This article is written for people like me—Christians who haven’t had miraculous spiritual experiences but who want to understand what the Bible teaches and how to respond to others who do. Let’s start with a look at 1 Corinthians 14.
1 Corinthians 14:1–5 (NIV) — 1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. 2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. 3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. 4 Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.
I’ve never spoken in tongues, nor has God ever given me a vivid vision of the future. So before writing this article, I called five good friends who have practiced tongues or prophecy. One man told me:
“Nik, I’m very involved in missions. But when I do missions work, I always do it with Charismatic people. They do it the best. They have a sense of adventure. When most others us plan missions trips, they prepare everything so carefully that success is practically guaranteed. But Charismatic people? They need God to do something miraculous or the whole thing will flop.”
That spirit of expectation is exactly what Paul encourages when he urges the Corinthians to desire spiritual gifts. Paul opens 1 Corinthians 14 with this challenge: “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy” (v. 1).
Question 1: What Is Speaking in Tongues?
Scripture presents two possible meanings of “tongues”:
- Xenoglossia—a real human language unknown by the speaker. [fn1]
Acts 2 describes the only clear biblical instance of this phenomenon: “Everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability… We hear them speaking in our own native languages!” (vv. 4, 8, NLT). Reports of xenoglossia exist today, but they are rare. [fn2] - Glossolalia—a heavenly language unknown by anyone.
This is the more common understanding of tongues in 1 Corinthians 14. Paul writes, “For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful” (vv. 13–14, NIV).
Glossolalia usually occurs in prayer.
A language emerges from the believer’s mouth, but it is not recognizable from any culture, and even the speaker does not know what is being said. People in my non-expressive congregation who pray in tongues describe the experience as encouraging and peaceful. After praying in tongues, they feel peaceful, relieved, heard and understood by God.
It is not chaotic or uncontrollable, but intentional and Spirit-led. We’ve all seen movies where spirits overtake people, possess their windpipes, and weird stuff happens. This isn’t what they experienced. In fact, I asked a couple of people to pray over me in tongues and they did so. Others could not do it on command, but whenever they do pray in tongues, it is a controlled experience.
It is not chaotic or uncontrollable, but intentional and Spirit-led. We’ve all seen movies where spirits overtake people, possess their windpipes, and weird stuff happens. This isn’t what they experienced. In fact, I asked a couple of people to pray over me in tongues and they did so. Others could not do it on command, but whenever they do pray in tongues, it is a controlled experience.
Understandably, some of my readers may be skeptical. Yet consider:
First, I’ve interacted with numerous Christians who speak in tongues. These friends of mine are intelligent, accomplished, sensible, credible Christians; some of whom are doctors, business owners, or thoughtful leaders.Second, let’s acknowledge that the fastest-growing movement in Christianity today is the Charismatic movement, which is planting churches, fueling revivals, and spreading the gospel with boldness.
Third, the Apostle Paul loved speaking in tongues! He himself declares, “I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you” (1 Cor. 14:18). Furthermore, it comes up in 10 chapters of the Bible (See Is. 28:11; Acts 2, 10, 19; Rom. 8:18-30; 1 Cor. 12, 13, 14; Eph. 6:18; Jude 20. Note: I am not including Mark 16).
Even so, I have never spoken in tongues—and I’ve tried. I have asked God for the gift, opened my mouth to see if He would “take over,” and even experimented with “practicing” syllables. Nothing has happened. I share this not to mock the gift but to assure others: if you’ve been told you lack faith because you do not pray in tongues, that is not biblical. God grants different gifts to different believers.
Application:
Even if you never pray in tongues, you can cultivate a deeper prayer life. Since 2007, Americans pray less and less [fn3], and when we do, it is often for only a minute or two [fn4]. Out of 1,440 minutes in a day, that is a startling imbalance.
Work on your prayer life. Use a prayer journal, create a prayer list, or schedule set times of prayer. Build a habit of unhurried conversation with your Heavenly Father. If you would like to practice different forms of prayer, check out my article on “Two Way Prayer.”
Work on your prayer life. Use a prayer journal, create a prayer list, or schedule set times of prayer. Build a habit of unhurried conversation with your Heavenly Father. If you would like to practice different forms of prayer, check out my article on “Two Way Prayer.”
Question 2: What Is Prophecy?
Just as “tongues” can mean different things, so can “prophecy.” The Old Testament often emphasizes authoritative, covenantal prophecy. In the New Testament, however, prophecy includes two main expressions:- Prediction: foretelling the future (Rev. 1:3; Acts 21:10–11).
- Admonition: preaching, strengthening, and encouraging (1 Cor. 12:10; 14:3; 1 Thess. 5:20; 1 Tim. 4:14). [fn5]
First, I will address prophecy as prediction.
Television shows like Psych and The Mentalist tend to make fun of prophetic powers. The actors pretend to hear from spirits, or foretell the future; but it turns out they are just sly and manipulative. In real life, however, many believers testify that God gives them images, words, or impressions for others.
I have friends who at times feel prompted to approach a stranger and tell them a message they heard from God. Other times, they will receive an image in their mind that has significance. Sometimes these words are surprisingly specific. In my church, for example, one person even predicted a Supreme Court decision years before it occurred.
I have friends who at times feel prompted to approach a stranger and tell them a message they heard from God. Other times, they will receive an image in their mind that has significance. Sometimes these words are surprisingly specific. In my church, for example, one person even predicted a Supreme Court decision years before it occurred.
Let’s talk about authority.
Paul insists such words must be weighed by the church. In 1 Cor. 14:29 he writes “Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.” Prophecy is genuine but not infallible. [fn6] When you predict something, it has to be weighed by other church leaders.
This also implies that prophecies do not have to be totally true or totally false; we are hearing from God and trying to discern what He is telling us. [fn5] Have you ever listened to the radio with static? Apparently, prophecy can be like that; hearing God’s voice, but lacking 100% clarity on the message or application. The New Testament does tell us to watch out for “false prophets and false teachers.” But here’s the context: False prophets are usually described as crooks - people who are trying to earn a living telling lies and instilling fear in people.
Whenever I mention prophecy in non-charismatic circles, someone inevitably brings up Deuteronomy 13. In this passage of the Jewish law, we are told that false prophets ought to be put to death. Should we do this today if a Christian is not totally accurate in their prediction?
No. And here’s why: First, that is illegal in modern law. Second, Old Testament false prophets were often idolaters who led Israel into pagan worship, incited violence and terror, and justifying inhumane treatment of women and children. In contrast, NT prophecy is subject to evaluation and always subordinate to Scripture (1 Cor. 14:37). New Testament prophecy, then, differs from the Old Testament.
This also implies that prophecies do not have to be totally true or totally false; we are hearing from God and trying to discern what He is telling us. [fn5] Have you ever listened to the radio with static? Apparently, prophecy can be like that; hearing God’s voice, but lacking 100% clarity on the message or application. The New Testament does tell us to watch out for “false prophets and false teachers.” But here’s the context: False prophets are usually described as crooks - people who are trying to earn a living telling lies and instilling fear in people.
Whenever I mention prophecy in non-charismatic circles, someone inevitably brings up Deuteronomy 13. In this passage of the Jewish law, we are told that false prophets ought to be put to death. Should we do this today if a Christian is not totally accurate in their prediction?
No. And here’s why: First, that is illegal in modern law. Second, Old Testament false prophets were often idolaters who led Israel into pagan worship, incited violence and terror, and justifying inhumane treatment of women and children. In contrast, NT prophecy is subject to evaluation and always subordinate to Scripture (1 Cor. 14:37). New Testament prophecy, then, differs from the Old Testament.
Next, there is prophecy as admonition.
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 14:3 (NCV) that “those who prophesy are speaking to people to give them strength, encouragement, and comfort.”
If you have a visual in your mind of a prophet being seized by God, and talking uncontrollably like they’re in a PsyFi movie, you need to get that image out of your head. When the NT talks about prophecy, sometimes it’s spontaneous. But oftentimes, it’s planned. [fn8] Think, instead, of this visual: A teacher sits in their office, wrestle with the written word of God, and ask Him, “What should I tell the people about this verse?” The Holy Spirit guides them as they come up with a message for God’s people. In that sense, sermons themselves often function as prophecy. [fn7]
Paul is clear: “I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy” (1 Cor. 14:5). Prophecy is greater because it builds up the church.
If you have a visual in your mind of a prophet being seized by God, and talking uncontrollably like they’re in a PsyFi movie, you need to get that image out of your head. When the NT talks about prophecy, sometimes it’s spontaneous. But oftentimes, it’s planned. [fn8] Think, instead, of this visual: A teacher sits in their office, wrestle with the written word of God, and ask Him, “What should I tell the people about this verse?” The Holy Spirit guides them as they come up with a message for God’s people. In that sense, sermons themselves often function as prophecy. [fn7]
Paul is clear: “I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy” (1 Cor. 14:5). Prophecy is greater because it builds up the church.
Application:
Even if you do not have the gift of prophecy, you can learn to expect God to speak. God wants to talk to you: Through his Word, through your conscience, by convicting you of sin, by giving you ideas, and by granting you boldness to live on mission.
You can align your life so that you expect to hear from God. When you read Scripture, when you pray, when you encounter unbelievers—listen for God’s prompting. Then act in faith. What’s the worst that could happen?
Isn’t that a cool image? I would love to walk that mountain path. The danger of this path, however, is that you could easily fall off if you veer too far to the right or too far to the left. You really need to stay in the middle or you are in trouble.
The final two verses in this chapter give us this warning: “Be eager to prophecy…” (v.39) and speak in tongues. But practice these gifts “in a fitting and orderly way.” (v.40)
Thus, the writer ends with two things we need to avoid:
(1) We cannot be reckless with God’s words. If someone says “God told me something,” or we hold a church service where people start shouting in tongues and causing chaos, that is inappropriate. It is not “orderly.”
(2) We can’t be so fearful of misinterpreting God that we discount prophecy or tongues. God still speaks and performs miracles. Just because we cannot prove it or control it does not mean we should discount it.
Tongues and prophecy remain complex, even divisive, topics in the church. But Paul’s instructions hold us in tension: we must not suppress the gifts, nor must we allow them to create chaos. Therefore, my open but unexpressive friends, remember this application:
Even if you never pray in tongues, you can grow in prayer.
Even if you never prophesy, you can learn to listen for God’s voice.
Above all, we should eagerly desire an exciting, unpredictable, Spirit-filled relationship with God.
[2] Ibid, 84. “In any case, modern tongues are lexically uncommunicative and the few instances of reported modern xenoglossia are so poorly attested that no weight can be laid on them.”
[3] 2024 study published in Feb 2025: https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2025/02/26/prayer-and-other-religious-practices/#:~:text=read%20Chapter%208.-,Personal%20prayer,%2C%20age%2C%20education%20and%20race.
[4] Journal of Scientific Study of Religion, 2022. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jssr.12810#:~:text=Among%20those%20who%20pray%2C%20the,pray%20(see%20Figure%202).
[5] The two categories of prediction and admonition come from Gretchen Ellis, “Prophecy,” Barry, John, ed., The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).
[6] Carson, Showing the Spirit: A Theological Exposition of 1 Corinthians 12-14, 98–99.
[7] Thiselton writes “the nearest modern parallel [to early church prophecy] is probably that of an informed pastoral sermon which proclaims grace and judgment, or requires change of life.” Anthony C. Thiselton, The First Epistle to the Corinthians, The New International Greek Testament Commentary (NIGTC) (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2000), 1094.
You can align your life so that you expect to hear from God. When you read Scripture, when you pray, when you encounter unbelievers—listen for God’s prompting. Then act in faith. What’s the worst that could happen?
Conclusion
Below is an image that will bring this text together:
The final two verses in this chapter give us this warning: “Be eager to prophecy…” (v.39) and speak in tongues. But practice these gifts “in a fitting and orderly way.” (v.40)
Thus, the writer ends with two things we need to avoid:
(1) We cannot be reckless with God’s words. If someone says “God told me something,” or we hold a church service where people start shouting in tongues and causing chaos, that is inappropriate. It is not “orderly.”
(2) We can’t be so fearful of misinterpreting God that we discount prophecy or tongues. God still speaks and performs miracles. Just because we cannot prove it or control it does not mean we should discount it.
Tongues and prophecy remain complex, even divisive, topics in the church. But Paul’s instructions hold us in tension: we must not suppress the gifts, nor must we allow them to create chaos. Therefore, my open but unexpressive friends, remember this application:
Even if you never pray in tongues, you can grow in prayer.
Even if you never prophesy, you can learn to listen for God’s voice.
Above all, we should eagerly desire an exciting, unpredictable, Spirit-filled relationship with God.
Footnotes
[1] Carson uses the two terms “Xenoglossia” and “Glossolalia.” D.A. Carson, Showing the Spirit: A Theological Exposition of 1 Corinthians 12-14 (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1987), 79.
[2] Ibid, 84. “In any case, modern tongues are lexically uncommunicative and the few instances of reported modern xenoglossia are so poorly attested that no weight can be laid on them.”
[3] 2024 study published in Feb 2025: https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2025/02/26/prayer-and-other-religious-practices/#:~:text=read%20Chapter%208.-,Personal%20prayer,%2C%20age%2C%20education%20and%20race.
[4] Journal of Scientific Study of Religion, 2022. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jssr.12810#:~:text=Among%20those%20who%20pray%2C%20the,pray%20(see%20Figure%202).
[5] The two categories of prediction and admonition come from Gretchen Ellis, “Prophecy,” Barry, John, ed., The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).
[6] Carson, Showing the Spirit: A Theological Exposition of 1 Corinthians 12-14, 98–99.
[7] Thiselton writes “the nearest modern parallel [to early church prophecy] is probably that of an informed pastoral sermon which proclaims grace and judgment, or requires change of life.” Anthony C. Thiselton, The First Epistle to the Corinthians, The New International Greek Testament Commentary (NIGTC) (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2000), 1094.