The Earliest View of New Testament Tongues

“Vellacott interacts with a wide range of scholars on the topic, arguing for a non-mainstream interpretation of tongues. He largely relies on the writings of the church father Epiphanius who understood tongues to refer to natural earthly languages. He then uses the Epiphanius perception of tongues as key to interpret references to tongues in the New Testament. Vellacott advances compelling arguments for the acceptance of Epiphanius’s interpretation that are worthy of consideration. His interpretation deserves to be accounted for in scholarship. The work is written in an accessible and engaging way. Since the topic of speaking in tongues is debated beyond academia, this book should appeal to a wider audience.”


—Philip La G. Du Toit, associate professor and subject chair of New Testament, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa





“The sources cited for the book are extensive and impressive. The sources used are critically engaged in an integrated manner, and Dr. Vellacott interprets the sources used in a balanced manner. Where applicable, the salient aspects of arguments from scholars are authentically represented. The book contains an overall logical argument, and the different chapters form a cohesive whole. There is a consistency in the thesis. The study is systematic, logical, well-structured, balanced and clear. The book contains a high quality of research. The work is written in an accessible and engaging way, and because of the topic, it should appeal to a wider audience. The quality of the writing is of a high standard.”


—Ernest van Eck, principal, professor of New Testament, Knox College, University of Toronto, and extraordinary professor, University of Pretoria