The Gift of Tounges

Mark 16:17

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

The entire chapter of Mark 16, documents what happened after the resurrection of Jesus. In verse 17, Christ appears to the 11 disciples (Judas being already dead after hanging himself) after his resurrection, he gives them their commission, he encourages them, and he details the works that will follow them as they go in his name. One of the gifts that he tells them will be given is the gift of new tongues.

This is apparently fulfilled in Acts 2 as the disciples spoke with many new tongues. It is apparent that “tongues” is another language. It is a gift, a new tongue, because the one endowed with this gift isn’t a native speaker of the language but under the power of the Holy Spirit speaks the language fluently.

That’s why the men in Acts 2 were confused because they knew the disciples were Galileans, uneducated and should not be able to speak multiple languages, yet they spoke the languages that men could understand.

The gift of “tongues” was given, where there were many citizens of different nations present. Without an interpreter, preaching the gospel to such an audience would be a nightmare, therefore such a gift would be necessary. Of what use would such a gift be if everyone spoke the same language.

It is critical for our understanding the Gift of tongues. This is just a summary of the entire study. You can download the entire study, part I & II and with a prayreful heart may God lead you to the truth.