes – continue to witness this gift in operation. While experiences vary, many see the modern resurgence of tongues as a continuation of what began in the New Testament and was revived at events like Azusa Street.

Throughout history, speaking in tongues has thus been a thread – sometimes visible, sometimes nearly invisible – woven through the tapestry of the Church. Whenever Christians earnestly sought a renewal of New Testament power, reports of tongues often followed. This historical perspective gives context for understanding the role and benefits of tongues today.

Spiritual Benefits of Speaking in Tongues

Why do Christians speak in tongues? What spiritual benefits does this practice offer? Those who exercise this gift (in private devotion or in church with interpretation) often report a range of positive effects on their spiritual life. The Bible itself points to several purposes and benefits of speaking in tongues:

• Personal Edification and Strengthening: The Apostle Paul plainly states, “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself”​web.mit.edu. The word edify means to build up or strengthen. Praying or speaking in tongues is like a spiritual workout – it builds up one’s inner spirit. Many believers testify that after praying in tongues, they feel spiritually refreshed and encouraged, even if they didn’t understand the words their spirit was praying. Early Pentecostal leader Smith Wigglesworth (1859–1947) credited much of his spiritual power to this personal edification. He wrote: “I want you to see that he that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself or builds himself up…. I cannot estimate what I, personally, owe to the Holy Ghost method of spiritual edification…. God has given me this supernatural means of speaking in an unknown tongue to edify myself, so that, after being edified, I can edify the church.”​smithwigglesworth.com​smithwigglesworth.com. In other words, tongues was a “secret” to his spiritual strength – a gift that kept his soul ablaze and ready for ministry. Jude 1:20 echoes this, “build yourselves up in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.” According to these believers, speaking in tongues is one key way to fulfill that verse, by allowing the Holy Spirit to fortify our faith from within.
• Prayer Language for Deeper Communication with God: Many use tongues as a prayer language – a way to pray beyond the limits of our human intellect. Paul explained, “If I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful” (1 Cor 14:14). This suggests that when praying in tongues, our spirit is communing directly with God, even if our mind doesn’t grasp the language. This can be especially helpful when we don’t know what to pray. Have you ever faced a situation so complex or painful that you ran out of words in prayer? Believers who practice tongues find comfort in yielding to the Holy Spirit at such times. They trust that “the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words” (Rom 8:26) – often through the utterance of tongues. It allows prayer to flow from the heart without the bottleneck of our limited vocabulary. Some refer to this as “praying in the Spirit.” Instead of relying on our understanding, we let the Holy Spirit direct our prayers. Countless testimonies illustrate this benefit. For example, Corrie ten Boom, a famous Dutch Christian, once described being so burdened for a need that she began to pray in tongues; later she discovered that at that exact hour her prayer was answered in a miraculous way overseas. In a documented case, missionary Willie Burton lay dying of fever in the Congo until, at that moment, a woman in London felt compelled by the Spirit to intercede for him in tongues. She later told Burton, “The Spirit of the Lord took hold of me and prayed through me in an unknown tongue… I saw a vision of you laid out helpless; I cried out in the unknown tongue till I saw you rise up.” When they compared times, it matched the very hour he recovered​smithwigglesworth.com​smithwigglesworth.com. Such stories show why many cherish tongues as a powerful tool for intercessory prayer, enabling them to pray according to God’s will when human language falls short.
• Worship and Praise: Speaking or singing in tongues can be a means of worshiping God “in spirit” (John 4:24). Paul indicates that one can sing in tongues: “I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding” (1 Cor 14:15). This suggests a dual mode of worship – with our known language and with the Spirit’s language. Often in charismatic worship, after the lyrics of a song end, people may continue softly singing in tongues, expressing adoration beyond words. Many describe this as a deeply moving experience of intimacy with God, as if the Holy Spirit helps them praise God in higher or deeper ways. In Acts 10:46 we saw that the Gentiles spoke in tongues and exalted God – their tongues was essentially praise. Early Quakers in the 1600s described how in meetings the Spirit would move and “our tongues loosed…and we spake with new tongues… and then began we to sing praise to the Lord God Almighty”​apostolic.edu. In modern times, believers likewise find that praying in tongues can lead to spontaneous praise. It can also bring a sense of “rest” and refreshment – fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy “This is the rest with which you may cause the weary to rest” (Isa 28:12). In congregational settings, a time of singing in tongues in harmony (sometimes called a “heavenly chorus”) can be profoundly beautiful, creating an atmosphere of awe as worshipers feel the Holy Spirit’s presence.
• Intercession and Spiritual Warfare: As noted, tongues is often employed in intercessory prayer – praying for others or for situations where we lack details. One practical benefit is that it guards the content of our prayers. Since only God understands, one can pray for someone in tongues without knowing their confidential needs, thus maintaining privacy while still targeting the prayer. Some Pentecostals also see tongues as a weapon in spiritual warfare – a way to pray guided by the Spirit against forces of darkness. They cite Ephesians 6:18’s call to pray “in the Spirit” as part of the armor of God. While this is a more subjective area, many charismatics report that when they feel under spiritual attack or facing oppression, praying in tongues brings a breakthrough or a sense of victory in Christ. It is as if the Holy Spirit rallies within them to push back against what they cannot see.
• Giving of Thanks and Blessing: Another spiritual benefit is simply giving thanks well. Paul mentions, “You may be giving thanks well enough [when you praise in the spirit], but the other person is not edified” (1 Cor 14:17). This implies that tongues can be a form of thanksgiving and blessing God. In times of joy or gratitude when one’s heart is full, tongues provides another channel to pour out thanksgiving to God. It’s not limited by the speaker’s vocabulary or eloquence – which is a beautiful thing for those who feel their human praises can’t do justice to God’s goodness.
• A Sign of the Holy Spirit’s Filling: While this is more a consequence than a goal, speaking in tongues serves as a tangible sign of the Holy Spirit’s work. In the New Testament, often when believers received the Holy Spirit, tongues manifested (Acts 2, 10, 19). Many Christians today likewise value tongues as an assuring sign that they have been “baptized in the Holy Spirit.” In Pentecostal theology, speaking in tongues is considered the “initial physical evidence” of the Holy Spirit baptism – meaning it’s a first outward marker that one has been filled with the Spirit. Not all traditions agree with that doctrine (more on that in the debate section), but those who do will testify that when they spoke in tongues, they gained a new confidence that the Holy Spirit was actively working in them. This assurance often leads to greater boldness in witnessing and service, just as the apostles, after receiving the Spirit at Pentecost, immediately preached Christ with new power (Acts 2:14-41).

In summary, the spiritual benefits of speaking in tongues include personal growth and strengthening, a richer prayer life, heartfelt worship, effective intercession, and reassurance of God’s indwelling presence. It’s important to note that, according to Scripture, not everyone will operate in this gift in the same way or to the same degree (see 1 Cor 12:30).

Yet for those who do, it can be a precious aspect of their walk with God. As with any gift, the key is that it is used in love (1 Cor 13) and order, always drawing the person closer to Jesus rather than distracting from Him.

Reported Miracles and Healings Attributed to Tongues

Speaking in tongues is not only about personal edification; at times it has been associated with miraculous signs, healings, and extraordinary providences. Both in the Bible and in church history, there are remarkable testimonies where the gift of tongues played a role in manifesting God’s power:

• Instant Understanding (Xenoglossy): The Day of Pentecost itself was a miracle of communication – people from at least 15 language groups heard the apostles speaking in their native tongues (Acts 2:6-11). This xenoglossy (speaking a real foreign language one has never learned) has occasionally been reported in later times as well. At the Azusa Street Revival (1906), witnesses claimed that “uneducated African-Americans spoke the language of immigrants in attendance from places like Germany, Latin America, and Yiddish-speaking Jewish communities”​cuamerica.org without ever having learned those languages. This served as a sign to the onlookers that something supernatural was happening. Another famous example occurred in India around the same time: In 1907 at Pandita Ramabai’s Christian revival in Mukti Mission, illiterate Indian village girls began suddenly praying fluently in English. A visiting missionary recounted, “I heard someone near me praying distinctly in English... I was astonished, as I knew there was no one in the room who could speak English... She was utterly unable to speak or understand English such as she was using.”​the-new-way.org​the-new-way.org. In total, about 24 Indian women and girls at that mission reportedly received the gift of tongues, many speaking perfect English or other languages they’d never known​the-new-way.org. Such events mirror Pentecost and show tongues acting as a miraculous bridge across language barriers – sometimes aiding in evangelism or at least signifying God’s presence to skeptics.
• Prophetic Messages and Guidance: In some church gatherings, a message given in tongues followed by an interpretation has conveyed timely guidance or revelation to the congregation. For instance, a person might speak out in tongues during a prayer meeting, and another feels prompted to interpret it in the common language – resulting in a message that encourages the church or provides specific insight. There are accounts where the interpretation was confirmed to be accurate by someone present who understood the tongue (e.g. a missionary recognizing an African dialect, etc.). While this shades into the distinct spiritual gift of interpretation, it’s a way tongues has been linked to edifying the wider body miraculously. One documented case: in the 20th century, an American church member spoke out in tongues not knowing the language; a visitor from the Middle East recognized it as perfect Arabic, through which God was declaring His glory and calling the listener to Christ. The visitor was so moved that he became a Christian on the spot, seeing that as a divine appointment. Stories like this illustrate how tongues can serve as a sign to an unbeliever (1 Cor 14:22), revealing the secrets of their heart (cf. 1 Cor 14:25) and leading them to worship God.
• Healings Associated with Tongues: During the Azusa Street Revival, healings were commonplace and often occurred in the atmosphere of Spirit-filled prayer which included speaking in tongues. Reports from Azusa tell of blind eyes opened, the lame walking, and diseases being cured​cuamerica.org. While the act of speaking in tongues didn’t heal per se, it frequently accompanied the intense prayer and faith through which healing came. In some instances, individuals have claimed that as they prayed in tongues, God healed them of an illness or emotional hurt. For example, one modern testimony recounts a person worshiping in tongues during a church service and being suddenly healed of a long-term injury – “I felt a warm heat where the pain was, and it just left!” Although such anecdotes are hard to verify scientifically, they are part of many Pentecostal/Charismatic church reports. Renowned healing evangelists like Oral Roberts and Kathryn Kuhlman often encouraged audiences to pray in the Spirit (tongues) during their healing services, believing it helped invite the Holy Spirit’s healing presence.
• Divine Protection and Intervention: The earlier story of missionary Willie Burton’s healing through another’s tongues-intercession is one example of tongues seemingly sparking a miracle of deliverance​smithwigglesworth.com. There are also accounts of believers avoiding danger by heeding a message given through tongues and interpretation. For instance, during the Second World War, a small prayer group in Europe reportedly received a warning in tongues that prompted them to leave a building; minutes later, a bomb struck that very spot. They credited the Holy Spirit’s intervention through the gift. Such instances, though not common, have contributed to the narrative that speaking in tongues can sometimes be a channel for the supernatural when God chooses to act.
• Inner Healing and Personal Transformation: On a more subtle level, many Christians say that praying in tongues has brought emotional or inner healing. While this is not as outwardly dramatic as a physical miracle, it’s no less significant. People struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma have testified that during extended times of praying in tongues, they experienced a deep peace and release that they attribute to the Holy Spirit working in them. Some describe it as God’s way of “bypassing the mind to heal the heart.” In this sense, tongues can be a vehicle for the Holy Spirit’s transformative work in the soul, bringing freedom where counseling or rational thought alone fell short.

It’s important to approach these reports with both faith and discernment. Even believers who affirm the gift of tongues acknowledge that not every claim can be taken at face value – humans are fallible, and excitement can lead to embellished stories. Critics point out that many miracles associated with tongues are anecdotal.

However, the sheer volume of testimonies over decades is hard to ignore. One theologian noted the “enormous number of miraculous experiences testified to by charismatics” gty.org – even if skeptics seek to explain them away. For those who have lived these experiences, no amount of skepticism can negate the reality of what they’ve seen God do.

In summary, while speaking in tongues is primarily a form of prayer and praise, it has at times been intertwined with remarkable works of God – from people hearing the gospel in their own language, to physical healings and divine guidance.

These stories inspire believers to remain open to all the ways God may move through His gifts. As always, such phenomena are understood as pointing back to the greatness of God, not the person speaking. In Pentecostal meetings, after someone speaks in tongues or a healing occurs, the focus quickly returns to worshiping Jesus, recognizing Him as the source of every blessing.

Famous Christian Figures Known for Speaking in Tongues

Throughout Christian history, numerous prominent figures have been associated with speaking in tongues. Here are a few famous Christian individuals (past and present) who either practiced or strongly endorsed speaking in tongues:

• The Apostle Paul (1st century): Author of much of the New Testament, Paul openly spoke in tongues. “I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you,” he wrote to the Corinthians​web.mit.edu. Paul’s own frequent use of tongues (in private prayer) gave him authority to teach on its proper use in church. His life and ministry (Acts portrays extraordinary miracles through Paul) stand as an example of a Spirit-filled leader who valued this gift.
• Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–202 AD): An early Church Father and bishop. While we don’t have record of Irenaeus speaking in tongues personally, he documented that it was occurring in his time, as noted earlier: “many brethren…through the Spirit speak all kinds of languages”​apostolic.edu. This makes him an important witness to the continuation of tongues into the post-apostolic age. As a direct disciple of Polycarp (who was discipled by the Apostle John), Irenaeus links the age of the apostles with the next generation of church leaders.
• St. Augustine (354–430 AD): One of Christianity’s greatest theologians. Augustine initially believed miraculous gifts had tapered off, but later in life he witnessed a renewal of healings and perhaps tongues in his church at Hippo. In one of his sermons he noted, “We still do what the apostles did… it is expected that converts should speak with new tongues”​apostolic.edu. This suggests Augustine had seen or at least expected new believers to manifest tongues when filled with the Spirit. As a highly respected Doctor of the Church, Augustine’s eventual openness to such phenomena is noteworthy.
• Martin Luther (1483–1546): The seminal leader of the Protestant Reformation. While not widely known for charismatic experiences, a historical source (Sauer’s History of the Christian Church) claims Luther had gifts of the Spirit including tongues. It says Luther was “a prophet, evangelist, speaker in tongues, and interpreter, in one person, endowed with all the gifts of the Holy Spirit”​apostolic.edu. Some Luther scholars debate this characterization, but Pentecostal historians often cite it as evidence that Luther possibly experienced glossolalia. At minimum, Luther strongly believed in the power of the Holy Spirit and the reality of miracles (he famously confronted demonic forces and believed in healing prayer), so he was not a cessationist.
• John Wesley (1703–1791): Anglican minister and founder of the Methodist movement. Wesley’s revivals were marked by emotional enthusiasm and reports of supernatural phenomena. While Wesley himself did not claim to speak in tongues, he defended the gift’s post-apostolic occurrence. He cited instances among the French Protestants (Camisards) as genuine​apostolic.edu. According to one account, some early Methodist meetings saw individuals burst into spontaneous praise in languages unknown to them. Wesley remained cautious yet open, focusing more on holiness, but his ministry opened the door for later Methodist offshoots (like the Holiness and Pentecostal movements) to embrace tongues.
• William J. Seymour (1870–1922): An African-American holiness preacher and the leader of the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles. Seymour is one of the central figures of Pentecostal history. Initially trained by Charles Parham (who taught that tongues is the Bible evidence of Spirit baptism), Seymour carried that message to Los Angeles. Under his humble leadership, thousands experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit with speaking in tongues​cuamerica.org. Seymour himself spoke in tongues for the first time a few days into the revival (April 1906). He became known for his intense prayer life – often praying for hours – and for championing spiritual equality (at Azusa, all races and genders were welcomed to worship together, which was extraordinary for that era). Seymour’s influence is massive: almost all modern Pentecostal denominations can trace their roots back to the Azusa mission he pastored. He taught that “tongues” was the inaugural evidence of the Holy Spirit’s fullness, and his meetings sparked a worldwide movement.
• Agnes Ozman (1870–1937): A Bible student in Topeka, Kansas, who is commonly regarded as the first person in the 20th century revival to speak in tongues (January 1, 1901). Ozman’s experience (she allegedly spoke and wrote in Chinese for several days​cuamerica.org) was widely publicized and became a catalyst for others to seek the same experience. While not a long-term public figure, her role in Pentecostal history is famous, and she later ministered and spoke in tongues in various meetings.
• Smith Wigglesworth (1859–1947): A British evangelist known as the “Apostle of Faith,” famous for remarkable healing miracles in his ministry. Wigglesworth was originally a plumber with limited education. He attributed his empowerment to the baptism in the Holy Spirit which he received around 1907. After that experience, he spoke in tongues regularly. He often began his day praying in tongues and believed it was essential to maintaining the anointing in his life. As quoted earlier, Wigglesworth testified how tongues helped him overcome personal weaknesses and unlocked a bold preaching ability​smithwigglesworth.com​smithwigglesworth.com. His dynamic ministry (even raising some from the dead, according to reports) made him one of the best-known Pentecostal figures of the early 20th century.
• Aimee Semple McPherson (1890–1944): A Canadian-American evangelist, founder of the Foursquare Church, and one of the most famous Christian figures of the 1920s. Sister Aimee, as she was known, was a gifted preacher who drew crowds of tens of thousands. She experienced speaking in tongues from her teenage years in the Salvation Army and later in Pentecostal circles. In her revivals, she encouraged attendees to seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Under her ministry, many did speak in tongues and many claimed to be healed. McPherson’s Los Angeles church, Angelus Temple, was a hub for Pentecostal worship (with exuberant music and reports of tongues) at a time when most of mainstream Christianity was much more reserved. She helped bring credibility and a bit of glamor to the Pentecostal movement in an era when it was often marginalized.
• Dennis Bennett (1917–1991): An Episcopal priest who became a leader in the Charismatic Movement. In 1960, as rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Van Nuys, CA, Bennett announced to his congregation that he had received the Holy Spirit and spoken in tongues. This made headlines because it signaled that even dignified, mainline church leaders were embracing charismatic experiences. Bennett had to resign his parish due to the controversy, but he went on to minister in Seattle and wrote the bestseller “Nine O’Clock in the Morning” about his baptism in the Spirit. He is a famous figure because his testimony helped spark charismatic renewal among Episcopalians, Lutherans, Catholics, and others in the 1960s. Bennett showed that speaking in tongues was not limited to rural tent revivals; it was happening among educated clergy and in traditional churches too.
• Modern Charismatic Leaders: In recent times, countless pastors and evangelists openly pray in tongues. For example, David Yonggi Cho (1936–2020), pastor of the world’s largest church (Yoido Full Gospel Church in South Korea), taught every member to pray in tongues during early-morning prayer meetings. Heidi Baker, a well-known missionary in Mozambique, attributes miracles in her ministry to time spent praying in tongues and worshiping in the Spirit. Even respected evangelicals like Francis Chan have become more open and have reportedly practiced praying in tongues in private, advocating that the church not quench the Spirit. In the Catholic sphere, figures such as Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa (Preacher to the Papal Household) speak in tongues and have written about the beauty of charismatic prayer. These modern figures, along with worship leaders, missionaries, and millions of laypeople, treat tongues as a normal part of Christian spirituality.

This diverse list – from apostles and saints to reformers, revivalists, and contemporary pastors – shows that speaking in tongues has touched believers across social and historical spectrums. Each of these people, in their own way, testified to the value of the gift in their lives or communities.

It’s not a practice limited to obscure corners of Christianity; even very prominent leaders have partaken and affirmed it. Of course, not every great Christian figure spoke in tongues (many did not), and speaking in tongues does not in itself make one Christian or “great.”

It is simply one gift among many. But seeing how many heroes of the faith have experienced this gift can encourage those today who may feel unsure or isolated in their practice of it.

Criticisms and Theological Debates

Despite its reported benefits and biblical basis, speaking in tongues is not without controversy. Within Christianity, there have been significant debates and differing viewpoints about this gift. It’s important to explore the major criticisms and theological arguments – both for and against – to get a well-rounded perspective. Here are some key points of debate:

• Did Tongues Cease or Continue? This is the classic cessationism vs. continuationism question. Cessationists believe that miraculous gifts (like tongues and prophecy) were specific to the apostolic age and ceased once the New Testament was completed and the apostles died. They argue that such gifts were primarily signs to authenticate the apostles’ message and are no longer needed​reformedclassicalist.com. Some point to 1 Corinthians 13:8-10, “...whether there are tongues, they will cease… when that which is perfect has come,” interpreting “the perfect” as the completion of Scripture or the maturation of the church. On the other side, continuationists (Pentecostals, Charismatics, and others) maintain that the Bible nowhere teaches the gifts would stop in subsequent generations – “there is no single text in the New Testament that says that the gifts of tongues and prophecy have ceased”​reformedclassicalist.com. They interpret “when the perfect comes” as the future Second Coming of Christ or the eternal state, not the closing of the canon. They also note Paul’s command “do not forbid speaking in tongues” had no expiration date​web.mit.edu. Church history is also cited: tongues did occur sporadically after the apostles (as documented earlier), which continuationists see as evidence that the gift never fully died out​apostolic.edu. In sum, cessationists view tongues as foundational, then withdrawn, whereas continuationists see it as available to every generation of the church.
• Authenticity of Modern Tongues: Another debate centers on whether the phenomenon we see today is the same as in the Bible. Known languages vs. “heavenly” language – In Acts 2, tongues were clearly human languages understood by listeners. Some Christians argue that all true tongues must likewise be real languages given supernaturally (xenoglossy). They are skeptical of babbling that has no linguistic structure or is not identified as a language. Critics have noted that linguistic studies of charismatic tongue-speech often find it doesn’t correspond to any known language, but is more of a spiritual utterance. Continuationists respond that 1 Corinthians 13:1 mentions “tongues of men and of angels,” suggesting some tongues may be a heavenly language not known on Earth. Paul also says “no one understands him” when one speaks in tongues (1 Cor 14:2), implying it’s not usually an earthly language unless God grants interpretation. Thus, the nature of the language is debated. Some Pentecostals believe missionaries can receive xenoglossy (speaking a foreign language by the Spirit) to preach the gospel – and there are a few testimonies claiming that – but more commonly tongues are seen as a prayer language only God understands. Skeptics sometimes dismiss modern tongues as learned behavior or even gibberish. They point out that in revival meetings, people might mimic what they hear others do, producing a copycat effect. Psychologists have studied glossolalia and found that people can speak in flowing speech-like utterances without engaging the conscious language centers of the brain – meaning it could be a natural trance-state phenomenon. However, other studies of brain scans during praying in tongues showed activation of regions associated with emotional experience and a decrease in activity of the language center, consistent with practitioners’ claim that it is not coming from their conscious mind. In short, there isn’t a consensus in the scientific or religious community on the authenticity issue. Believers who practice it are convinced it’s of the Holy Spirit, while some outside observers think it’s self-induced.
• Orderly Worship vs. Chaotic Excess: From the Apostle Paul’s time until now, the proper use of tongues in church services has been debated. Paul had to correct the Corinthian church for over-emphasizing tongues in public gatherings without interpretation, which led to confusion. He insisted that in a service, at most two or three people should speak in tongues and only if someone can interpret (1 Cor 14:27-28). Otherwise, he said the speakers should pray quietly to themselves and God. This implies tongues without interpretation is meant primarily for personal prayer (or silent prayer in church). Many traditional churches read these chapters and conclude that tongues should either not be practiced in Sunday services at all, or only rarely and in strict order. On the other hand, Pentecostal churches believe in giving room for the Spirit’s moving, which can include messages in tongues with interpretation or times when the whole congregation may softly pray in tongues together (as a form of united prayer). Detractors sometimes attend a Pentecostal meeting and come away feeling it was chaotic or emotionally hyped – exactly what Paul warned of when he said an outsider might say “you are out of your mind” if everyone speaks in tongues at once (1 Cor 14:23). Pentecostals would argue that when done at the right time (e.g., all praying or singing in tongues in unison during worship), it can be orderly and beautiful, not disruptive. This debate essentially asks: How should tongues be practiced, if at all, in the corporate setting? Some denominations (like Assemblies of God) have detailed guidelines to prevent excess, while others (like many Baptist or Reformed churches) prefer not to have it occur in services whatsoever. There is also debate on “prayer tongues” vs “church tongues” – some believe Paul spoke of a private prayer language (not requiring interpretation) and a separate gift of tongues for delivering a message in church (needing interpretation). Others think it’s the same gift but used in different contexts. These nuances continue to be discussed in charismatic theology forums.
• The “Initial Evidence” Debate: Within Pentecostalism, there’s an internal debate: Is speaking in tongues the initial evidence of Holy Spirit baptism? Classical Pentecostals (since 1906) have taught that when a believer is baptized in the Holy Spirit (a work of empowerment subsequent to conversion), the first outward sign will be speaking in tongues – as seen in Acts. This doctrine, called initial evidence, is official in denominations like the Assemblies of God. However, not all charismatic Christians agree. Charismatic Renewal folks and many “Third Wave” evangelicals (like Vineyard churches) believe the Holy Spirit can fill and empower a person without the person necessarily speaking in tongues. They point out that the New Testament never explicitly says every Spirit-filled believer spoke in tongues (though several did). They also worry that this teaching pressures people to “force” speaking in tongues just to prove they have the Holy Spirit, which could lead to counterfeit utterances. A Baptist or other non-charismatic Christian might argue that the true evidence of the Spirit’s filling is the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) – love, joy, peace, etc. – rather than any miraculous sign. In response, Pentecostals agree that Christian character is the ultimate evidence of the Spirit’s work, but they maintain that tongues is a uniformly attested initial sign when the Spirit falls in power. This debate affects how different groups treat tongues: some see it as optional (one of many gifts), others as a sought-after milestone for all believers.
• Dangers and Misuses: Some criticisms of tongues come from a pastoral concern. There have been instances where an excessive focus on tongues caused problems. For example, a person might equate having the gift with spiritual superiority, leading to pride or division (as apparently happened in Corinth). In some revival movements, people sought tongues so intensely that they opened themselves up to strange spirits or fleshly manipulation. There are fringe reports of cults or occult groups also practicing a form of tongues – which raises the question: can a tongue be “demonic”? Mainstream Pentecostal teaching is that when a true Christian asks the Father for the Holy Spirit, He will not let them be deceived by a demon (Luke 11:11-13 assures God gives good gifts, not snakes). But discernment is still urged. Some very conservative Christians have unfortunately labeled all modern tongues as demonic or fake – a stance most others see as extreme and unwarranted. Nonetheless, caution is advised that people remain self-controlled (the spirit of the prophet is subject to the prophet – 1 Cor 14:32) and that tongues should glorify God, not the speaker. If someone is shouting in tongues in a disruptive way or using it to draw attention to themselves, church leaders often will intervene. The Assemblies of God, for instance, published guidelines that anyone speaking in tongues in a service must do so “in a fitting and orderly way” and with an interpretation following, or else be gently asked to remain silent​web.mit.edu. There’s also the emotional factor: in the excitement of worship, people can get carried away. Critics say this emotional frenzy can simulate a spiritual experience. Supporters say God can work through our emotions but yes, we should ensure experience aligns with Scripture and produces good fruit (more love, humility, etc., not confusion or elitism).

To capture these contrasting perspectives, here is a brief comparison of continuationist (pro-tongues for today) and cessationist (tongues have ceased or should not be used) viewpoints:

Continuationist View (For Tongues Today)	Cessationist View (Against/Restrict Tongues)
Biblical Expectation: The New Testament nowhere says gifts like tongues would cease after the apostolic era. Believers are told to eagerly desire spiritual gifts (1 Cor 14:1) and “do not forbid speaking in tongues.” These commands still apply​web.mit.edu. Jesus’ promise of tongues for believers (Mark 16:17) and Peter’s statement that the Spirit’s promise is “for you and your children and for all who are afar off” (Acts 2:39) imply ongoing relevance.	Biblical Purpose Fulfilled: Tongues (and other sign gifts) were given to authenticate the apostles’ message in the first-century church. Once Scripture was written and the church established, those “signs of a true apostle” were no longer needed (cf. 2 Cor 12:12). Thus, such gifts ceased with the closing of the canon and death of the last apostle​reformedclassicalist.com. The mention that “tongues will cease” (1 Cor 13:8) is taken as an indication that their cessation was expected relatively early.
Edification & Devotion: Tongues continues to benefit believers by enabling Spirit-led prayer and praise. Millions of Christians testify that it has enriched their relationship with God, bringing personal edification and a deeper prayer life in line with 1 Cor 14:4​web.mit.edu. When exercised with interpretation, it can also edify the congregation. There is no scriptural or experiential reason to withhold something so clearly beneficial and God-given.	Scriptural Sufficiency: We have the complete Bible now as our guide. Relying on ecstatic utterances is viewed as unnecessary or even risky. Critics argue that modern tongues rarely, if ever, match the Acts 2 pattern of real languages. Uninterpreted tongues in church do not edify others, and even interpreted, many churches prefer prophecy or preaching directly in known language. They worry that an emphasis on mystical experiences can detract from the sufficiency of Scripture and rational teaching.
Historical Continuity: Tongues did not vanish after the first century – as shown by references from Church Fathers (e.g. Irenaeus) and sporadic appearances through the ages​apostolic.edu​apostolic.edu. The massive resurgence of tongues in the 20th century, accompanied by the largest missionary expansion in church history, suggests God is actively using this gift again to empower global evangelism. “Your sons and daughters will prophesy…” (Joel 2:28) is being fulfilled anew.	Historical Cessation: After the time of the apostles, reports of tongues were rare and often linked to fringe or heretical groups (such as the Montanists in the 2nd century)​apostolic.edu. Mainstream Christian leaders for centuries did not practice or promote tongues. This long absence suggests it was not meant to be normative. The recent outbreak starting at Azusa Street could be seen as an emotional aberration or a reaction to social stress, rather than a true restoration of apostolic gifts.
Spiritual Vibrancy: Continuationists often point out that churches open to the Holy Spirit’s gifts tend to be vibrant and growing, especially in the Global South. They claim that “the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” – meaning a Christianity that denies the Spirit’s charismatic work can become dry or overly intellectual. Tongues is welcomed as part of living out New Testament Christianity in full, keeping the church alive and expectant of God’s power.	Potential for Deception: Cessationists caution that what is practiced as “tongues” could deceive people – either self-deception or, in worst cases, demonic influence masquerading as an angel of light. Since it bypasses the mind, an unscrupulous leader could abuse it to manipulate followers (e.g., fake an utterance and claim it’s a message from God). Many prefer to err on the side of sobriety and stick to clear teaching and prayer in known language, as Paul also emphasized intelligibility (1 Cor 14:19). In their view, seeking miraculous signs can make one vulnerable to error.

Both sides of this debate hold their views with sincere desire to honor God and Scripture. For or against, each camp has theological reasons and concerns. Many Christians actually occupy a middle ground: for example, open-but-cautious – they believe tongues can happen today, but they are cautious due to excesses they’ve seen. Others practice private prayer tongues but avoid public displays to prevent misunderstanding.

It’s worth noting that in recent years, some barriers are softening. A number of traditionally cessationist churches have become more open to at least the private use of tongues among members. And many Pentecostals have recognized the need for teaching and maturity to prevent abuses. So, dialogue is ongoing.

As one charismatic author put it, “Seek not, forbid not.” That is, those who haven’t experienced tongues shouldn’t feel pressured to seek it as some badge of spirituality, but those who have the gift shouldn’t be forbidden from exercising it – as long as there is love and order.

Conclusion: Finding the Blessing in the Midst of Differences

Speaking in tongues remains one of the most fascinating, uplifting, yet contentious topics in Christianity. On the one hand, it offers numerous benefits: a direct line of prayer to God, personal spiritual strengthening, a means of inspired worship, and even occasional miraculous signs that point to God’s glory.

It has a solid biblical foundation and a rich (if sporadic) historical trail. Millions can attest to the joy and power they’ve found through this gift. On the other hand, it has been met with questions and caution: Are we doing it the biblical way? Are we focusing on Jesus or just spiritual gifts? How do we handle differences in understanding?

For those new to this topic: be like the Bereans (Acts 17:11) – examine the Scriptures for yourself. Read Acts chapters 2, 10, 19 and 1 Corinthians 12–14 especially, to see what the Bible actually says. You’ll find that the Bible encourages openness to the Holy Spirit’s workings, with wise guidelines to ensure everything points to love and the lordship of Christ.

For those more experienced: you may already have a stance, but it’s good to appreciate where others are coming from. If you’re a tongue-speaking believer, recognize why some brothers and sisters might be skeptical (perhaps they saw it misused or were taught differently).

Ensure that in your life, the gift of tongues truly bears good fruit – a closer walk with God, a heart of worship, and love for others – which is the best rebuttal to any criticism.

If you’re from a background that opposes or questions tongues, hopefully this exploration has clarified the biblical basis and sincere motivations of those who practice it. You might even prayerfully desire this gift yourself, now understanding the potential it has for your spiritual growth.

In the end, all Christians can agree on one thing: the Holy Spirit is alive and active in the Church. He guides, comforts, empowers, and gifts us in many ways to build up the body of Christ.

Speaking in tongues is one beautiful manifestation among many. When exercised in line with Scripture, it should not divide or confuse, but rather unite hearts in the worship of God – often transcending human language and limitations.

Whether or not you speak in tongues, every believer can say “Jesus is Lord” by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:3). And that is the true test of the Spirit’s presence. If a church or individual magnifies Jesus, walks in love, and upholds God’s Word, then the gifts – including tongues – will naturally find their proper, healthy place.

As Paul wrote: “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good” (1 Cor 12:7). Speaking in tongues, when understood and used rightly, is indeed for the common good – a gift to bless the individual and, through testimony and interpretation, to bless the whole church.

In closing, let’s remember the balanced exhortation of Paul: “Pursue love, and earnestly desire spiritual gifts” (1 Cor 14:1). Love must lead, and in that context, we can eagerly embrace what the Spirit wants to do. Speaking in tongues, with all its benefits, is ultimately one way to glorify God and be built up in Christ, part of the abundant toolkit the Holy Spirit has given. May we “worship the Father in spirit and truth” (John 4:23), united in purpose, as we experience the ever-living God in our lives.