First Letter to the Corinthians -- Chapter 14
Having established once and for all that faith, hope, and love are the greater gifts of the Spirit (with love being the greatest), Paul continues on to urge us to once again desire the spiritual gifts given to build up the Body of Christ, especially the gift of prophecy. “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy” (1 Corinthians 14:1). Following the way of love Paul desires for us to have spiritual gifts in order that thru their use we might reach out to the world with God’s Message and build up those within the Church. One commentator correctly explained: “Love is the mistress; all the spiritual gifts are servants, handmaids.” All the spiritual gifts are subordinate to love and they all exist in order to serve the great mission and goal of love; we have spiritual gifts in order to use them to love our neighbors and enemies. It is for this reason that Paul urges us to especially desire prophecy for ourselves and for the Church in general.
He continues on to explain why he insists on prophecy over all the other spiritual gifts he has listed: “For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified” (1 Corinthians 14:2-5). Paul clearly explains what he means by “speaking in tongues” and by “prophecy.” Speaking in tongues in this context means speaking in an unknown language, one that no one understands (even himself). Prophecy means teaching and expounding on the truths of God’s Word in a known and intelligible language. Therefore prophecy is by far the greater gift because it communicates to men the message and comfort of God’s Word while speaking in tongues is nothing but unknown blabbering and gibberish to the listening ear. The sole is exception to this exists when someone is present to interpret the unknown tongue that is being spoken because in this situation speaking in tongues then becomes communication (which is what truly matters for building up the Church and our fellow man).
Paul moves on to discuss how this communication is the key: “Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air” (1 Corinthians 14:6-9). By using the analogy of music Paul cuts to the heart of the matter. What is music if there is no distinction of notes, pitch, and tone? It is nothing but meaningless racket. So it is also with speaking in unknown tongues. Tongues serve no edifying purpose to the Church when there are no distinct syllables and sounds that compose an interpretable language. To speak in an unknown tongue without interpretation is simply speaking into the air; it is purposeless babbling that does not help the Church in any way. “Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church” (1 Corinthians 14:10-12). The whole point of speaking (and of language in general) is to communicate thoughts, ideas, and truths to another person. Therefore if one speaks in an unknown tongue without interpretation then there is no communication and those in the Church might as well be foreigners to each other. It is for this reason that Paul urges the immature Corinthians to stop obsessing about speaking in tongues and to start seeking prophecy where there will be true edification and building up of the Body of Christ. “For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind. If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say ‘Amen’ to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified” (1 Corinthians 14:13-17). Speaking in tongues is truly unfruitful if there is no interpretation. For the one who speaks in tongues by himself, there may be joy knowing that his spirit is praying to God but there is no fruit or edification for the mind if he does not know what he says or prays. This is especially amplified in the congregational setting when the speaker of tongues becomes only a meaningless racket and distraction to those present, removing their focus from the proclaimed and intelligible Word of God. Therefore Paul urges us to sing and pray, but to do so in a known language so that both spirit and mind may be edified for both the one doing it and those who hear it.
“I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue” (1 Corinthians 14:18-19). If we have somehow missed Paul’s position beforehand, he hammers it home once more: a tongue that is not interpreted is worthless for the Church. No amount or quantity of an unknown tongue can match even the smallest amount of intelligible words that communicate God’s truth. Paul admits that he speaks in tongues more than all the men at Corinth, yet he sees how this gift is completely empty for the Church without an interpreter to help with communication. Our goal is never to please ourselves with fantastical gifts and abilities, our goal is always to love and serve our fellow man in God’s truth. Therefore a tongue that is unintelligible is worthless to building up the Church of Jesus Christ. “Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults” (1 Corinthians 14:20). To believe that speaking in tongues is more desirable than speaking in clear language is absolutely infantile. Paul wants the Corinthians (and us!) to see this fact. He desires us to have a child-like faith and innocence in regard to evil, but in our spiritual walk he wants us to grow and mature.
Using the Scriptures Paul proves this greater point and teaches us the true purpose of speaking in tongues: “In the Law it is written: ‘Through men of strange tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me,’ says the Lord. Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers. So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, ‘God is really among you!’” (1 Corinthians 14:21-25). By carefully and honestly reading the Scripture that Paul quotes from Isaiah we will see that the gift of speaking in unknown tongues was given to bring forth the hardness of the hearts of the unbelievers in the house of Israel and to fulfill the prophecy of God’s Word. God sent foreign people to speak in unknown tongues to the Israelites and yet they still refused to see God’s miraculous work and hear the voice of their Shepherd. Therefore the gift of unknown tongues is not given to convert men or to strengthen those who already believe, it is instead given to harden the hearts of unbelievers who are obstinate in their rejection of God. “My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long, for those who wanted to harm me have been put to shame and confusion” (Psalm 71:24). “He will turn their own tongues against them and bring them to ruin; all who see them will shake their heads in scorn” (Psalm 64:8). “You will see those arrogant people no more, those people of an obscure speech, with their strange, incomprehensible tongue” (Isaiah 33:19). Dr. Kretzmann wrote, “When God speaks in such an unintelligible way, He exhibits Himself ‘not as one that is opening His thoughts to the faithful, but as one who is shutting Himself up from those who will not believe.’ So the hardened unbelievers, having rejected the clear and unmistakable preaching of the Cross, find themselves confirmed, and even justified, according to their opinion, by this phenomenon.” God is simply giving men over to their rejecting, obstinate, hardened hearts thru the means of speaking in unknown tongues; it is God bringing judgment on those who refuse to hear the Word of Christ. Prophecy on the other hand is given for the Church in order that we may edify our fellow man and witness to those in the world who have not yet been reached with God’s Word. Prophecy is not given to confuse and harden, but to teach and clarify the truth. Prophecy is where the Spirit uses God’s Word to open the eyes, ears, and hearts of men, making them believers. “The eyes of those who see will no longer be closed, and the ears of those who hear will listen. The mind of the rash will know and understand, and the stammering tongue will be fluent and clear” (Isaiah 32:3-4). Therefore Paul wants us to speak as if speaking the Words of God, “If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God” (1 Peter 4:11), and to speak with wisdom, justice, truth, and clarity so that men may be edified by God’s Word. “Let the one who has my word speak it faithfully” (Jeremiah 23:28). “Speak the truth to each other” (Zechariah 8:16). “The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just” (Psalm 37:30). Let us follow Paul’s advice and pray and seek for the gift of prophecy so that we may clearly proclaim the truth of God’s Word to our fellow man when the situation arises, edifying Him with the One truth of Jesus Christ crucified. “My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long” (Psalm 35:28). “I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, as you know, O Yahweh. I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly” (Psalm 40:9-10).
Having urged the Corinthians to seek spiritual gifts that edify and build up the Church Paul continues on to address orderly worship: “What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church” (1 Corinthians 14:26). Anytime a congregation joins together all things must take place in order to strengthen and enlighten the entire group. Every Scripture read, every song sung, and every sermon given must all serve the purpose of proclaiming God’s Word for the good of the people. It is especially important that our music not degenerate into entertainment or emotional revelry but that it also proclaims the truth of God’s Word. Our hymns must not serve the purpose of enjoyment, but the purpose of strengthening and educating.
Moving on Paul touches on how speaking in tongues should be handled: “If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God” (1 Corinthians 14:27-28). Paul sets forth regulations for the use of tongues within the church: 1) no more than three people should speak in tongues at one gathering, 2) each speaker must go one at a time, 3) each tongue must have an interpretation and if there is no interpretation then the speaker should keep quiet. Paul lays down these ground rules not to limit us but in order to prevent disorder and abuse of the gift of speaking in tongues. If there is no one present who can interpret the tongue then it is harmful for the speaker to continue, for he will only cause confusion and disorder within the gathering. Only when the tongue can be interpreted and then communicated to the congregation should we actually allow speaking in tongues at a church service.
Paul next addresses prophesying and expounding on God’s Word: “Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:29-33). Not everyone should speak at a church service, only a couple “prophets” (those who have been called by God and the Church to proclaim His Word) should speak and when they speak there should never be more than one person speaking at a time. No man must act like he cannot wait in regards to speaking in his due turn. God does not give us a spirit of impatience; He instead gives us a spirit of order, patience, and self-control. Paul wants us to be cordial and orderly, waiting for each other to finish; if a prophet claims that he cannot wait then we know that what he has to say is not from God. If someone has something to say in reaction to what is being said, it should be done in an orderly, patient, and timely manner so that all members may be instructed and encouraged as a single group. The final point to pull from these words of Paul is the fact that everyone in the congregation is called to “carefully weigh” what is being said. This means that it is the responsibility of every member of the congregation to make sure that what is being said does not go against God’s Word and is in fact in harmony with God’s revelation of the Scriptures. We are called to do the same as the Bereans who “received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true” (Acts 17:11). Even though all believers are not called to be prophets and teachers of the Word, all believers are called to be hearers and listeners who carefully weigh and study what is being said and taught. We are not to be blind sheep, but we are to be diligent, studious, and mature believers.
Continuing on Paul revisits an area he has recently addressed: the order of creation and what that means for the role of women within the church. Remembering that woman is called to be submissive to the authority, headship, and leadership of the man, Paul says: “As in all the congregations of the saints, women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says” (1 Corinthians 14:33-34). It is very important to note that Paul prefaces this with the bold proclamation that this is not a “congregation to congregation” thing or a matter of Christian freedom, but that this is the teaching of all congregations that remain in the truth of God’s Word; Paul is not speaking culturally, but universally. Paul is telling us that because of the order of creation women should not be allowed to hold the place of leadership, authority, and headship in the congregation of the saints. “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner” (1 Timothy 2:11-14). This is not a question of inferiority or superiority, but a question of creation, headship, and God’s will for the Church. Therefore by “not allowed to speak” Paul does not mean “say no words whatsoever” (as in don’t sing or profess your faith with the congregation) but he means that women should not be one of the “prophets” who teaches and proclaims God’s Word to the congregation. To speak before the congregation assumes that one has been ordained with a calling, leadership, authority, and headship from God, and therefore Paul urges women to remain “silent” in church. Peter and Paul both teach us the proper way in which women are to bear witness to Jesus Christ: “Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful” (1 Peter 3:1-5). “I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God” (1 Timothy 2:9-10). It is with lives of love and service that women are called to witness to Jesus Christ; this quiet life of obedience, action, and discipleship is very powerful in bringing people to Christ and is a much needed ministry in the Church. It is with this in mind that Paul gives his final instruction on the matter: “If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church” (1 Corinthians 14:35). It is important to see that women are not called to be ignorant and blind, but that Paul actively encourages them to seek wisdom, knowledge, and learning in regards to God’s Word within and under the headship of man. Therefore women are called to be inquisitive, learned, and interested but always within the order of God’s creation by submitting to the headship and leadership of the men in the Church.
In light of these tough teachings Paul takes no risks at having his words misinterpreted, misused, and abused: “Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached?” (1 Corinthians 14:36). Thru his rhetorical questions Paul wishes to illustrate the fact that we must always humbly submit to the Word of God since it is just that: the Word that comes from and originates from God Himself. We must not think that we have special “exception” to apply God’s Word in whatever way suits us, but we must respect the Word of God as being bigger than ourselves. Paul realizes these teachings of his will not be liked by Corinth or in any future congregations who read this, and therefore he specifically goes out of his way to remind us that we cannot “pick and choose” which words of God to listen to; it is either all of them or none of them, to pick and choose is to tear it all asunder. Therefore Paul issues a warning: “If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored” (1 Corinthians 14:37-38). Those who have the true Spirit will acknowledge that what Paul writes is nothing but the truth of God’s Word. If anyone ignores this Word Paul has given then he is not from God and will himself be ignored. If anyone preaches things to us that are contrary to God’s revealed Word then we must ignore them for our own sake and for the sake of all God’s people.
In conclusion, Paul revisits his main points: “Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way” (1 Corinthians 14:39-40). Prophecy is a great spiritual gift we should all strive after, but in our zeal for it we must not condemn speaking in tongues. Tongues is not to be hindered but at the same time it is also not to be diligently sought after like the spiritual gifts which build up and edify God’s people. In addition we must do all things within church services with order, respect, honor, service, and love. Let us pray that we take these words of Paul to heart and that we strive to implement them in a way that our worship of God and discipleship of Jesus Christ is done in a proper, orderly, and godly manner, bringing all glory to Him who has saved us from the clutches of eternal damnation. “We have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:9-14).
He continues on to explain why he insists on prophecy over all the other spiritual gifts he has listed: “For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified” (1 Corinthians 14:2-5). Paul clearly explains what he means by “speaking in tongues” and by “prophecy.” Speaking in tongues in this context means speaking in an unknown language, one that no one understands (even himself). Prophecy means teaching and expounding on the truths of God’s Word in a known and intelligible language. Therefore prophecy is by far the greater gift because it communicates to men the message and comfort of God’s Word while speaking in tongues is nothing but unknown blabbering and gibberish to the listening ear. The sole is exception to this exists when someone is present to interpret the unknown tongue that is being spoken because in this situation speaking in tongues then becomes communication (which is what truly matters for building up the Church and our fellow man).
Paul moves on to discuss how this communication is the key: “Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air” (1 Corinthians 14:6-9). By using the analogy of music Paul cuts to the heart of the matter. What is music if there is no distinction of notes, pitch, and tone? It is nothing but meaningless racket. So it is also with speaking in unknown tongues. Tongues serve no edifying purpose to the Church when there are no distinct syllables and sounds that compose an interpretable language. To speak in an unknown tongue without interpretation is simply speaking into the air; it is purposeless babbling that does not help the Church in any way. “Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church” (1 Corinthians 14:10-12). The whole point of speaking (and of language in general) is to communicate thoughts, ideas, and truths to another person. Therefore if one speaks in an unknown tongue without interpretation then there is no communication and those in the Church might as well be foreigners to each other. It is for this reason that Paul urges the immature Corinthians to stop obsessing about speaking in tongues and to start seeking prophecy where there will be true edification and building up of the Body of Christ. “For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind. If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say ‘Amen’ to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified” (1 Corinthians 14:13-17). Speaking in tongues is truly unfruitful if there is no interpretation. For the one who speaks in tongues by himself, there may be joy knowing that his spirit is praying to God but there is no fruit or edification for the mind if he does not know what he says or prays. This is especially amplified in the congregational setting when the speaker of tongues becomes only a meaningless racket and distraction to those present, removing their focus from the proclaimed and intelligible Word of God. Therefore Paul urges us to sing and pray, but to do so in a known language so that both spirit and mind may be edified for both the one doing it and those who hear it.
“I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue” (1 Corinthians 14:18-19). If we have somehow missed Paul’s position beforehand, he hammers it home once more: a tongue that is not interpreted is worthless for the Church. No amount or quantity of an unknown tongue can match even the smallest amount of intelligible words that communicate God’s truth. Paul admits that he speaks in tongues more than all the men at Corinth, yet he sees how this gift is completely empty for the Church without an interpreter to help with communication. Our goal is never to please ourselves with fantastical gifts and abilities, our goal is always to love and serve our fellow man in God’s truth. Therefore a tongue that is unintelligible is worthless to building up the Church of Jesus Christ. “Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults” (1 Corinthians 14:20). To believe that speaking in tongues is more desirable than speaking in clear language is absolutely infantile. Paul wants the Corinthians (and us!) to see this fact. He desires us to have a child-like faith and innocence in regard to evil, but in our spiritual walk he wants us to grow and mature.
Using the Scriptures Paul proves this greater point and teaches us the true purpose of speaking in tongues: “In the Law it is written: ‘Through men of strange tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me,’ says the Lord. Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers. So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, ‘God is really among you!’” (1 Corinthians 14:21-25). By carefully and honestly reading the Scripture that Paul quotes from Isaiah we will see that the gift of speaking in unknown tongues was given to bring forth the hardness of the hearts of the unbelievers in the house of Israel and to fulfill the prophecy of God’s Word. God sent foreign people to speak in unknown tongues to the Israelites and yet they still refused to see God’s miraculous work and hear the voice of their Shepherd. Therefore the gift of unknown tongues is not given to convert men or to strengthen those who already believe, it is instead given to harden the hearts of unbelievers who are obstinate in their rejection of God. “My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long, for those who wanted to harm me have been put to shame and confusion” (Psalm 71:24). “He will turn their own tongues against them and bring them to ruin; all who see them will shake their heads in scorn” (Psalm 64:8). “You will see those arrogant people no more, those people of an obscure speech, with their strange, incomprehensible tongue” (Isaiah 33:19). Dr. Kretzmann wrote, “When God speaks in such an unintelligible way, He exhibits Himself ‘not as one that is opening His thoughts to the faithful, but as one who is shutting Himself up from those who will not believe.’ So the hardened unbelievers, having rejected the clear and unmistakable preaching of the Cross, find themselves confirmed, and even justified, according to their opinion, by this phenomenon.” God is simply giving men over to their rejecting, obstinate, hardened hearts thru the means of speaking in unknown tongues; it is God bringing judgment on those who refuse to hear the Word of Christ. Prophecy on the other hand is given for the Church in order that we may edify our fellow man and witness to those in the world who have not yet been reached with God’s Word. Prophecy is not given to confuse and harden, but to teach and clarify the truth. Prophecy is where the Spirit uses God’s Word to open the eyes, ears, and hearts of men, making them believers. “The eyes of those who see will no longer be closed, and the ears of those who hear will listen. The mind of the rash will know and understand, and the stammering tongue will be fluent and clear” (Isaiah 32:3-4). Therefore Paul wants us to speak as if speaking the Words of God, “If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God” (1 Peter 4:11), and to speak with wisdom, justice, truth, and clarity so that men may be edified by God’s Word. “Let the one who has my word speak it faithfully” (Jeremiah 23:28). “Speak the truth to each other” (Zechariah 8:16). “The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just” (Psalm 37:30). Let us follow Paul’s advice and pray and seek for the gift of prophecy so that we may clearly proclaim the truth of God’s Word to our fellow man when the situation arises, edifying Him with the One truth of Jesus Christ crucified. “My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long” (Psalm 35:28). “I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, as you know, O Yahweh. I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly” (Psalm 40:9-10).
Having urged the Corinthians to seek spiritual gifts that edify and build up the Church Paul continues on to address orderly worship: “What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church” (1 Corinthians 14:26). Anytime a congregation joins together all things must take place in order to strengthen and enlighten the entire group. Every Scripture read, every song sung, and every sermon given must all serve the purpose of proclaiming God’s Word for the good of the people. It is especially important that our music not degenerate into entertainment or emotional revelry but that it also proclaims the truth of God’s Word. Our hymns must not serve the purpose of enjoyment, but the purpose of strengthening and educating.
Moving on Paul touches on how speaking in tongues should be handled: “If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God” (1 Corinthians 14:27-28). Paul sets forth regulations for the use of tongues within the church: 1) no more than three people should speak in tongues at one gathering, 2) each speaker must go one at a time, 3) each tongue must have an interpretation and if there is no interpretation then the speaker should keep quiet. Paul lays down these ground rules not to limit us but in order to prevent disorder and abuse of the gift of speaking in tongues. If there is no one present who can interpret the tongue then it is harmful for the speaker to continue, for he will only cause confusion and disorder within the gathering. Only when the tongue can be interpreted and then communicated to the congregation should we actually allow speaking in tongues at a church service.
Paul next addresses prophesying and expounding on God’s Word: “Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:29-33). Not everyone should speak at a church service, only a couple “prophets” (those who have been called by God and the Church to proclaim His Word) should speak and when they speak there should never be more than one person speaking at a time. No man must act like he cannot wait in regards to speaking in his due turn. God does not give us a spirit of impatience; He instead gives us a spirit of order, patience, and self-control. Paul wants us to be cordial and orderly, waiting for each other to finish; if a prophet claims that he cannot wait then we know that what he has to say is not from God. If someone has something to say in reaction to what is being said, it should be done in an orderly, patient, and timely manner so that all members may be instructed and encouraged as a single group. The final point to pull from these words of Paul is the fact that everyone in the congregation is called to “carefully weigh” what is being said. This means that it is the responsibility of every member of the congregation to make sure that what is being said does not go against God’s Word and is in fact in harmony with God’s revelation of the Scriptures. We are called to do the same as the Bereans who “received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true” (Acts 17:11). Even though all believers are not called to be prophets and teachers of the Word, all believers are called to be hearers and listeners who carefully weigh and study what is being said and taught. We are not to be blind sheep, but we are to be diligent, studious, and mature believers.
Continuing on Paul revisits an area he has recently addressed: the order of creation and what that means for the role of women within the church. Remembering that woman is called to be submissive to the authority, headship, and leadership of the man, Paul says: “As in all the congregations of the saints, women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says” (1 Corinthians 14:33-34). It is very important to note that Paul prefaces this with the bold proclamation that this is not a “congregation to congregation” thing or a matter of Christian freedom, but that this is the teaching of all congregations that remain in the truth of God’s Word; Paul is not speaking culturally, but universally. Paul is telling us that because of the order of creation women should not be allowed to hold the place of leadership, authority, and headship in the congregation of the saints. “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner” (1 Timothy 2:11-14). This is not a question of inferiority or superiority, but a question of creation, headship, and God’s will for the Church. Therefore by “not allowed to speak” Paul does not mean “say no words whatsoever” (as in don’t sing or profess your faith with the congregation) but he means that women should not be one of the “prophets” who teaches and proclaims God’s Word to the congregation. To speak before the congregation assumes that one has been ordained with a calling, leadership, authority, and headship from God, and therefore Paul urges women to remain “silent” in church. Peter and Paul both teach us the proper way in which women are to bear witness to Jesus Christ: “Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful” (1 Peter 3:1-5). “I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God” (1 Timothy 2:9-10). It is with lives of love and service that women are called to witness to Jesus Christ; this quiet life of obedience, action, and discipleship is very powerful in bringing people to Christ and is a much needed ministry in the Church. It is with this in mind that Paul gives his final instruction on the matter: “If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church” (1 Corinthians 14:35). It is important to see that women are not called to be ignorant and blind, but that Paul actively encourages them to seek wisdom, knowledge, and learning in regards to God’s Word within and under the headship of man. Therefore women are called to be inquisitive, learned, and interested but always within the order of God’s creation by submitting to the headship and leadership of the men in the Church.
In light of these tough teachings Paul takes no risks at having his words misinterpreted, misused, and abused: “Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached?” (1 Corinthians 14:36). Thru his rhetorical questions Paul wishes to illustrate the fact that we must always humbly submit to the Word of God since it is just that: the Word that comes from and originates from God Himself. We must not think that we have special “exception” to apply God’s Word in whatever way suits us, but we must respect the Word of God as being bigger than ourselves. Paul realizes these teachings of his will not be liked by Corinth or in any future congregations who read this, and therefore he specifically goes out of his way to remind us that we cannot “pick and choose” which words of God to listen to; it is either all of them or none of them, to pick and choose is to tear it all asunder. Therefore Paul issues a warning: “If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored” (1 Corinthians 14:37-38). Those who have the true Spirit will acknowledge that what Paul writes is nothing but the truth of God’s Word. If anyone ignores this Word Paul has given then he is not from God and will himself be ignored. If anyone preaches things to us that are contrary to God’s revealed Word then we must ignore them for our own sake and for the sake of all God’s people.
In conclusion, Paul revisits his main points: “Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way” (1 Corinthians 14:39-40). Prophecy is a great spiritual gift we should all strive after, but in our zeal for it we must not condemn speaking in tongues. Tongues is not to be hindered but at the same time it is also not to be diligently sought after like the spiritual gifts which build up and edify God’s people. In addition we must do all things within church services with order, respect, honor, service, and love. Let us pray that we take these words of Paul to heart and that we strive to implement them in a way that our worship of God and discipleship of Jesus Christ is done in a proper, orderly, and godly manner, bringing all glory to Him who has saved us from the clutches of eternal damnation. “We have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:9-14).
1 comment:
I don't know if you even check this blog anymore--you haven't written in a while--but I came across it and it's definitely been a blessing in helping me understand some stuff. The past couple days I've been reading through Romans and was so frustrated with the concept of predestination...but your post really helped me look at it in a different way.
Anyway, after reading this, I'm just wondering what you think about speaking in tongues in private? I have quite a few friends who are pretty ardent about speaking in tongues in their daily prayer. They tell me that it's what they do when they don't know what to pray for...and this chapter does say that speaking in tongues edifies the individual. I've grown up Lutheran and never learned or heard much about tongues, but these friends of mine are so passionate and real about it, and they are awesome servants of Christ. Am I missing something by not speaking in tongues in private prayer?
Also, since Paul says he would like 'every one of you to speak in tongues,' does that mean we should ask God for that ability and gift?
Anyway, who knows if you'll even see this! But I really do appreciate this post (and the blog in general). It's definitely easy to get caught up with issues like this and forget that the real issue here is loving God and loving others.
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