Speaking in Tongues

Instances: Pentecost Acts 2:4
Church life 1 Corinthians 14

The words used to describe these tongues is the same but they certainly seem like different sorts of things are going on- Namely one tongue is another language while the other is one that no one understands. Even though it seems preferable to me to be able to speak the kind of tongues that are
actually another language I think that the differences between the two instances merely indicate that God uses language to communicate what needs to be said regardless of our understanding.

Who: Well Grudem's argument concerning 1 Corinthians 12:30 seems right on that not everyone speaks in tongues. I really think that it is a gift from God but also think that just like the other gifts healing teaching etc people can operate in them to different extents.

Those who speak in tongues are directing their speech to God (1 Cor 14:2), which to me seems to be further support for this gift being a private prayer sort of thing and not primarily for use within a church setting.

Paul does say that while not all speak in tongues it is something to be desired 1 Cor. 14:5. Though not all people will be given this gift certainly a lot more would if they were to ask God for it.

When/How: Paul is very specific in his instructions that tongue speaking be done in an orderly way (one to three in turn) and that if exercised in a public way there should be an interpretation 1 Cor 14:27-28. This is somewhat perplexing in that how would a person speaking in tongues know if there would be an interpretation (again this seems to indicate that the public use of tongues be in an intimate setting where the body of believers were very familiar with one another's gifts)

Relation to unbelievers: It is a sign to unbelievers, and while it isn't clear exactly what is meant by that I think that it indicates that the church should not be using language that other's can't understand 1 Cor 14:22-23. Maybe it is that if unbelievers judge the church as mad (seeing all these people speaking in crazy languages) then they will be subject to God's judgment. The basic lesson keep it relevant to unbelievers so they can benefit and not make ignorant judgments about believers.

Purpose: The main purpose is to edify 1 Cor 14:5 and this is done through interpretation within the church but presumably in private when you speak in tongues your spirit is also edified in some mysterious way.

Practical: So my thoughts on this as far as the relation of tongues to my life is that I need to be more open to God using tongues in my private times of prayer for my edification. Also I think that the only way "public" use of tongues would be beneficial is in a small group type setting where people are familiar with one another's giftings.