The "gift of tongues," often referred to as "speaking in tongues," is a spiritual gift mentioned in the New Testament, primarily in the context of the early Christian church. This phenomenon is most notably described in Acts 2 during the Pentecost, where the apostles began to speak in various languages as the Holy Spirit descended upon them. This event allowed them to communicate the Gospel to people from diverse linguistic backgrounds, demonstrating the universality of the Christian message (Acts 2:1-12). The ability to speak in tongues is also discussed in 1 Corinthians 12-14, where the Apostle Paul elaborates on the spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit, including tongues as a means of edification for the church when used appropriately (1 Corinthians 12:10; 1 Corinthians 14:2).In a theological context, the gift of tongues serves as a sign of the Holy Spirit's presence and empowerment for ministry and worship. It can manifest in two primary forms: xenolalia (the ability to speak in known languages) and glossolalia (the utterance of unknown or angelic languages). Paul emphasizes the importance of order and understanding in the use of this gift, encouraging believers to seek gifts that build up the church community (1 Corinthians 14:26-33). The overarching purpose of the gift of tongues is to glorify God, enhance personal prayer life (1 Corinthians 14:14), and contribute to the communal worship experience, all while ensuring that love remains the guiding principle in the exercise of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 13).