Speaking in tongues is the sound heard when someone is filled with the Holy Spirit. It is the initial external evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit. [1]

Speaking in tongues:

• accompanied the baptism of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost.^[2]
• accompanied receiving the Holy Spirit throughout the book of Acts.^[3]
• is a prayer language to speak to God.^[4]
• is praying in the spirit.^[4,5]
• is a sign that follows believers.^[6]
• is one of the gifts used in the church.^[7]
• builds up our faith.^[8]

Believers are strongly encouraged to pray ‘in the Spirit’. By doing so we are built up in faith,^[8] we pray more effectively,^[9] and God is able to keep us in perfect peace.^[10]

Being filled with the Holy Spirit is an experience that provides each of us with personal evidence of the existence and goodness of God.

Other subjects in this series:

• What must I do to be saved
• Water baptism
• The Holy Spirit
• Speaking in tongues
• Healing
• Bible prophecy
• The return of Jesus Christ

Scriptural References:

[1] John 3:1-10, Acts 2:1-18

[2] Acts 2:4

[3] Acts 10:44-48, 11:13-17, 19:1-6

[4] 1 Corinthians 14:2

[5] 1 Corinthians 14:14-18

[6] Mark 16:17

[7] 1 Corinthians 12:10, 14:26-27

[8] Jude 20

[9] Romans 8:26-27

[10] Philippians 4:6-7