Who Speaks in a Tongue
One who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God.
For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.
All the glory, praises and honor be to the Heavenly Father in Jesus’ precious name!
The subject verse speaks about Apostle Paul’s teaching on the gift of speaking in tongues. Unfortunately, this gift is most misunderstood of all the gifts. Some take this gift literally to what the Bible says, while some consider it as an extinct gift of God. Even there are people who regard this as a sign of having received the Holy Spirit or the Baptism of Holy Spirit. Meanwhile, there are some who outrightly deny and classify it as something not from the Almighty God.
Speak mysteries
Coming to the subject verse, the Apostle Paul clearly defines the lines. He claims that those who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men. But speak directly to the Living God. Yes, those words they utter are not meant to be understood by any common men. For they are meant for God. Moreover, there is another gift to interpret the tongues. Unless a person is blessed with the gift of interpretation of tongues, it is impossible for anybody else to understand. As the scripture says, they speak mysteries in the Spirit. As the following scripture says, the Almighty God gives different gifts to different people.
to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
1 Corinthians 12:10 ESV
Gift from God
Very importantly, it is for us to understand that it is a gift. It is not something we can claim. A gift is meant to be received. It is the Almighty God who gives us the gift. Though there is nothing wrong in desiring this gift, but lack of this gift shall not be regarded as absence of Lord the Holy Spirit in us. Therefore, let us understand that this gift of speaking in tongues is for real. And by this gift, one speaks mysteries that are understood by the Almighty God.
Brethren, let us encourage others those who have the gift to pray in tongues. Finally, let us also desire the gifts for the glory of the Living God in Jesus’ mighty and matchless name. Amen.