Why does Paul claim tongues are a sign for unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:22), yet many modern churches practice them mostly among believers?

Historical and Scriptural Background

From the earliest accounts in the New Testament, what is often referred to as “tongues” (Greek: glōssais) appears in events such as Pentecost (Acts 2:1–4) and in subsequent specific outpourings of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:44–46; 19:1–6). These instances highlight that tongues primarily involved speaking in discernible foreign languages unknown to the speaker but understandable to those who naturally spoke them (as Acts 2:8–11 suggests). Over time, the term “tongues” (often called “unknown tongues” in older translations) came to be used for both known human languages (as in Acts 2) and possibly Spirit-enabled utterances that may not correspond to a recognized human language (as implied in parts of 1 Corinthians 14).

Context of 1 Corinthians 14:22

In 1 Corinthians 14, the Apostle Paul addresses a Corinthian assembly where spiritual gifts were being exercised regularly. The congregation had an abundance of manifestations of the Spirit, yet there was confusion and disorder in how some gifts were practiced. After laying out theological foundations in 1 Corinthians 12–13, Paul focuses on two specific gifts in chapter 14—prophecy and tongues—to show that the goal of all ministry is to build up (edify) believers and proclaim the gospel to outsiders.

• 1 Corinthians 14:22 says: “Tongues, then, are a sign not for believers, but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.”

• Previous verses explain that a key benefit of prophecy is intelligibility, so that believers can be instructed and unbelievers convicted (1 Corinthians 14:3–5, 24–25).

• Tongues, when not interpreted, lack intelligibility to others (1 Corinthians 14:9). Paul connects this to an Old Testament prophecy in Isaiah 28:11–12, suggesting that “other tongues” served as both a sign of divine activity and a challenge to those who refuse to heed God’s message.

Tongues as a Sign for Unbelievers

Paul’s statement about tongues being a sign for unbelievers can be understood in light of several historical and theological realities:

1. Confirmation of Divine Power: In Acts 2, the sign of tongues confirmed the arrival of the promised Holy Spirit and caught the attention of the international crowd in Jerusalem, many of whom were not believers. Hearing the “mighty works of God” in their own languages (Acts 2:11) prompted them to inquire further, leading to mass conversion.

2. Fulfillment of Prophecy: Paul associates the phenomenon with Isaiah 28:11–12 (quoted in 1 Corinthians 14:21). In Isaiah, foreign speech served as a warning of impending judgment upon those who disregarded God’s message. In the New Testament, tongues similarly functioned as a sign that God was at work, issuing a call for faith and repentance.

3. Evangelistic Beacon: Tongues served as a visible (or audible) demonstration that something divine was happening. Unbelievers, confronted with something inexplicable yet powerful, could be moved to ask questions, opening a door for the gospel message.

Practice Among Believers in the Modern Church

Despite Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians 14:22, many church congregations today utilize tongues predominantly within worship gatherings of believers. Several factors can shape this dynamic:

1. Private Devotional Use: Paul acknowledges that speaking in tongues can edify the individual speaker (1 Corinthians 14:4). Some believers believe they have a “prayer language” through which they commune with God (1 Corinthians 14:14–15). This devotional aspect often takes place in corporate worship, though originally it was seen more as a personal or small-group expression.

2. Larger Cultural and Religious Contexts: Unlike the early days of the church, many churches today may not regularly encounter large groups of nonbelievers within worship services, especially in areas where Christianity is established. Thus, while tongues can still be a sign, the recipients in modern settings may more often be a community of believers who seek encouragement or personal edification through this gift.

3. Interpretation for Edification: Churches that practice tongues in a congregational setting may do so alongside interpretation, so that the message benefits all. This aligns with Paul’s instruction: “If anyone speaks in a tongue, two or at most three should speak in turn, and someone must interpret” (1 Corinthians 14:27). In such cases, even though the immediate audience is predominantly believers, the practice retains its authenticity and orderly function.

4. Historical Developments: Church history shows various movements (e.g., early Montanist movement in the second century, the modern Pentecostal and Charismatic movements of the 20th century) that emphasized tongues as an evidence of the Holy Spirit’s ongoing work among believers. The focus often shifted from evangelistic outreach to spiritual growth within the church.

Reasons for the Shift in Emphasis

1. Edification Focus: In 1 Corinthians 14:12, Paul stresses zeal for gifts that build up the church. Modern congregations frequently emphasize edification, viewing tongues as part of personal worship or group prayer rather than an immediate sign for evangelism.

2. Cultural and Linguistic Changes: In the cosmopolitan setting of first-century Corinth, visitors of many languages might attend gatherings, making tongues particularly striking for foreign unbelievers. Present-day congregations, especially those that are linguistically homogeneous, may not see tongues as overtly evangelistic in the same manner.

3. Practical Evangelistic Approaches: Modern evangelism often employs Scripture-based apologetics, rational discourse, and personal testimony. While miraculous signs—including speaking in tongues—can still serve as a roadway to faith (particularly in missionary or cross-cultural contexts), many churches now lean on other evangelistic methods more frequently.

Paul’s Directives and the Edification Principle

Paul consistently shows that gifts of the Spirit must abide by an overarching principle: building up others in faith. He states: “…since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church” (1 Corinthians 14:12). Hence:

• Orderly Worship: Paul urges that everything be done “in a fitting and orderly way” (1 Corinthians 14:40). Uninterpreted tongues can cause confusion, whereas interpreted tongues can enlighten and warn unbelievers if they happen to be present.

• Unified Body: In 1 Corinthians 12, he emphasizes that diverse gifts aim toward unity within the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12–13). Speaking in tongues without interpretation may isolate the speaker and exclude others from understanding.

Conclusion

Paul’s statement that “tongues…are a sign not for believers, but for unbelievers” (1 Corinthians 14:22) reflects the phenomenon’s original context of evangelistic impact, as well as its Old Testament roots in Isaiah’s prophecy, signifying God’s presence and calling to repentance. In modern practice, many churches have shifted the focus of tongues to a personal or corporate devotional context, primarily among believers who desire spiritual edification, deeper prayer, or the experience of unity in worship.

The spiritual gift of tongues remains a reminder of God’s transcendent power, the authenticity of the gospel, and the call for all to hear and respond to the message of salvation. When interpreted properly or accompanied by clear evangelistic explanation, speaking in tongues still speaks to unbelievers. When it is exercised largely among believers, it can still serve as a means for personal growth and community edification—as long as it aligns with Paul’s guidelines for orderly worship that puts love and the building-up of the church at the forefront.