I was having a discussion with a friend, and the issue of speaking in tongues came up. I told him that I have doubts concerning this because I believe that the Bible says that the tongues the apostles spoke in were real languages and not unintelligible things like I hear today. I said I believe that not every one can speak in tongues and most people were faking it.

He started telling me that me beliefs were false because according to that final chapter in Mark, one of the signs that follow the people who believe is that they will speak in new tongues. His views placed christians who don't speak in tongues as some kind of lower level christians because they have failed to unlock some inborn power that they have, which can only be unlocked by speaking in tongues.

But what about Paul's question in 1 Corinthians 12; do all speak with tongues? In fact, doesn't Paul's whole teaching on spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12, give the impression that these gifts are given as the Holy Spirit deems fit, and we are supposed to compliment each other with our gifts, for the total edification of the body of Christ?

Can I get your opinions on speaking with tongues?

Yes, every believer is supposed to speak in tongues. The speaking in tongues is the physical manifestation of the baptism with the Holy Spirit. And without the Holy Spirit, you can't serve God in an effective manner and you will not be able to live the supernatural life you have been called to live.

Apart from the experience on the day of Pentecost, the early church also spoke in tongues they didn't understand. This is evident in what Apostle Paul said. He wrote;

1st Corinthians:14:14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

To understand what he said, let's look at the rendering in the New Living Translation;

For if I pray in tongues, my spirit is praying, but I don’t understand what I am saying.

This was why he insisted that they should pray for interpretation when they speak in an unknown tongue.

Concerning the place where he asked, do all speak with tongues, he is addressing ministry gifts and not the manifestation of speaking in tongues that follows the baptism with the Holy Spirit.

This is one of the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit listed in the twelfth chapter of the book of First Corinthians.

Those who have the gift of tongues can deliver message in tongues. So you can speak in tongues and yet don't have the gift of tongues.

If you really want to learn more, I have a book on this. Shalom.