1 Corinthians 12:30
Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
Primary
What this passage establishes
Paul’s rhetorical question concerns the distributed public gift of tongues, which is not given to every member in the same role.
Why it matters in the argument
Acts gives observable accounts of people receiving the promised Spirit. Those narratives supply the Bible’s clearest pattern for recognizing Spirit reception.
Apostolic connection
Apostolic teaching distinguishes the initial sign of tongues when the Spirit is received from the later congregational gift that requires interpretation.
Common misunderstanding
Paul’s question ‘do all speak with tongues?’ concerns distributed gifts in the assembled body, not the repeated initial sign in Acts.
How to use it in conversation
Start with the promise, then compare Acts 2, 10, and 19. Use 1 Corinthians only after distinguishing initial sign, private prayer, and public gift.
Scripture connections
See which passages advance, clarify, or answer the argument
Continue this argument
Response passages
Acts 2:1-4Paul is discussing distributed public gifts. Acts describes the common initial sign at Spirit reception, and Paul himself speaks in tongues while regulating public use.Acts 10:44-46Use this supporting passage to answer the objection without isolating one text.Acts 19:6Use this supporting passage to answer the objection without isolating one text.1 Corinthians 14:18Use this supporting passage to answer the objection without isolating one text.