I Corinthians 14: Pursuing Love and Edifying the Church
Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?
If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
Let all things be done decently and in order.
I Corinthians 14 delves into the practical application of spiritual gifts within the church, emphasizing the paramount importance of love and order. Building upon the foundation laid in chapters 12 and 13, Paul provides specific guidance on how to use these gifts in a way that builds up the body of Christ, rather than causing confusion or division. This chapter underscores the need for maturity, understanding, and a focus on the common good within the Christian community. Let's unpack the rich layers of instruction contained within I Corinthians 14.
The Superiority of Prophecy Rooted in Love (14:1-5)
Paul opens this chapter with a powerful call: "Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy" (I Corinthians 14:1). Love, as defined in chapter 13, is the indispensable context for the exercise of any spiritual gift. Without love, even the most impressive displays of spiritual power are meaningless. He encourages the Corinthians to desire spiritual gifts, recognizing that these are freely given by God's Spirit. However, he specifically highlights prophecy as particularly valuable.
Why prophecy? Because it speaks directly to the heart of the community. While one who speaks in a tongue speaks to God (I Corinthians 14:2), unless there is an interpreter, the church remains unedified. Prophecy, on the other hand, delivers a clear message that edifies, exhorts, and comforts believers (I Corinthians 14:3). It brings a word from God that everyone can understand, fostering spiritual growth and unity. Paul clarifies that while speaking in tongues can be personally edifying, its benefit is limited if it doesn't translate into something that builds up the whole church (I Corinthians 14:4-5). The aim should be to exercise gifts in a manner that benefits the entire community of faith. Paul wishes that everyone could speak in tongues, provided that there was interpretation available to benefit all.
The Necessity of Clear Communication (14:6-12)
Paul drives home the importance of clarity with a series of vivid illustrations. He argues that if even he were to come speaking in tongues without interpretation, his presence would be of no benefit to them (I Corinthians 14:6). Just as a musical instrument produces only noise if its notes are indistinguishable (I Corinthians 14:7-8), so too is an unintelligible tongue useless to its hearers (I Corinthians 14:9). The church needs to understand what is being spoken in order to grow and be strengthened.
He continues by emphasizing the necessity of shared understanding for meaningful communication. Without comprehending the meaning of words, members of the church would be like foreigners to one another (I Corinthians 14:10-11). Paul urges them to match their zeal for spiritual gifts with an equal zeal for building up the church (I Corinthians 14:12). The Spirit empowers them to edify, and they should channel their energies towards that end.
Praying for Interpretation and Understanding (14:13-19)
Given the potential for tongues to be misunderstood, Paul urges those who possess the gift of tongues to pray for the ability to interpret (I Corinthians 14:13). Praying in another language without understanding is unfruitful (I Corinthians 14:14). Prayer and praise must be accompanied by understanding if anyone is to hear and say, "Amen" (I Corinthians 14:15-16). How can you affirm what someone has spoken if it’s unintelligible to you?
Paul highlights his own extensive use of tongues (I Corinthians 14:18), yet emphasizes that he values speaking five intelligible words that edify others over ten thousand words in a tongue that no one understands (I Corinthians 14:19). His priority is not personal display, but the spiritual growth of the church.
Maturity in Thinking and the Purpose of Tongues (14:20-25)
Paul urges the Corinthians to be mature in their thinking (I Corinthians 14:20). While it's beneficial to be innocent regarding evil, excitement about exercising exotic spiritual gifts that no one can understand is immature. A more mature stance is to exercise gifts for the good of others.
Quoting Isaiah 28:11-12, Paul explains that tongues serve as a sign for unbelievers (I Corinthians 14:21-22). However, this sign is primarily one of judgment, echoing the confusion experienced by the Israelites when confronted with the unintelligible language of their Assyrian conquerors. Prophecy, on the other hand, is for believers.
Paul contrasts the impact of tongues and prophecy on unbelievers. If unbelievers enter a gathering where everyone is speaking in tongues, they might conclude that the Christians are mad (I Corinthians 14:23). However, if they hear prophecy, they may be convicted of their sin, recognize God's presence, and come to faith (I Corinthians 14:24-25).
Order and Edification in Church Gatherings (14:26-33)
Paul emphasizes the importance of orderliness in church gatherings (I Corinthians 14:26). He insists that everything is to be done for building up and in an ordered manner. A coherent process should be followed.
He provides specific guidelines for the use of tongues and prophecy. At most, two or three people should speak in tongues, and only if there is an interpreter (I Corinthians 14:27-28). Similarly, only two or three prophets should speak, and their prophecies should be evaluated by others to determine their truthfulness (I Corinthians 14:29). The exercise of prophecy has to be orderly. One can’t irrationally begin spouting off a prophecy; rather, people are to prophesy one by one so that all can learn and be encouraged (I Corinthians 14:30-31). The prophets’ spirits are subject to the prophets—meaning they must exercise self-control in giving prophecy because God is not a God of disorder but of peace (I Corinthians 14:32-33).
The Role of Women in the Church (14:34-36)
Paul addresses the sensitive issue of women speaking in church (I Corinthians 14:34-35). He instructs women to remain silent in the churches, clarifying that he is not forbidding women from praying and prophesying when the church gathers. Paul has already made clear that a woman can do so if she submits to the spiritual authority of her husband and the church’s leadership (see 11:5). Apparently, though, some of the women in Corinth were being disruptive during the church service and not submitting themselves to their husbands (11:34). Rather than engaging in disorderly and distracting conduct when prophesies were being given, they were to ask their own husbands at home (11:35) to preserve order and peace in the gathering.
Recognizing the Lord's Command (14:37-40)
Paul concludes by asserting the authority of his instructions (I Corinthians 14:37). He insists that anyone who claims to be a prophet or a spiritual person will recognize that he wasn’t offering mere personal opinion but the Lord’s command (I Corinthians 14:37). Thus, to reject this teaching is to reject the Lord. Such a person will be ignored by the Lord (I Corinthians 14:38).
He reiterates the importance of desiring prophecy and not forbidding the speaking of tongues (I Corinthians 14:39), while emphasizing that everything should be done decently and in order (I Corinthians 14:40). Obedience to this invites the blessing of God who “is not a God of disorder but of peace” (14:33). Righteous unity is critical for the church to experience God’s presence in its midst.
In summary, I Corinthians 14 calls believers to prioritize love, understanding, and order in the exercise of spiritual gifts. The ultimate goal is to edify the church, bringing believers closer to God and to one another.
Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?
If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
Let all things be done decently and in order.
I Corinthians 14 delves into the practical application of spiritual gifts within the church, emphasizing the paramount importance of love and order. Building upon the foundation laid in chapters 12 and 13, Paul provides specific guidance on how to use these gifts in a way that builds up the body of Christ, rather than causing confusion or division. This chapter underscores the need for maturity, understanding, and a focus on the common good within the Christian community. Let's unpack the rich layers of instruction contained within I Corinthians 14.
The Superiority of Prophecy Rooted in Love (14:1-5)
Paul opens this chapter with a powerful call: "Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy" (I Corinthians 14:1). Love, as defined in chapter 13, is the indispensable context for the exercise of any spiritual gift. Without love, even the most impressive displays of spiritual power are meaningless. He encourages the Corinthians to desire spiritual gifts, recognizing that these are freely given by God's Spirit. However, he specifically highlights prophecy as particularly valuable.
Why prophecy? Because it speaks directly to the heart of the community. While one who speaks in a tongue speaks to God (I Corinthians 14:2), unless there is an interpreter, the church remains unedified. Prophecy, on the other hand, delivers a clear message that edifies, exhorts, and comforts believers (I Corinthians 14:3). It brings a word from God that everyone can understand, fostering spiritual growth and unity. Paul clarifies that while speaking in tongues can be personally edifying, its benefit is limited if it doesn't translate into something that builds up the whole church (I Corinthians 14:4-5). The aim should be to exercise gifts in a manner that benefits the entire community of faith. Paul wishes that everyone could speak in tongues, provided that there was interpretation available to benefit all.
The Necessity of Clear Communication (14:6-12)
Paul drives home the importance of clarity with a series of vivid illustrations. He argues that if even he were to come speaking in tongues without interpretation, his presence would be of no benefit to them (I Corinthians 14:6). Just as a musical instrument produces only noise if its notes are indistinguishable (I Corinthians 14:7-8), so too is an unintelligible tongue useless to its hearers (I Corinthians 14:9). The church needs to understand what is being spoken in order to grow and be strengthened.
He continues by emphasizing the necessity of shared understanding for meaningful communication. Without comprehending the meaning of words, members of the church would be like foreigners to one another (I Corinthians 14:10-11). Paul urges them to match their zeal for spiritual gifts with an equal zeal for building up the church (I Corinthians 14:12). The Spirit empowers them to edify, and they should channel their energies towards that end.
Praying for Interpretation and Understanding (14:13-19)
Given the potential for tongues to be misunderstood, Paul urges those who possess the gift of tongues to pray for the ability to interpret (I Corinthians 14:13). Praying in another language without understanding is unfruitful (I Corinthians 14:14). Prayer and praise must be accompanied by understanding if anyone is to hear and say, "Amen" (I Corinthians 14:15-16). How can you affirm what someone has spoken if it’s unintelligible to you?
Paul highlights his own extensive use of tongues (I Corinthians 14:18), yet emphasizes that he values speaking five intelligible words that edify others over ten thousand words in a tongue that no one understands (I Corinthians 14:19). His priority is not personal display, but the spiritual growth of the church.
Maturity in Thinking and the Purpose of Tongues (14:20-25)
Paul urges the Corinthians to be mature in their thinking (I Corinthians 14:20). While it's beneficial to be innocent regarding evil, excitement about exercising exotic spiritual gifts that no one can understand is immature. A more mature stance is to exercise gifts for the good of others.
Quoting Isaiah 28:11-12, Paul explains that tongues serve as a sign for unbelievers (I Corinthians 14:21-22). However, this sign is primarily one of judgment, echoing the confusion experienced by the Israelites when confronted with the unintelligible language of their Assyrian conquerors. Prophecy, on the other hand, is for believers.
Paul contrasts the impact of tongues and prophecy on unbelievers. If unbelievers enter a gathering where everyone is speaking in tongues, they might conclude that the Christians are mad (I Corinthians 14:23). However, if they hear prophecy, they may be convicted of their sin, recognize God's presence, and come to faith (I Corinthians 14:24-25).
Order and Edification in Church Gatherings (14:26-33)
Paul emphasizes the importance of orderliness in church gatherings (I Corinthians 14:26). He insists that everything is to be done for building up and in an ordered manner. A coherent process should be followed.
He provides specific guidelines for the use of tongues and prophecy. At most, two or three people should speak in tongues, and only if there is an interpreter (I Corinthians 14:27-28). Similarly, only two or three prophets should speak, and their prophecies should be evaluated by others to determine their truthfulness (I Corinthians 14:29). The exercise of prophecy has to be orderly. One can’t irrationally begin spouting off a prophecy; rather, people are to prophesy one by one so that all can learn and be encouraged (I Corinthians 14:30-31). The prophets’ spirits are subject to the prophets—meaning they must exercise self-control in giving prophecy because God is not a God of disorder but of peace (I Corinthians 14:32-33).
The Role of Women in the Church (14:34-36)
Paul addresses the sensitive issue of women speaking in church (I Corinthians 14:34-35). He instructs women to remain silent in the churches, clarifying that he is not forbidding women from praying and prophesying when the church gathers. Paul has already made clear that a woman can do so if she submits to the spiritual authority of her husband and the church’s leadership (see 11:5). Apparently, though, some of the women in Corinth were being disruptive during the church service and not submitting themselves to their husbands (11:34). Rather than engaging in disorderly and distracting conduct when prophesies were being given, they were to ask their own husbands at home (11:35) to preserve order and peace in the gathering.
Recognizing the Lord's Command (14:37-40)
Paul concludes by asserting the authority of his instructions (I Corinthians 14:37). He insists that anyone who claims to be a prophet or a spiritual person will recognize that he wasn’t offering mere personal opinion but the Lord’s command (I Corinthians 14:37). Thus, to reject this teaching is to reject the Lord. Such a person will be ignored by the Lord (I Corinthians 14:38).
He reiterates the importance of desiring prophecy and not forbidding the speaking of tongues (I Corinthians 14:39), while emphasizing that everything should be done decently and in order (I Corinthians 14:40). Obedience to this invites the blessing of God who “is not a God of disorder but of peace” (14:33). Righteous unity is critical for the church to experience God’s presence in its midst.
In summary, I Corinthians 14 calls believers to prioritize love, understanding, and order in the exercise of spiritual gifts. The ultimate goal is to edify the church, bringing believers closer to God and to one another.