Do all Christians speak in tongues?

Chuck Smith, Living Water, chapter 16: Paul lists speaking in tongues as one of the gifts of the Spirit. In I Corinthians 12:28 he says 'And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues." Notice that tongues is last on the list. This appears to reflect an order of priorities: First apostles, last speaking in tongues. While tongues is a desirable and valued gift, we shouldn't exalt it out of measure. On the other hand, just because it's listed last doesn't mean it's unimportant. All of God's gifts are good and to be desired. After Paul lists the various gifts, he asks a series of rhetorical questions. Does everyone have the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? And the answer, of course, is no; not all have the gift of healing, and not all speak with tongues. But all the gifts he lists are legitimate. Scripture, King James Version: 1 Corinthians 12:28, "And 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.". From Chuck Smith's books, used by permission of The Word For Today.

Verified. Every scripture quotation on this page has been checked word-for-word against the King James text. Last reviewed 2026-10-15.

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Do all Christians speak in tongues? → wsb.bible/answers/do-all-christians-speak-in-tongues

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