Gift of Tongues

Biblical speaking in "tongues" were actual languages people understood

If you visit a variety of religious services today you most likely will hear some of the worshipers speaking or saying unrecognizable words or phrases. The worshipers claim that they are speaking in a language only known to God, similar to the experience of the disciples on the day of Pentecost, but is that really what happened on the day of Pentecost? Did the disciples actually speak in a unknown language that the majority of people present didn't understand? What does the bible say about that event?

Acts 2:1, 4 1
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 4And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

The gift of tongues, or non-native languages, is a gift from the Holy Spirit enabling the receiver of the gift to speak in a language that is not his native language

What was the purpose of this gift of non-native languages given to the disciples?

Acts 2:5-6 5
And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.

As a result of the Holy Spirits gift of non-native languages, many people that were gathered there from different lands and languages understood the message of the gospel, as taught by the disciples, in their own language What was the result of this gift of speaking non-native languages?

Acts 2:38, 41 38
Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 41Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them

As we read on in the chapter, we see the purpose and result of the Holy Spirits gift of non-native languages - many people gathered there that day heard the disciples testify to the gospel of Jesus Christ in their own language. The listeners believed the message and were baptized; becoming part of the early church.

The biblical account of the manifestation of non-native languages given by the Holy Spirit is very different than what we hear in churches today; thus, if what is spoken in churches today doesn't exhibit the same characteristics that we read in the bible; its not of the Holy Spirit