Are tongues a sign for believers (Mark 16:17) or unbelievers (I Cor. 14:22)?
Speaking in tongues as the spirit of God gives utterance is a sign and evidence regarding the Holy Ghost being given and for edification of the hearers. Similarly, speaking in tongues without the spirit of God giving utterance is a sign for edification, instruction and admonition of both believers and unbelievers. Now there is a new tongue and an unknown tongue or other tongue. The scriptures tell us that “…these signs shall follow them that believe…they shall speak with new tongues…” Mark 16:17. This means the believer will speak in a tongue that he (or she) does not understand, nor the hearers, since it will be done as the Holy Ghost speaks through the believer. Therefore, this is an unknown tongue and is a sign to the believing hearers that the person speaking in tongues has received the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 10:44-46). To the believer this unknown tongue is also a new tongue since he (or she) has never spoke in this unknown tongue before and it is other that his native
