1 Corinthians 14

1 Corinthians 14 focuses on the proper use of spiritual gifts within the church, specifically emphasizing prophecy and speaking in tongues. Paul instructs the Corinthian believers on how to use these gifts in a way that builds up the church and maintains order during worship services.

1 Corinthians 14:1 (NKJV) Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy:

Paul begins by urging the Corinthians to prioritize love above all else while also desiring spiritual gifts, highlighting prophecy as the most beneficial for the church because it edifies all who hear.

1 Corinthians 14:2 (NKJV) 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.

Speaking in tongues is directed towards God, involving divine mysteries that are unintelligible to others without interpretation. This underscores the private and personal nature of the gift when used without interpretation in the church setting.

1 Corinthians 14:3-4 (NKJV) But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.

Prophecy is superior in the congregational context because it provides edification, encouragement, and comfort to the entire community. In contrast, speaking in tongues without interpretation primarily benefits the speaker, not the church body.

1 Corinthians 14:5 (NKJV) 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.

Paul expresses a desire for all to speak in tongues but prioritizes prophecy because of its direct benefit to the church. Speaking in tongues can be equally valuable if accompanied by interpretation, making the message accessible and edifying to all present.

1 Corinthians 14:6 (NKJV) But 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?

Paul emphasizes the need for intelligibility in church communication. Speaking in tongues without conveying understandable content—such as a revelation, prophetic message, or teaching—does not benefit listeners.

1 Corinthians 14:7-8 (NKJV) 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? And if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle?

Paul uses musical instruments as metaphors to illustrate the importance of clear communication. Just as distinct notes are necessary for music to be understood and a clear trumpet call is needed to prepare soldiers for battle, so clear language is necessary for effective spiritual communication.

1 Corinthians 14:9 (NKJV) 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.

Continuing the thought from the previous verses, Paul stresses that words must be comprehensible; otherwise, speaking is ineffective, like talking into empty space.

1 Corinthians 14:10-11 (NKJV) There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance. 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.

Paul acknowledges the variety and importance of different languages but points out the barrier that exists when speakers and listeners do not share the same language, leading to mutual incomprehension.

1 Corinthians 14:12 (NKJV) Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.

Paul directs the Corinthians’ enthusiasm for spiritual gifts towards the edification of the church. The use of any gift should aim to build up the community, not just the individual.

1 Corinthians 14:13 (NKJV) Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.

If a person speaks in tongues, Paul advises them to pray for the ability to interpret their words so that their speech can edify others in the assembly.

1 Corinthians 14:14-15 (NKJV) For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 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 distinguishes between praying in a tongue, where the mind is not engaged, and praying with understanding, which benefits both the speaker and the hearer. He advocates for both spiritual and intelligible prayer and worship.

1 Corinthians 14:16-17 (NKJV) 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? For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.

Paul points out the practical problem of unintelligible language in communal worship: if others cannot understand the blessing, they cannot join in affirming it with an "Amen," and thus they are not edified.

1 Corinthians 14:18-19 (NKJV) I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; 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.

Paul acknowledges his own frequent use of tongues but prioritizes intelligible speech in church settings to ensure that his words teach and benefit others.

1 Corinthians 14:20 (NKJV) Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.

Paul urges the Corinthians to be mature in their thinking about spiritual gifts, contrasting this with the innocence of a child in malice. Understanding is key to using gifts properly.

1 Corinthians 14:21-22 (NKJV) 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. 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.

Paul cites Isaiah to explain that speaking in tongues is a sign to non-believers, as prophesied, whereas prophecy is meant to edify believers within the church.

1 Corinthians 14:23 (NKJV) 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?

If everyone speaks in tongues in a congregational setting without interpretation, and outsiders or unbelievers visit, they might conclude that the congregation is irrational, which could hinder evangelism.

1 Corinthians 14:24-25 (NKJV) But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. 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.

In contrast to speaking in tongues, prophecy can convict and convince both believers and non-believers of God’s presence, leading to conversions and affirmations of faith.

1 Corinthians 14:26 (NKJV) 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.

Paul addresses the issue of orderly worship, emphasizing that although many members may have spiritual contributions, all activities should aim to strengthen and build up the church.

1 Corinthians 14:27-28 (NKJV) If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.

Strict guidelines for speaking in tongues are set to prevent disorder. A small, orderly number should speak, and only with interpretation available. Without it, the speaker should remain silent in public settings, focusing instead on personal communion with God.

1 Corinthians 14:29-30 (NKJV) Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent.

Prophecy must also be conducted in an orderly manner with a few speaking while others evaluate the truth and relevance of the messages. Should a revelation come to another during the meetings, the speaker should yield the floor for new insight.

1 Corinthians 14:31 (NKJV) For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged.

This directive promotes systematic sharing of prophecy, ensuring that everyone benefits from the teachings and encouragement without overwhelming or confusing the congregation.

1 Corinthians 14:32-33 (NKJV) 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 the churches of the saints.

The self-control of the prophets over their spiritual gifts underscores that true spiritual expressions are orderly and peaceful, aligning with God’s nature, unlike the chaotic practices that can occur.

1 Corinthians 14:34-35 (NKJV) 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. 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.

These controversial verses reflect cultural and contextual norms of the time concerning women's roles in public worship and are interpreted variously across different Christian denominations today.

1 Corinthians 14:36 (NKJV) Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached?

Paul challenges any sense of spiritual elitism or proprietary claims over God’s message, reminding the Corinthians that they are not the sole recipients or originators of divine revelation.

1 Corinthians 14:37-38 (NKJV) 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. But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant.

Paul asserts the divine authority behind his instructions, expecting that those genuinely spiritual will recognize and adhere to his guidance. He dismisses opposition by stating that those who choose to ignore his teachings do so to their own detriment.

1 Corinthians 14:39-40 (NKJV) Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.

In his closing remarks, Paul reiterates the importance of prophecy over tongues but doesn’t completely forbid speaking in tongues. He underscores the overarching principle for all church activities: everything should be conducted in an orderly and fitting manner.