There are only three instances where speaking in tongues is recorded in the New Testament – Acts 2:1-11, 10:38-48 and 19:1-8. In each instance, those who spoke were apostles who had been given the gift of the holy spirit, done for very specific purposes with very specific audiences under very specific oversight.

The miraculous gift of speaking in tongues was from God and was much needed at the time since the gospels were not yet written. The apostles and disciples were commissioned to spread the “good news” by word of mouth to Jews and other people from diverse cultures that spoke a variety of languages. The gift of tongues were for a specific purpose (to quickly spread the gospel) at a specific time (the time of the apostles) for a specific audience (unbelievers only).  We were told they would cease but the “greater gifts” would remain.

the purpose of speaking in tongues was to preach and spread the gospel message. 1 Corinthians 14:22 teaches that the gift of tongues is meant as a sign for unbelievers, showing that it was supposed to be used as a method of proving the truth of the gospel to those who had not yet received it.

Matthew 12:38, 1 Corinthians 1:22 and John 6:30 are texts that illustrate the Jews needed signs in order to believe. John 20:30-31 reads, “Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” We are not told if one of these signs was Jesus speaking in tongues, but we assume not.

In the time of Jesus there was no New Testament, as it was still to be written. All that the people had were the Old Testament Scriptures, and their eyes had to be opened to understand the prophecies pointing to Jesus. So, they depended on these signs and miracles of Jesus to prove that he was indeed God’s son. However, this text in John indicates the New Testament was written so that we can believe (exactly the same outcome as seeing the signs such as speaking in tongues), which would mean that we no longer need to depend on these signs and wonders. Thus, the gift of speaking in tongues, along with the other miraculous signs, died with the apostles.

Additional Resources:
For a more detailed study of tongues, please download the free PDF: “Speaking in Tongues”

Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1047: “Why Did the Tongues of Fire Touch the Apostles?”
How God’s spirit and speaking in tongues really worked in the Bible
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

Episode #1188: “Do We Have the Purpose of the Holy Spirit Backwards?”
Distinguishing God’s power from our own desires in our daily life
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

For children, parents and Bible class teachers:
Animated CQ Kids videos: 
“What happened at Pentecost?”
“What is the holy spirit?”
“What does the holy spirit do?”