Acts 2:4 English Standard Version (ESV) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Many have asked how they can speak in tongues. The answer is that on the day of Pentecost the apostles did not ask to speak in tongues. Asking implies that we are telling God how we want to serve Him. It does not serve God to ask, it only serves self-interest. We can how look to that historical event and consider conditions that made it fitting to serve God in that way.

Acts 2:1 King James Version (KJV) And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

Most versions of Acts 2:1 only say “come together” while a few add “with one accord”. That understanding of unity of spirit is one of experience. Rarely do we find ourselves in such unity of the spirit that there are no needs of the body that need tending. Since the act of tongues is for the benefit of the body then we all should focus on worship when we meet. We should lay aside our troubles and focus on God.

If we truly want to hear God’s answer to our troubles we must quiet ourselves in order to hear. Who God chooses to deliver the message is His choice for His own reason and not our own. Submission to His will is the only way to know His will.

Experience tells us that the larger the group, the less likely it is that we will reach one accord. It is more than an agreement, it is a quieting of conflict within our minds. We must be there for God in order for Him to see the faith required to speak through someone.

Psalm 81:10 English Standard Version (ESV) I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.

At the end of yesterday’s blog, there is an image of God speaking through this open empty mouth. We would have nothing to say but the Lord using the moment would take over control of our speech.

Acts 2:4-6 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁴ And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. ⁵ Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. ⁶ And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language.

The classic meaning of speaking in tongues is that the speaker is taken over by the Spirit to speak in a language that is not their own. If the Spirit was to give utterance in their native tongue because the audience ready to receive that utterance only spoke the native tongue, is that not the Spirit still speaking?

1 Corinthians 14:6 English Standard Version (ESV) Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching?

Paul warned earlier in this chapter not to speak in tongues without someone present to interpret. The message must be understood to benefit the church. The Spirit with all wisdom will utter the Word of God with understanding, even if the native tongue is to be used.

V4a “The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself,” of what benefit does the church receive in that? Paul is very clear that the purpose of Spirit utterances, no matter the language, is to benefit the church.

You have questions and rightly so.