A careful study of the New Testament will reveal that there are three distinct purposes for speaking in tongues. 1) Speaking in tongues as the initial physical evidence of Holy Spirit baptism (Acts 2:4, Acts 10:44-46, Acts 19:6). 2) Speaking in tongues as the believer’s prayer language (1 Corinthians 14:2, 14). 3) A message in tongues usually followed by an interpretation (1 Corinthians 14:27). Tongues as the initial physical evidence of Holy Spirit baptism and tongues as the believer’s prayer language are available to every Spirit baptized believer. The gift of giving a message in tongues is given only to select believers as the Holy Spirit purposes.
“‘Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed…”
— Acts 19:2 (KJV)
Lord Jesus, baptize us with the Holy Ghost and with fire. In Your holy name we pray. Amen.