TONGUES in the Bible

In the New Testament there a 25 direct references to tongues. 

1.  The first scripture Mark 16:17 says, "These signs shall follow them that believe....They shall speak with new tongues."                                                                                                                                                                            

2.  The last scripture I Corinthians 14:39 says, "Forbid not to speak with tongues."

A.  In the Old Testament there are two scriptures that pertain to speaking in tongues:

 1. Genesis 11:9 states that God confounded the peoples language at Babel (they were united under Nimrod (a man) who opposed God and whose kingdom was a type of the antichrist system).

a. Speaking in different languages (tongues), confused them.

b. The people separated.

 2.  On the day of Pentecost, Acts 2, God reversed what took place at Babel when they spoke in tongues.

a. The speakers were not confused. 

b. The speakers came together, forming the church, and uniting under His Kingdom. 

3.  Isaiah 28:11-12, "For with stammering lips and another tongue will He speak to this people.  To whom He said, this is the rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear." is a prophesy connecting the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, celebrated yearly by the Feast of Pentecost, and the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2) when 120 disciples received the Holy Ghost in the upper room.

  By Roger W. Skluzacek copyright October 29, 2007

        1) Mark 16:17                            14) I Corinthians 14:6

        2) Acts 2:4                                  15) I Corinthians 14:9

        3) Acts 2:8                                  16) I Corinthians 14:13

        4) Acts 2:11                                17) I Corinthians 14:14

        5) Acts 10:46                              18) I Corinthians 14:18

        6) Acts 19:6                                 19) I Corinthians 14:19

        7) I Corinthians 12:10                 20) I Corinthians 14:21

        8) I Corinthians 12:30                 21) I Corinthians 14:22

        9) I Corinthians 13:1                   22) I Corinthians 14:23

       10) I Corinthians 13:8                  23) I Corinthians 14:26

       11) I Corinthians 14:2                  24) I Corinthians 14:27

       12) I Corinthians 14:4                  25) I Corinthians 14:39

       13) I Corinthians 14:5        

 
B.   Two indirect references to tongues in the New Testament are:

1.  Romans 8:26 refers to the use of tongues in personalized prayer.

2.  James 3 explains why God uses the tongue.

 
C.  There are more scriptural references to speaking in tongues (25) in the church than there are for singing (7) or the Lord’s supper (10); however churches will exclude tongues and include singing and the Lord’s supper.