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Evidence of tongues

 Submitted: 10/6/2004
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Question: Is tongues the evidence of having the Holy Ghost? If so, please show me scripture.
Answer: Isaiah prophesied that there would be speaking in tongues (Isaiah 28:11; 1 Corinthians 14:21). Jesus did the same (Mark 16:17). These prophecies were first fulfilled on the day of Pentecost when “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4). It is recorded again in Acts 10:45 when “the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.” How did they know? “For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God” (Acts 10:46). Finally in Acts 19:6 we read, “the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.” Clearly, speaking in tongues is at least one evidence that a person has received the gift of the Holy Spirit. This is not to say that it is the only evidence.

1 Corinthians 12:7-98 says, “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit...” These spiritual gifts, plus others, are also evidence that a person has received the gift of the Holy Spirit. They are described as “the manifestation of the Spirit.”

Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” These qualities are also evidence that a person has received the gift of the Holy Spirit. Since gifts and fruit can take time to come forth, I would say that speaking in tongues is the initial evidence and gifts and fruit are further evidences that come forth over time.


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