Chapter 14 of 1 Corinthians is where the Apostle Paul teaches about the use of prophecy and speaking in tongues in the church. This chapter explains the methods and purposes for using the gifts within the church, emphasizing order and benefit. Paul especially emphasizes prophecy and teaches the importance of using one's gifts to edify the church community.
Tongues and Prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:1-25)
- Comparison of speaking in tongues and prophecy (14:1-5):
- Paul encourages us to desire spiritual gifts, and especially emphasizes prophecy.
- He who speaks in tongues builds himself up, but he who prophesies builds up the church.
- Speaking in tongues is of no benefit to the church without interpretation, but prophecy is beneficial to all.
- Limited benefits of speaking in tongues (14:6-12):
- Paul explains that for tongues to be of benefit to the church, interpretation is necessary.
- Words that cannot be understood do not provide spiritual benefit.
- Gifts should be used for the edification of the entire church rather than for personal benefit.
- Conditions for the use of tongues (14:13-19):
- Those who speak in tongues should pray that they may be able to interpret.
- Paul emphasizes that it is more important to build the church with understandable words than to pray and sing in tongues.
- Paul himself speaks in tongues a lot, but he says that teaching is more important in the church.
- Tongues and unbelievers (14:20-25):
- Paul explains that speaking in tongues is a sign to unbelievers, but prophecy is a sign to believers.
- While speaking in tongues without interpretation can confuse non-believers, prophecy can reveal the hearts of non-believers and bring them back to God.
Order in the Church (1 Corinthians 14:26-40)
- Order of worship (14:26-33):
- Paul emphasizes that everything in church gatherings should be done for edification.
- When speaking in tongues, two or three people must take turns, and there must be an interpreter.
- Two or three people must prophesy, and others must discern.
- Confusion does not please God, God is a God of order.
- Women's Role (14:34-35):
- Paul advises women to be quiet in church and if they have any questions, they should ask their husbands at home.
- This verse is interpreted as reflecting the cultural background and church order of the time.
- Rules for prophecy and speaking in tongues (14:36-40):
- Paul emphasizes that his teachings about prophecy and speaking in tongues are commands from the Lord.
- Speaking in tongues is not prohibited, but everything must be done in an orderly and edifying manner.
summary
1 Corinthians 14 emphasizes order and benefit in the use of gifts in the church. Paul explains the purpose and use of speaking in tongues and prophecy, and teaches that the most important thing is for the edification of the entire church. Tongues require interpretation, and prophecy has direct benefit in building the church. All gifts are to be used in an orderly manner for the edification of the church, avoiding confusion.