Is it necessary to have an interpreter when speaking in tongues in a church setting?

The practice of speaking in tongues, also known as glossolalia, has been a subject of much discussion and varying interpretations within the Christian community. To address the question of whether it is necessary to have an interpreter when speaking in tongues in a church setting, we must delve into the scriptural basis for this practice and the theological principles that guide its use.

The primary source of teaching on speaking in tongues is found in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. In 1 Corinthians 12-14, Paul provides extensive guidance on the use of spiritual gifts, including speaking in tongues. These chapters are crucial for understanding the role of tongues and the importance of interpretation within the church.

Paul begins by acknowledging the diversity of spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit, including the gift of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:10). He emphasizes that these gifts are given for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7), and that they should be exercised in love and for the edification of the church (1 Corinthians 13:1-2).

In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul provides specific instructions regarding the proper use of tongues in a corporate worship setting. He contrasts speaking in tongues with the gift of prophecy, highlighting that prophecy is more beneficial for the church because it is intelligible and edifies the congregation (1 Corinthians 14:1-5). Paul states, "For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit" (1 Corinthians 14:2, NIV). This indicates that without interpretation, the message spoken in tongues remains a mystery to the listeners.

Paul further instructs, "If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God" (1 Corinthians 14:27-28, NIV). This directive makes it clear that interpretation is necessary for the practice of speaking in tongues within a church setting. The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that the entire congregation can benefit from the message being conveyed, as interpretation transforms the mysterious utterance into an intelligible and edifying message.

The need for interpretation is rooted in the principle of edification. Paul repeatedly emphasizes that all things done in the church should be for the building up of the body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 14:12, he writes, "So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church" (NIV). Speaking in tongues without interpretation does not build up the church because it does not communicate a clear message to the listeners. Therefore, interpretation is necessary to fulfill the purpose of edification.

Moreover, Paul underscores the importance of order and clarity in worship. He states, "For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people" (1 Corinthians 14:33, NIV). The presence of an interpreter ensures that the exercise of the gift of tongues contributes to an orderly and understandable worship experience. This principle of order aligns with the broader biblical theme that worship should be conducted in a manner that reflects the character of God and promotes the spiritual growth of the congregation.

While Paul’s instructions are clear, it is important to consider the broader context of his teachings. The early church was diverse, with believers from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds. The gift of tongues, as seen in Acts 2, initially served as a sign of the Holy Spirit’s presence and enabled the apostles to proclaim the gospel to people of different languages. However, in the context of a local church gathering, the primary function of tongues, according to Paul, is not evangelistic but rather for personal edification and, when interpreted, for the edification of the church.

Some Christians may argue that the practice of speaking in tongues and the need for interpretation should be understood differently in contemporary settings. They may point to experiences where the Holy Spirit moves in ways that transcend human understanding and conventional order. While it is important to remain open to the leading of the Holy Spirit, Paul’s instructions provide a foundational guideline that balances spiritual fervor with the need for intelligibility and edification in corporate worship.

In addition to scriptural support, church history and Christian literature offer insights into the practice of speaking in tongues and the importance of interpretation. Early church fathers such as Irenaeus and Tertullian acknowledged the presence of spiritual gifts, including tongues, but also emphasized the need for order and understanding in worship. More recently, theologians like Wayne Grudem and Gordon Fee have written extensively on the role of spiritual gifts, affirming the necessity of interpretation for the proper use of tongues in the church.

In conclusion, the necessity of having an interpreter when speaking in tongues in a church setting is well-supported by biblical teachings, particularly those of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 14. Interpretation ensures that the message spoken in tongues is intelligible and edifying to the entire congregation. This requirement aligns with the broader principles of edification, order, and clarity in worship. While contemporary experiences and interpretations may vary, Paul’s instructions provide a timeless guideline for the proper exercise of the gift of tongues within the body of Christ.