What does the Bible say about speaking in tongues or other languages?

This is a topic that's up for debate across Christendom.

Some denominations and/or groups believe that this operation and gifting has ceased in the church.

Some believe that the way it is used in most churches isn't biblical or real.

Some believe that this is for every believer and every believer who is filled has the potential if they yield to the Holy Spirit and let it flow.

Some believe that it is essential because it is a salvation issue due to being the initial evidence of the infilling of the Holy Spirit.

I definitely and personally lean towards the last two views as a believer in Christ who has experienced speaking in other languages as the Spirit gave me the utterance.

So I personally do not believe speaking in other languages as the Spirit gives the utterance has ceased

I do not limited the gift of speaking in diverse languages with an interpretation only

I also don't believe every time you are praying in other languages that you will be fluently speaking another persons language unless God ordained that moment and gave the utterance like on the day of pentecost where it was used as a sign for the unbelievers and they spoke praises of God that all who knew those languages could hear.

But here's what the Bible says about speaking in other languages.

• This is a sign that will follow those who believe and are baptized. Not limited to being baptized as we see in Acts 10 when Cornelius and his household are filled with the Holy Ghost while Peter is yet preaching. (Mark 16:15-18)
• Spirit gave the evidence and others were able to hear the praises of God in their own language (Acts 2:1-11)
• The Spirit gives intercession with utterances and groans that can't be understood. Romans 8:22-27
• The gift of diverse languages with an interpretation as one of the 12 gifts taught to the Corinthians. (1 Corinthians 12:10)
• Paul says do all speak in diverse tongues, do all interpret. (1 Corinthians 12:30)
• With stammering lips and another language will God speak to His people. And here will they find rest. (Isaiah 28:11-12)

Notice these last two points are a public function of this gift for God to speak to the church. And the 2nd point in Acts 2 was a public display for the unbelievers.

Also, would like you to notice in Romans chapter 8:22-27 the third point that this would be for an individual praying or interceding. So this would be more of a personal function.

Leading into the next points.

• One who speaks in other languages doesn't speak to man but to God (1 Corinthians 14:2)
• One who speaks in other languages edifies himself (1 Corinthians 14:4)
• Paul wished all spoke in other languages but even more that they would prophesy. (1 Corinthians 14:5)
• Paul explains how it's not too beneficial with others if they don't have the understanding of what you are speaking. (1 Corinthians 14:6-17)
• Paul thanks God that he speaks in tongues more than all but that he'd rather speak 5 coherent words that would instruct others than a thousand in another language (1 Corinthians 14:18-19)
• Paul quotes Isaiah 28:11 (1 Corinthians 14:21)
• Tongues are not a sign for believers but unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:22)
• If anyone speaks in a tongue, two, or at most three, should speak in turn, and someone must interpret. [28] But if there is no interpreter, he should remain silent in the church and speak only to himself and God. ( 1 Corinthians 14:27-28)

Encourage you all to hear this teaching:

Link to John Bevere teaching (22 minute video)

This was a really good teaching! I've never heard it taught so plainly as I did in this teaching.

https://youtu.be/10f6RauOlJI?si=5DTmMFYz17NxanBB