What does the Bible say about speaking in tongues?
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The Bible describes speaking in tongues as the ability to communicate in a language not previously known by the speaker, given by the Holy Spirit, for the purpose of sharing the gospel.
In Acts 2, the event of Pentecost reveals that speaking in tongues, or 'glossiae', is understood as the miraculous ability to speak in various languages so that every listener could hear the gospel in their native tongue. This was not merely an ecstatic utterance but a practical gift for the proclamation of Christ. The purpose was to ensure that the message of salvation was accessible to all, illustrating the universal scope of the gospel. Importantly, this event highlights that individuals must hear the gospel in a language they understand to grasp its significance, which remains true today as the Holy Spirit communicates through the means of the preached word.
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