Question: Can there be speaking in tongues if the Holy Ghost is not present? Why do some churches not have speaking in tongues and others don't Is it because of the presence of the H.S. in some and not in others, or is it because of doctrinal differences? 1. What are tongues? These were languages (Acts 2:8-11). 2. Teaching of 1 Cor. 12-14 regulated the use of tongues. 3. Purpose of miraculous: Mk.16:20. That purpose has been accomplished. 4. What if angel/miracle were to give a different revelation? cf. Gal. 1 a. If same as Bible/less/more/different/ b. What would be purpose today? 5. From Jimmy Thomas: a. There are 5 references to speaking in the N.T. (Mk.16:17; Acts 2:3,4; 10:46; 19:6; 1 Cor. 12-14). The first is a promise, the next three are historical accounts, and the last deals with their proper use. b. The same Grk. word is used in each of these passages. Therefore, whatever it means it one place is its meaning in all. On Pentecost, those who spoke in tongues spoke languages that could be heard and understood (Acts 2:6-11). The fact that the tongues discussed in Corinthians were subject to interpretation is further proof that they were also languages (1 Cor. 12:10,30; 14:5,13,27) The word "unknown," appearing in the KJV of 1 Cor. 14:2,4,13,14,19, and 27, is in italics, showing that it was supplied by the translators. It is not in the Grk. text, nor is it in other standard translations. The tongues of the Bible were human languages, foreign to the speaker, but understood by those familiar with them. c. Tongues, along with other miraculous gifts, were given to early disciples to confirm the word of God (Mk.16:20). That word was confirmed and recorded by the end of the first century (Heb.2:3,4; Jno.20:30,31) Furthermore, if some are now able to speak in tongues, then all of the signs mentioned in the N.T. must be done today (Mk.16:17,18; 1 Cor. 12:8-10). d. Paul plainly declared that tongues shall cease (1 Cor. 13:8). This was to occur when that which is perfect is come (v.10). Means complete, full, in contrast to partial. At that time God's word was being revealed in part; later it was once for all delivered unto the saints. When that happened, tongues ceased.