Speaking in Tongues in Church
This page explains why Speaking in Tongues during corporate worship is against word of God.
Word of God
Here is what is the scripture says.
1 Corinthians 14:27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and one must interpret; 28 but if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God.
Application
- Church
- Private
Here are the rules given by Holy Spirit to guide the worship order in the Church.
✅ Only two or three
✅ One at a time
✅ With interpretation
❌ Without interpretation
1 Corinthians 14:27-28 deals with the proper order for speaking in tongues within a church gathering. These verses do not address speaking in tongues during private prayer or in one’s personal devotion at home. This is evident from the larger context in 1 Cor 14:4, 19 and 23. These verses guide corporate worship and are not intended to prohibit private prayer in tongues.
Paul makes it absolutely clear that the instructions in 1 Corinthians 14 are not suggestions or cultural recommendations, but commandments of the Lord. 1 Corinthians 14:37 – "If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord's commandment.". So, the instructions in verses 27–28 are binding commands from the Holy Spirit for how the gift of tongues must be used in the church gathering. 1 Corinthians 14:40 gives the reason for this commandment: “Let all things be done decently and in order.”
How many can speak in tongues in the Church?
At most three people may speak in tongues during a service, and only one at a time (v27). The fourth person disobeys the commandment of the Holy Spirit (v37).
How do I know how many people have spoken in tongues in Church?
If a person is speaking in tongues loud enough to be heard, that counts. Silent or private praying in tongues is not what this verse refers to.
Someone spoke in tongues without interpretation. Can I still speak if I'm only the second person?
If the first person disobeyed verse 28 by speaking without an interpreter, continuing the pattern may also be disobedience.
Understanding the misunderstanding
Seeing a modern “Corinthian-style” church, some Christians assume its members misread Scripture, while those who practice tongues may think the critics do. That tension is understandable. Use the interactive decision tree below to locate where interpretations diverge.
Please take your time answering each question thoughtfully. If you have any comments or concerns, feel free to add them in the comment box below.
Does 1 Corinthians 14:27-28 command worship order in Church?
Objections
Here are some objections raised by those who practice speaking in tongues in church. The following section combines these arguments and explains why they do not align with the Word of God.
About
My journey with this topic began as an observer. I saw many Christians speak in tongues in church without interpretation and accepted it as normal. It wasn't until I was born again and began reading the Bible seriously that I discovered 1 Corinthians 14:27-28, which gave me pause.
The gap between what I was reading in Scripture and what I was seeing in church created a deep burden. When I sought answers from fellow believers, I hoped for a Bible-based explanation. Instead, I was met with objections that lacked scriptural support. This led me to create this resource: a compilation of common objections and my scriptural responses. My goal is to seek truth and encourage obedience to God's Word.
I know this can be a difficult topic, especially for those who have practiced speak in tongues in church for a long time. However, we need to put word of God first. If you think, a gifted spiritual person can explain this away please forward to this link.
- Samuel Jacob