Speaking in tongues is not unique to Christianity but a common practice by pagans, shamans and occult. After removing Paul’s letters (or lies), we can see clearly see that, neither Jesus (excluding the later addition of Mark’s long ending), nor His disciples in their letters (James, John, Peter and Jude) or in the book of Revelation (that is after the resurrection of Jesus) we find any reference to speaking in tongues except in the book of Acts.

Controversy on when the Holy Spirit was given

Excluding Paul, there were only two instances in Acts where tongues where mentioned and both refer to Peter.

Acts 2:1-4,8-11 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. …. And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs–we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.

John 20:19,22 Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” … And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

Not only the events given on the day of Pentecost controversial and contrary within the Bible, but creating doctrines using it which did not originate from Christ is building our house on sand. If tongues were so important, then Jesus and His true disciples in their letters would have mentioned it. But, none mentioned it. Does this mean tongues are real? Let’s look at some examples in Scriptures

Tongues to Cause Confusion

Gen 11:7 “Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.”

The people who rebelled against God were not given the Holy Spirit to cause them speak unknown tongues but rather, God scattered them by giving them different tongues. Yes, God can give new tongues to cause confusion contrary to what Paul lied, that God is not the author of confusion while speaking about tongues in 1 Cor 14:33.

Donkey can Speak Tongues

Num 22:28 Then the LORD opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?”

When Balaam was going against God’s decision, He open the mouth of a donkey to speak a new tongue to preach the prophet.

Conclusion

Speaking in tongues was given by God to confuse people at the tower of Babel. Even a donkey can speak new tongues to preach a prophet. Is speaking in tongues true or not? On the day of Pentecost, just like the donkey, God used His disciples to preach to the people in their own tongues. It is not a gift of the Holy Spirit, nor a language of the angels as Paul lied. God can open the mouth of any creature at any situation to deliver His message for His glory.