I Corinthians Study I Corinthians 14:1-40 The Use of Gifts

Paul related at the end of Chapter 12 that believers should “covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.”  The more excellent way is by love!  In Chapter 13, Paul gave us an exposition on the grand subject of love!  Now as Chapter 14 opens in verse 1, Paul exhorts us to follow after love.  Then he exhorts us to desire spiritual gifts, but rather to prophesy.  We should be engaged in forthtelling the word of God.  What a blessing it is to share God’s word with others!

In verse 2, we should note that the word “unknown” is in italics, which means that the word “unknown” is not in the original.  The bible does not mention “unknown tongues.”  The word is not in the original.  In an assembly, we should not speak in a language that is unknown unless somebody can do some interpreting.  In verse 3, Paul stressed the importance of the gift of prophecy, which is for edification, exhortation and comfort; however, when one is speaking in an unknown tongue, he or she is edifying themselves only.  Prophesying is the best way of edifying the body of Christ (vv. 4-6).  Speaking in an unknown language, unless there is an interpreter, does not edify the body.  Paul even stated that a trumpet had to give the right sound to prepare for battle (vv. 7-8).  The trumpet was used in the bible to alert the troops for battle!  We should speak in a language that is understandable (. 9).

From verses 10-16, Paul continues to convey that unintelligible speech in the church must be interpreted for the edification of the congregation.  Paul spoke in many languages, yet he spoke in a tongue that everyone could understand.  Paul stressed the value of communicating in a language that would be beneficial in the church, and not bring about confusion (vv. 17-19).   Paul admonished the Corinthians to stop behaving as children (v. 20).  Tongues are a sign to unbelievers, not to believers (vv. 21-22).  If a stranger comes to a Christian meeting where everyone is shouting out in tongues, the impression given is likely to be “what a mad house” (v. 23).  However, if an unbeliever comes to a meeting and hears the word in plain speech, he will come under conviction and be converted (vv. 24-25).

Paul indicated in verse 26 that when the brethren came together to freely participate in service then the goal should be to edify one another.  In addition, those gifted with a tongue who wanted to contribute to a service could do so, but only two or three at any one service, only if individuals gifted in interpretation were present who could translate the language.  If no interpreter were present, the tongues-speaker was to keep quiet (vv. 27-28).

In verse 29, the directions for those exercising the gift of prophecy did not differ from those for tongues.  Two or three prophets could speak at each service and what they said was to be carefully considered.  A prophet might receive a revelation (through a vision or dream) prior to a meeting of the church and related it.  Then another prophet might also experience a revelation during the course of the meeting.  If so, a prophet in the midst of speaking should bring his message to a close to let the other prophet proclaim (v. 30).  However, what was said, should benefit everyone by way of instruction or encouragement in the Christian life (v. 31).  To regulate a service, the gifted prophets were to be restrained as those gifted in tongues.

The church was a place where people were to be edified and God was to be honored (vv. 32-33).  The church needed to exercise self-control, a self-control expressed by silence in order that the assembly might be characterized by peace (v. 34, see also 28, 30).  The Apostle Paul insisted silence on the parts of married women whose husbands were present in the assembly.  Such silence would express their subordination (but not inferior) relationship to their husbands.  The Corinthians were not the exclusive, independent interpreters of the word of God (vv. 35-36).

In conclusion (vv. 37-40), the instructions that Paul had given regarding the Corinthian irregularities in worship and the needed corrections should not be ignored.  The Corinthians were encouraged to covet the gift of prophecy, and follow the great principle found in verse 40: “Let all things be done decently and in order.”

May God Bless!