A critical examination of speaking in tongues as evidence of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Pentecostalism

Abstract

In the last few decades, we have seen the rise and cropping up of different Pentecostal groups whose teaching and preaching are inclined to the gift of tongues as the main evidence of the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Some scholars clearly state that Pentecostals value the gift of tongues to the extent that it should be a physical sign that the Holy Spirit has been poured upon a believer. The role of the Holy Spirit from the Old Testament to Jesus’ time was highlighted to establish His ministry in different times. The difference in opinion and views in the correct understanding of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as evidenced by speaking in tongues resulted in the study of this research. As a result, a clear understanding on the gift of tongues is necessary not only for the purpose of correct biblical position of the topic under discussion, but also for other issues. These include the role of the Holy Spirit in the Old and New Testaments, and the understanding of the Holy Spirit from Early Christian Church to the 20th century. Then, the purpose of the spiritual gifts, understanding of Holy Spirit and gift of tongues in the books of Mark, Acts, and 1 Corinthians. After careful biblical and theological analysis of different scholars and Scripture, the researcher concluded that the gift of tongues is not the only gift which is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit. The presence of the Holy Spirit since creation was not experienced by the physical sign of the gift of tongues, which does not stand the test of Scripture.