1 Corinthians 14

This chapter focuses on the regulation and value of spiritual gifts within the church, particularly addressing speaking in tongues and prophecy. Paul emphasizes that gifts should be exercised in a manner that benefits the entire community, promoting order and understanding during worship to strengthen and edify the church.

1 Corinthians 14:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.
2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.
3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.
4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.

This passage emphasizes that spiritual gifts must be used to build up the church, prioritizing prophecy over speaking in tongues. Paul encourages believers to pursue love and seek spiritual gifts that benefit others. Speaking in tongues, unless interpreted, benefits only the speaker because it involves communicating with God in a language unknown to the congregation. In verse 4, Paul addresses the misuse of this gift, where someone with the ability to speak different languages might use it in the church without interpretation, possibly to show off, leaving others unedified. Prophecy, in this context, is not about predicting the future but rather about preaching, teaching, or sharing God’s Word in a way that is clear and relevant to the listeners. It provides encouragement, comfort, and instruction, directly building up the church. Paul emphasizes that spiritual gifts, whether temporary or permanent, must serve the purpose of strengthening the church, promoting clarity, unity, and the collective growth of believers in worship.

1 Corinthians 14:6-10 (NKJV)
6 Now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching?
7 Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played?
8 For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle?
9 So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.
10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance.

Paul uses analogies of musical instruments and battle trumpets to illustrate the importance of clear communication. He argues that speaking in tongues without clear interpretation is like playing an instrument without distinct notes or a battle trumpet without a clear call, leading to confusion rather than clarity.

1 Corinthians 14:11-15 (NKJV)
11 Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me.
12 Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.
13 Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.
14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.
15 What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.

Paul stresses the need for intelligibility in worship to avoid alienation. He advises those who speak in tongues to pray for the gift of interpretation so that all may understand and be edified. This approach ensures that spiritual expressions benefit both the speaker and the listeners.

1 Corinthians 14:16-20 (NKJV)
16 Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say?
17 For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.
18 I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all;
19 yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
20 Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.

Here, Paul discusses the importance of making spiritual expressions accessible to all. He values brief, clear communication that teaches and benefits others over extensive, unintelligible speech. Paul calls for maturity in understanding, advocating for thoughtful, comprehensible interaction within the church.

1 Corinthians 14:21-25 (NKJV)
21 In the law it is written: “With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,” says the Lord.
22 Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe.
23 Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind?
24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all.
25 And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.

Paul addresses the proper use of tongues and prophecy in worship, emphasizing their different impacts on believers and unbelievers. He begins by quoting Isaiah 28:11-12, where God warns Israel of judgment, saying He will speak to them through foreign tongues because of their disobedience. In that context, the foreign languages symbolized the speech of invaders like the Assyrians, showing God’s displeasure. Paul uses this to explain that tongues are primarily a sign for unbelievers, demonstrating God’s supernatural power. For example, at Pentecost (Acts 2), tongues functioned as a sign when unbelievers heard their own languages miraculously spoken, leading them to recognize God’s presence. However, in a worship setting where tongues are spoken without interpretation, Paul explains that they can cause confusion and alienation. If an unbeliever enters and hears people speaking unintelligibly, they may think the congregation is irrational and chaotic, undermining the purpose of tongues as a sign. In contrast, prophecy, which conveys God’s message clearly and directly, has the power to convict an unbeliever of their sin and reveal the secrets of their heart. This clarity leads them to repentance, causing them to fall in worship and acknowledge, “God is truly among you.” Paul’s overarching point is that worship must be intelligible and orderly so that spiritual gifts, whether tongues or prophecy, fulfill their purpose of glorifying God and drawing both believers and unbelievers closer to Him.

1 Corinthians 14:26-30 (NKJV)
26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.
27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret.
28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.
29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge.
30 But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent.

This passage provides guidelines for orderly and edifying worship in the church, emphasizing that all spiritual gifts should be exercised to build up the congregation. Paul begins by encouraging believers to come prepared to contribute, whether through a psalm, teaching, revelation, tongue, or interpretation. However, everything must be done in an orderly way to strengthen the church. For speaking in tongues, he instructs that only two or three people should speak, one at a time, and only if there is someone to interpret. Without interpretation, they should remain silent to avoid confusion.

For prophecy, Paul encourages two or three people to share, while others listen and discern the message. If someone else receives a revelation during this time, the one speaking should pause ("let the first keep silent") to allow the new message to be shared. This ensures everyone’s contribution is heard and prevents one person from dominating the gathering. These instructions prioritize order, respect, and clarity, reflecting Paul’s desire for worship that glorifies God and edifies the entire congregation. The focus is on humility, mutual respect, and the proper use of spiritual gifts for the collective benefit of the church.

1 Corinthians 14:31-35 (NKJV)
31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged.
32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
34 Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says.
35 And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.

Paul emphasizes the importance of order and clarity in worship to ensure that the church is edified and reflects God's character as a God of peace, not confusion. He instructs that prophetic messages should be shared one at a time, so everyone can listen, discern, and grow in understanding. In this context, Paul also states that women should remain silent in the churches, describing it as shameful for them to speak in that setting. This statement reflects the cultural norms of the time, where public speaking or questioning by women in a mixed congregation could be seen as disrespectful or disruptive to the order of worship. It’s possible that some women in Corinth were speaking out in a way that disrupted the service, perhaps asking questions or engaging in debate during the teaching. Paul’s instruction to "ask their own husbands at home" was a practical solution to avoid public interruptions while still encouraging learning. The term "shameful" aligns with the cultural expectation of modesty and propriety, as speaking out in this way might undermine the decorum expected in worship. For example, if a church service becomes chaotic with interruptions, the focus shifts away from God and the message being shared. Paul’s guidance here, as in the rest of the chapter, is rooted in maintaining order, reverence, and an environment where all can grow spiritually without distraction or confusion.

1 Corinthians 14:36-40 (NKJV)
36 Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached?
37 If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.
38 But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant.
39 Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.
40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

In concluding the chapter, Paul reinforces his authority and the divine origin of his instructions, challenging anyone who considers themselves spiritual to recognize his teachings as commandments from the Lord. He encourages the practice of prophecy and speaking in tongues but insists that all worship activities must be conducted with propriety and order to reflect the character of God as a God of peace and order, not confusion. This final admonition underlines the core message of the chapter: spiritual practices in the church should enhance the congregation's edification and operate within a framework of orderly conduct.