ctrlC - ctrlV
The gift of speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift. It means speaking with words or in a language one doesn’t know in order to edify both oneself and others.
Jesus foretold of speaking in tongues:
“And these signs will follow those who believe… they will speak with new tongues.” Mark 16:17. The first time anybody spoke in tongues was on the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the apostles, as related in
Acts 2:1-12. The apostles spoke the gospel to the crowds in Jerusalem, and what they said could be understood by people speaking many different languages:
“… we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” Acts 2:11.
Later Paul also writes about the gift of speaking in tongues, in
1 Corinthians 12 and
14. However, here he writes that the person speaking in tongues doesn’t speak in an understandable language
: “no one understands him; however in his spirit he speaks mysteries.” 1 Corinthians 14:2. Yet this gift that has been given to believers can be of benefit to the recipients and used to edify others in Christian gatherings.