What does speaking in tongues mean in the Bible?
Speaking in tongues in Scripture means the ability to speak known human languages. The plural tongues implies being able to communicate the Gospel to people of a different language. It is a gift not given to every believer, and it is to be exercised in love.
Les explains that tongues in the plural means known languages—the ability to speak more than one language—so the Gospel could be communicated to people of a different language. In the list, God set some in the local church as apostles, prophets, teachers, then miracles, healings, helps, governments, and diversities. Apostles have left the scene and prophets have ceased because we now have the printed Word. Not all are apostles, prophets, teachers, miracle workers, healers, or tongues-speakers; not all interpret. Believers should desire the best gifts, but the more excellent way is love. Even a gifted man or the Corinthian church, if they did not exhibit God's love in what they were doing, would be better off staying home. This is why chapter 13 was taught first before chapter 14.
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?