Work Documentation: Understanding the Gift of Diversities of Tongues

25That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. 27Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 28And 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. 29Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 31But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

Understanding the Gift of Diversities of Tongues

In Scripture, the phrase “diversities of tongues” refers to a spiritual gift—distinct from the heavenly tongues that serve as evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost. These two manifestations of tongues serve different purposes, and it’s important to understand the difference.

The heavenly tongues are personal and private, often spoken during prayer. They are a direct spiritual language between the believer and God, bypassing interpretation and understood only by the Father. But the diversities of tongues are meant for public ministry. They are spoken aloud in a group setting and are designed to be interpreted—either by the speaker or by someone else in the body of Christ.

God never forbids the use of this gift in a crowd. In fact, if the body of Christ is functioning as it should—strong in the Holy Ghost—there will be someone present who can interpret. Or the person speaking may be given the interpretation themselves.

I’ve been used in this gift many times, especially during testimony services in a church where I was spiritually set. The testimonies would begin in tongues, and I alone would interpret what was spoken. The interpretation would come forth in English, tailored to the understanding of that particular congregation.

This is how the gift of diversities of tongues operates in churches that are strong in the Holy Ghost. And it doesn’t require a large crowd. God can move powerfully in a group as small as two or three people. What matters is the presence of the Spirit and the willingness of the body to receive and respond.

The gift of diversities of tongues is a vital part of the spiritual life of the church. It brings clarity, confirmation, and unity—when used in order and under the guidance of the Holy Ghost.

1 Corinthians 14:23 Context

20Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. 21In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 22Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. 23If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? 24But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: 25And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. 26How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

Tongues and Prophecy: Signs for the Unlearned and the Believing

The spiritual gift of diversities of tongues is not just a form of expression—it’s a sign. Scripture tells us that when this gift is used in a group setting, there may be people who think the speaker is “mad” or “crazy.” But let’s be clear: those who respond this way are the unlearned—not the true saints of God.

These are people who lack spiritual understanding. They haven’t received wisdom from above through the Holy Ghost, and so they misinterpret what is actually a divine sign. Speaking in tongues without an interpreter may seem foolish to them, but in reality, it’s a spiritual signal—meant to reach sinners and unbelievers.

God uses this gift to stir hearts, to provoke curiosity, and to awaken spiritual hunger.

Now, some elevate prophecy as the only acceptable gift in public worship, dismissing tongues altogether. But that’s not how the Spirit works. Prophecy is powerful because it reveals the secrets of the heart. It’s sent to convict, to confirm, and to draw people into worship. When someone hears a prophetic word that speaks directly to their soul, they may fall to their knees and worship God—because they know He is real and present.

But that doesn’t mean tongues are obsolete. Both gifts serve a purpose. Tongues are a sign to the unbeliever. Prophecy is a revelation to the believer. And when the body of Christ is functioning in unity and strength, both gifts operate in harmony—drawing people closer to God.

So don’t be discouraged if someone misunderstands the gift of tongues. They may be unlearned now, but through the Spirit, they can be taught. And when the Holy Ghost moves, even the smallest gathering can become a place of divine encounter.

One by One, Gift by Gift: How the Holy Ghost Reveals God’s Order

Scripture teaches that when we come together in heavenly places, each person may carry a different spiritual gift. One may speak in tongues, another may prophesy, another may interpret. This diversity is not only beautiful—it’s ordained by God.

But there’s a divine order to it.

The Word says, “Let all things be done one by one.” Why? So that everyone present may receive the sign, and so that all may learn—gift by gift, moment by moment. Most importantly, these gifts are to be used for edification—to lift others to higher heights of holiness and spiritual understanding.

How do I know this?

Because the Holy Ghost I carry has revealed the full meaning of these scriptures to me. Without the Holy Ghost, many people read these verses and miss their depth. But when the Spirit speaks, it brings clarity. These scriptures were sent to a Holy Ghost-filled vessel—me—and I’ve been instructed to share their meaning with those who may be unlearned or have not yet received the Spirit.

God doesn’t reveal all His mysteries to one person. He reveals what He chooses, when He chooses, and to whom He chooses. That’s His divine prerogative.

1 Corinthians 14:39 Context

36What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? 37If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. 38But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. 39Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 40Let all things be done decently and in order.

You cannot learn how to serve God just by reading a bible cover to cover. You only learn earthly wisdom and knowledge this way.

god's wisdom and knowledge comes first through the Holy Ghost he gives to you, and then you are taken to whatever book or written materials he wants you to use as you speak at his command.

Continue to battle against the Holy Ghost with evidence of speaking in other tongues, and you will continue sliding into the pits of hell without remedy.

Holy Ghost Prophetess, Connie