The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the defining event in all of human history. In Luke 24:2–7, we find the first divine announcement of this victory—not through a mysterious or ecstatic utterance, but through the clear and powerful words of angels to the women at the tomb: “He is not here; He has risen!” This clarity of message reflects a consistent biblical pattern—God desires to be understood, especially when revealing the Gospel of His Son.
[Note: Though I have included this post in the Teaching Series be it known that this outline has less polish than the typical post for the series. Perhaps I’ll be able to get back to it at a later date.]
This study explores not only the clarity of the resurrection message but also how this principle applies to the biblical gift of tongues, or languages. From Pentecost in Acts 2 to the diverse congregation in Corinth, God used real, understandable speech to communicate Christ. Yet today, the subject of “tongues” often generates confusion, emotionalism, and even division.
As a cautious continuationist, I believe the Holy Spirit still gives gifts—including tongues—according to His will and purpose, not as a sign of spiritual superiority or confusion, but always for the glory of Christ and the edification of the Church. However, I also believe that every spiritual experience must be tested by Scripture and aligned with the pattern of divine communication we see throughout God’s Word: intelligible, purposeful, and Christ-centered.
This brief study will walk through the resurrection account, examine the biblical gift of tongues, and offer a scriptural and historical framework to discern its use today—with love, humility, and truth.
Our passage
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. [2] They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, [3] but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. [4] While they were puzzling over this, suddenly two men in radiant apparel stood beside them. [5] As the women bowed their faces to the ground in terror, the two men asked them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? [6] He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you while He was still in Galilee: [7] ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.’” (Luke 24:2-7, BSB)
Stage 1: Themes
- Clarity of God’s Revelation
– Angels spoke clearly, not cryptically, reflecting God’s pattern of making the Gospel understandable. - Christ’s Victory Over Death
– “He is not here; He has risen!” anchors our faith in a historical, bodily resurrection. - Fulfillment of Prophecy
– Jesus foretold His death and resurrection; the angels confirm this. - Divine Messaging vs. Human Confusion
– Contrast between angelic clarity and the confusion over spiritual gifts like tongues. - Gospel Purpose of Tongues
– The biblical gift of tongues served clarity, not confusion—especially important in diverse cities like Corinth.
Stage 2: Commentary with Cross-References
Luke 24:2–7 – Note the Clear and Christ-Centered Angelic Message
- Angels tell the women Jesus has risen—no vague language, just direct, understandable speech.
- Their message aligns with Jesus’ own prophecy (Luke 9:22; 18:31–33).
- Their question (“Why do you look for the living among the dead?”) is rhetorical and sharpens Gospel clarity.
Cross-Reference:
- John 14:26 – The Holy Spirit brings Jesus’ words to remembrance.
- Matthew 28:6 – Parallel angelic message at the tomb, confirming the resurrection.
Acts 2 – The Gift of Tongues in Context
Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. [6] And when this sound rang out, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking his own language. [7] Astounded and amazed, they asked, “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? [8] How is it then that each of us hears them in his own native language? [9] Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, [10] Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome, [11] both Jews and converts to Judaism; Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues! (Acts 2:5-11, BSB)
- At Pentecost, Jews from many nations heard the apostles “declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues”.
- The Spirit enabled real human languages (Greek: glōssa), so everyone could understand the Gospel.
Cross-Reference:
- Acts 2:6 – “Each one heard them in his own language.”
- Genesis 11:1–9 – Babel confused languages; Pentecost unites them in Gospel clarity.
Illustration: A Church Gathering in Corinth
Imagine walking into a first-century house church in the bustling city of Corinth. The atmosphere is vibrant. People are arriving—Greeks, Romans, Jews, traders, travelers, and freed slaves. This is a commercial crossroads of the empire, and the church reflects that diversity. You hear multiple languages being spoken in small groups before the gathering begins: Greek, Aramaic, Latin, maybe even Egyptian or Phrygian.
As worship starts, there’s a sense of spiritual energy. A brother speaks in a language unfamiliar to many—perhaps praising God in his native tongue. Another begins to prophesy, offering encouragement and urging the congregation to stay faithful to Christ. Then someone else speaks out again—another tongue, but without interpretation. The room starts to feel chaotic. Visitors look confused. Some believers grow anxious. No one seems to know what to do next.
Now picture the Apostle Paul hearing of this. He knows the Holy Spirit is moving in Corinth. The gifts are real. The zeal is genuine. But something vital is missing: order, clarity, and edification. So in 1 Corinthians 14:26–33, Paul sets boundaries—not to quench the Spirit, but to channel spiritual gifts in a way that builds up the whole church.
Paul, inspired by the Spirit of Christ, writes:
“When you come together, each one has a hymn, a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up… If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret… For God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (vv. 26–33).
Paul’s concern is pastoral. He’s not denying the gift of tongues or prophecy—he’s guiding their use. Just like at Pentecost in Acts 2, where the Gospel was proclaimed in known languages to people from many nations, the goal remains the same: that all may understand, believe, and glorify Jesus.
This is why, even as a cautious continuationist, I affirm that the Spirit still gives gifts, but always in accordance with Scripture. Tongues (languages) must be tested, interpreted, and ordered, never used to elevate personal experience above Christ or to create confusion in the gathered church.
In Corinth—as in our churches today—spiritual gifts are never ends in themselves. They are tools, graciously given, to magnify Jesus, build His body, and call unbelievers to faith through clarity, not chaos.
Points!
- Corinth was a cosmopolitan trade city with multiple language groups.
- Paul teaches that tongues are valid but must be interpreted (1 Cor. 14:27–28).
- Without love or interpretation, tongues are “a clanging cymbal” (1 Cor. 13:1).
- The Holy Spirit still gives gifts, including tongues, when He wills.
- Tongues are not proof of salvation or spiritual superiority.
- All spiritual experiences must be tested by Scripture (1 Thess. 5:21; 1 John 4:1).
- The true gift aligns with Christ-exalting clarity, not emotionalism or confusion.
Cross-Reference:
- 1 Corinthians 12:10, 28 – Tongues are one of many Spirit-given gifts.
- 1 Corinthians 14:9–11 – Without understanding, it’s just “speaking into the air.”
Stage 3: Q&A
Q1: Did the angels speak in a known language?
Yes. Their message was clear, direct, and understood by the women (Luke 24:5–7).
Q2: What were the tongues in Acts 2?
Known, human languages spoken by the Spirit’s power to declare the Gospel.
Q3: Why is there confusion over tongues today?
Because modern usage often disconnects from the biblical pattern—prioritizing emotion over clarity and edification.
Q4: What does “tongues of angels” mean (1 Cor. 13:1)?
Likely hyperbole to emphasize that even heavenly language is meaningless without love.
Q5: How does the context of Corinth help us understand tongues?
Corinth was a city of many languages. The need for interpretation (1 Cor. 14) was practical and spiritual—to edify everyone.
Q6: How should we approach tongues today?
With openness to the Spirit’s work, but careful testing against Scripture, ensuring the result is Christ-exalting and understandable.
Comparison Chart: Biblical Tongues (languages) vs. Modern Usage
| Aspect | Acts (Ch. 2, 10, 19) | 1 Corinthians (Ch. 12–14) | Modern Usage | Cautious Continuationist (Your View) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nature of Tongues | Known, earthly languages | May include known/unknown; needs interpretation | Often ecstatic or unintelligible | Spirit-led, possibly diverse, but always tested by Scripture |
| Purpose | Gospel proclamation and Spirit evidence | Church edification when interpreted | Varies: prayer, emotion, identity | Christ-centered, edifying, not for show or confusion |
| Audience Understanding | Understood by hearers | Must be interpreted to be useful | Often unintelligible | Must lead to understanding or be interpreted |
| Order in Worship | Not directly addressed | Strong emphasis on orderly use | Sometimes chaotic or untested | Order, clarity, and love are essential |
| Gift Distribution | Given sovereignly by the Spirit | Not given to all; Spirit decides (1 Cor. 12:11) | Sometimes expected as a sign | Given as the Spirit wills; not normative for all |
| Biblical Testability | Confirmed by apostolic context | Interpretation required; discernment urged | Often lacks Scripture-based evaluation | Always test with the Word (1 Thess. 5:21; 1 John 4:1) |
| Cultural Context | Jewish pilgrims from many nations | Multilingual commercial city with many dialects | Often divorced from historical context | Recognizes cultural setting and Spirit’s purpose for communication |
Blessings!
Learn Christ 