Tongues & Interpretation: Spiritual Gifts in Order | Building Up the Body: Everyone Has Something to Give

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:27–28 (ESV)"If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God."

With everyone having identified their gifts and using them, the Corinthian church overflowed with enthusiasm for spiritual gifts, especially tongues. 

One can imagine how chaotic it got, because we experience that today. I’ve heard some people mention it here as well. The entire church breaks out in tongues, and to those who don’t understand, it sounds like confusion.

But the Apostle Paul reminded them that the Spirit’s gifts are not random displays but tools for edification.  

Speaking in tongues was never meant to showcase spirituality or how anointed one is, but to glorify God and build up others. Without interpretation, no one else could benefit.

Fast forward to today.

Many churches still wrestle with how to handle spiritual gifts. 

So, for example, we would hear some people say that if you don’t speak in tongues, you are not filled with the Holy Spirit. 

Some embrace people who speak in tongues openly, others are cautious, and some avoid them altogether. 

Some would argue that you cannot just ask people to speak in their heavenly language, as this is something that one has to do only if they are led by the Holy Spirit.

But whatever your interpretation of the scriptures, whatever your doctrinal belief, Paul’s teaching still applies: God is not a God of confusion but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33).

Notice the balance: Paul did not dismiss tongues. He simply framed them within love and order. 

In private prayer, tongues can edify the believer (1 Corinthians 14:4).  In public gatherings, they must be interpreted so the whole church is strengthened.

With all of these teachings, it begs the question: Did the Apostle Paul himself speak in tongues? 

Yes, he both spoke in tongues and gave instructions about their use. In 1 Corinthians 14:18 (NKJV) he declared, “I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all.” 

He identified tongues as one of the spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:10 (NKJV) and explained in 1 Corinthians 14:27–28 (NKJV): “If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.”

While affirming their value, Paul emphasized that speaking words people can understand often brings greater benefit to the gathered body of Christ: 

“Yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue” (1 Corinthians 14:19, NKJV). 

Thus, Paul both practiced speaking in tongues and taught that it should be done in love, with order, and always for the building up of the church.

Think about it from a communication perspective. If someone speaks a language you don’t understand, you may admire their passion but miss the meaning. 

The same is true spiritually — without clarity, the message doesn’t build up or edify. It does nothing for you, really.

That’s why interpretation matters. God desires His people to be equipped, not left guessing.

Even for those who never speak in tongues, the principle stands: whatever we bring — a prayer, a song, or a testimony — must be offered in a way that strengthens others. Quiet listeners, too, contribute by agreeing in prayer and receiving the word.

So what if I don’t speak in tongues? 

According to the Bible, not every believer will speak in tongues—so that’s okay. 

Paul himself asked rhetorically in 1 Corinthians 12:29–30 (NKJV): “Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?”

Nnot everyone has the same spiritual gift. Speaking in tongues is one of the gifts of the Spirit, but it is not the evidence of salvation. 

What matters most is that you have received the Holy Spirit and are walking in love, faith, and obedience to Christ. 

And we know we receive the Holy Spirit not only by speaking in tongues, but also through the transformation He brings to our lives.

Paul said the Spirit’s evidence is seen in character: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23, NKJV). 

The Spirit also gives assurance that we are God’s children (Romans 8:16, NKJV), convicts us of sin (John 16:8, NKJV), and empowers us to live boldly for Christ (Acts 1:8, NKJV). 

These changes are powerful signs that the Holy Spirit is at work in you.

And again, Paul even said in 1 Corinthians 13:1 (NKJV): “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.”

So if you don’t speak in tongues, it doesn’t mean you’re lacking in God’s eyes. The Spirit gives gifts as He wills (1 Corinthians 12:11), and every believer has a place and purpose in the body of Christ.