Verse 1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
The Greek word translated as “follow after” is “dioko” and it means to run after, to press on, to run a race in order to obtain or reach a goal, to pursue, or to seek after eagerly and then earnestly endeavor to acquire something. The Greek word translated as “desire” is “zeloo” and it means to burn with zeal, to be zealous in the pursuit of good, to desire earnestly, to pursue, or to strive after. The Apostle Paul gives a commandment in this verse. Christian believers are to pursue love or charity and they are to want spiritual gifts and be zealous in the pursuit of these gifts. He then isolates the gift of prophesy, not because there is a hierarchy of value in the nine gifts so that one is better than another because they are all equal in value and they are all essential, but he isolates prophecy because of the value it has on the Church. He demonstrates this by his comparison in the next verses between the gift of tongues and the gift of prophecy.
Verses 2-3 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
The gift of tongues is also to be pursued after earnestly, but when acquired, this gift edifies the individual to whom the gift is given and usually not the Church body. Because the tongues are in an unknown language and the communication is only between the Christian believer with this gift and the LORD Jesus Christ and not being spoken in the presence of others, there will be no understanding. The believer while in the Spirit and while speaking in an unknown language can speak of mysteries or things that he/she has no knowledge of, but if there are those listening to the tongues, they will not understand. However, if a believer speaks in tongues in the Church and there is another believer who has the gift of interpretation of tongues, then the message can be communicated to the body by the interpreter. Remember that interpretation is not translation. Interpretation is telling the content of a message whereas translation is a word by word telling of the message.
When a Christian believer prophesies or brings forth the Word of God, it is in the language of that believer and his fellow Christians, and all the Church can understand what is being said and be blessed by communication from God. Prophesying is not a private affair between believers and God, but a very public process in which the Word of God is communicated. Preaching is part of prophesying. This Bible study web site is part of prophesying. What is the purpose of prophesy? It only has three purposes: to edify or build up other believers, to exhort or strongly urge someone to do something or to stop doing something that is contrary to the Word of God, and to comfort others. If anyone speaks out in a Church setting and what they are saying does not fall into one or more of these three purposes, they are of Satan and not of God and they should be told to shut up.
Verses 4-5 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
The believer who speaks to God in an unknown language builds up his own faith, but the rest of the church congregation is not built up in their faith. But the believer who preaches and teaches the Word of God builds up the faith of the rest of the congregation. The Apostle Paul is not against tongues and states that he wished all to have this gift, but at the same time, to be able to bring forth the Word of God so that the Church is edified is more important, and that includes being able to interpret the Word of God when given through the gift of tongues.
Verse 6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
If an evangelist was to come to your church and preach in Latin, how would that impart the Word of God to a congregation who does not understand Latin? It would not. The Apostle Paul is saying that it would be pointless for him to speak in tongues if the Corinthian church cannot understand what he is saying. But if he speaks to them through the revelation of the Holy Ghost/Spirit, or if he imparts spiritual knowledge that has been given to him by God, or if He prophecies and teaches Biblical doctrine, the believers will be benefited with divine revelation, increased spiritual knowledge, and increased understanding of Biblical doctrine so that they can grow up in the Faith.
Verses 7-9 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? 8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? 9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
The Gospel is life giving. It brings people into a right relationship with Almighty God so that they have eternal life in Heaven. Other sounds are not life giving, and the Apostle Paul compares musical instruments and the sounds they make to the spoken words of mankind. If someone plays the same harp string or the same note on a woodwind instrument over and over again, it would be boring, tedious to listen to, and it would not communicate anything to the listener. Likewise, a trumpet that is only played with one note over and over again cannot communicate anything to the listener. However, when a harp or flute or oboe is playing a melody that is discernible, pleasant, and with a wide range of sounds, it can produce an emotional response in the listener such as joy or relaxation. Trumpets when playing specific melodies in days gone by told entire armies what to do when on or off the battlefield. Likewise, communication by the tongue needs to be clear, concise and understandable or it is useless and just noise.
Application: Have you ever been around people who have an extensive vocabulary and who enjoy using large words that require a dictionary for the average man or woman to understand what is being said? There is nothing wrong with being skilled in one’s birth language, but to use words that, although correct in their application, are not understood by the people listening only makes people annoyed. College professors can be guilty of this and one has to wonder how much their students learn when in their classes. It is better to speak words that the listening audience can understand than to try and impress people with an extensive vocabulary.
Verses 10-11 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. 11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
The Apostle Paul is saying that all the voices or sounds in the world are important and have meaning. But to not know the meaning of another’s words make both the speaker and the listener strangers.
Application: When in the forest, it is wise to listen to the chatter of squirrels. They are usually high up in the trees and they can see what is approaching and they will sound an alarm to let other forest critters and hikers know that something is coming that might be dangerous. They have a voice and what sounds they make have significance. Likewise, wild turkeys have over 30 different sounds that they make which all have different meanings. Frogs in ponds sing songs but they will become instantly quiet when another critter is approaching. Deer stamp their feet and hiss when they sense an intruder. These examples in God’s animal kingdom are just some of the sounds in the world that have significance. They communicate. Likewise, the utterances in the church setting need to communicate whether by unknown tongues with an interpreter or by preaching and teaching.
Verses 12-17 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. 13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? 17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
The Corinthian church according to the Apostle Paul was very serious in their seeking and using spiritual gifts, but these gifts should glorify God and build up the body of believers who make up the church. Those who had the gift of tongues were to pray they would also have the gift of interpretation. An unknown tongue is just that, unknown, and even the individual speaking does not understand what is being said. So the Apostle Paul wanted them to follow his example and have understanding when using the gift of tongues.
Verses 18-19 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: 19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
It is more important to speak with understanding so that others can be taught and blessed. The Apostle Paul acknowledged that he communicated with the LORD in tongues more than other men and women, but because he wanted to build up the Church of God, it was more important to be understood.
Verse 20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
The Greek word translated as “malice” is “kakia” and it means malice, ill-will, desire to injure, wickedness, depravity, evil, or wickedness that is not ashamed to break laws. Here the Apostle Paul is wanting the Corinthians to grow up in their understanding of the Faith and yet be as little children when it comes to wickedness and evil. Little children do not plan to injure others nor do they seek revenge when wronged. Usually when two children have a disagreement and get angry with each other, all is forgiven in a short period of time and they are playing with each other again as if nothing had ever happened between them.
Verses 21-22 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
The Apostle Paul refers to Old Testament writings to show that the LORD uses the gift of tongues in the public forum as a witness to unbelievers and that tongues are a sign. Remember back in the book of Acts on the Day of Pentecost when 120 of Jesus’ disciples were assembled in an upper room and they all began speaking in tongues that they did not understand, but the people who had come to Jerusalem for the holiday celebration and who spoke different languages understood what was being said, that the LORD Jesus Christ was being praised, and there was a great day of salvation where 3,000 people repented of their sins and were baptized in Jesus’ name. In contrast, the gift of prophesy is not for unbelievers necessarily, but for those who are in the Kingdom of God already and believe the Word.
Verse 23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
This writer had a Cuban friend and was often invited to visit when the family and friends were meeting. They all spoke Spanish and a mix of English and some Italian. This writer would attend and just listen and not understand a thing that was being said. Likewise, if a church congregation allows random speaking in tongues during meetings, people who do not know what this gift is and who are not born again will just be confused, frustrated, and perhaps even frightened. They most likely will not come back to that church and they will probably consider the church people to be crazy.
Verses 24-25 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: 25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
In contrast, if the members of the church are bringing forth the Word of God and an unbeliever hears, he/she may be convicted of sin, repent, and be born again of the water and the Spirit. If someone who is converted but who does not have much Scriptural knowledge hears through prophesying, he/she will be increased in knowledge and be built up in the Faith.
Verses 26-28 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. 27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. 28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
The Apostle Paul then gives the rules regarding the speaking of tongues in the congregational setting so that there will be order and not chaos and so that there will be an edifying of the people. If a believer gives a message in tongues during a church service and there is no one to interpret the message, the believer is to be quiet. If there are messages given and interpreted, they should be limited to three at the most.
Application: This writer when attending a Pentecostal church often heard messages being given in tongues with an interpreter, and there was never more that two or three given during a church service. The congregation followed this teaching of the Apostle Paul in this chapter of his epistle, and even if a fourth believer wanted to give forth a message, that believer would not speak as the limit of three messages had already been reached. God always provided an interpreter so that the messages could be understood by all in English, and the messages always contained Scripture and were never contrary to the Word of God.
Verses 29-31 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. 30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
Application: Congregational churches today do not allow for individual prophets speaking during church services. There is usually a pastor who does all the preaching and the congregation just warms their seats and listens. Perhaps much has been lost in the Western Christian churches as God speaks to all His children and reveals through His Holy Ghost/Spirit different things to all His children, yet they are unable to bring forth to the entire body of believers that which God has given them. Think about it. Remember that the purpose of Scripture is to edify or build up, to exhort or warn, and to comfort the converted Christian believer. When the congregation is not permitted to verbally participate in an orderly manner, much of what God is communicating to His people is lost.
Verse 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 churches of the saints.
The prophets are in charge of what they receive from the LORD and what they share with others. God does not force anything on anyone at any time. If He provides a message to a believer and the believer fails to share it, it is the believer’s choice to be silent. If the believer shares the message, it is again the believer’s choice to do so. Likewise, all prophets should have discernment to know if what they are being told is of God or of the Devil.
Verses 34-36 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. 35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. 36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?
Unfortunately most churches have perverted this passage of Scripture so that it is a weapon against women that keeps them out of the pulpit. The true meaning of these verses is that the Apostle Paul was quoting what the Corinthians believed which was/is not Scriptural. They apparently did not allow their women to speak at all when at a church meeting or to participate in any fashion. After he quoted what the Corinthians believed and taught, the Apostle Paul said, “What?”. In other words, he was questioning this doctrine. He then goes on to ask if any of the men were responsible for the Word of God and of course, the answer would have been “no”. Then he asked if the Gospel was only for men, and again the answer would have been “no”. He did not quote the following Bible verse but it is included here to show that women are not forbidden from any of the gifts of the Spirit and therefore they can prophesy. “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions; And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit;” Joel 2:28-29 These verses were quoted by the Apostle Peter on the day of Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2:17-18 when the crowd saw and heard the disciples of Jesus speaking in tongues. So the Apostle Paul never taught that women could not speak in tongues, prophesy, administer gifts of healings, raise the dead, bring forth miracles, have the wisdom and knowledge given by the Holy Ghost/Spirit, or interpret tongues. He only taught that the structure of church government should be the responsibility of men and that women were not to hold positions of power that men were subject to. Men are to be at the head of church leadership, but women can participate in any other way that God calls them to minister in, including bringing forth the Word of God.
Verses 37-40 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. 38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. 39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order. (1 Corinthians 14)
The Apostle Paul sums up his teaching in this chapter by stating that if the believers in the Corinthian church considers themselves to be spiritual and to know the Word of God well enough to bring it forth, then they should be able to know that what he has said is from God and is not his own ideas or commandments. If any one is going to argue the points of his teachings, then he/she is ignorant and can just stay that way. Furthermore, they were not to quench the moving of the Holy Ghost/Spirit and allow for tongues, but they were to pray for and desire the gift of prophesy above all others. Finally, their church gatherings were to be orderly.