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Chapter
14 |
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Verse
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14:1
- Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that
you may prophesy.
Pursue translates a Word of great force (DIOKO). It is in
the imperative mood (meaning a command). Such pursuit is necessary
if we would be successful in our spiritual exercise for the Lord
and others. Yes, love is eternal, so learn it well. The word "gifts"
is italicized meaning it is not in the original. The word "spiritual"
is in the plural. To maintain the contextual flow from chapter 13,
it appears that the Holy Spirit is literally saying that we should
desire spirtuals and to be a spiritual people, holy before God.
But just to be spiritual and holy for our own benefit is not enough,
we must minister to others in love, or we will only have accomplished
that which will make us proud. Think of it, ministering to the needs
of others (to prophesy), what a precious ministry indeed.
14:2 - 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.
Paul, by the Holy Spirit, is saying that the man who speaks in a
language unknown to the assembly is speaking to God. Obviously,
no one hears him with understanding. Understand translates AKAOUO.
In his own human spirit (the definite article is not in the Greek
text), Not the Holy Spirit, he speaks mysteries.
14:3 - But he who prophesieth speaks edification and exhortation
and comfort to men.
Isn't this what we should desire? Without this, our gathering together
has no purpose or meaning! This threefold purpose of spiritual ministry
in the local assembly is stated here - to build-up - stir-up - and
cheer-up. It should be pointed out that the word edify used here,
is the first of seven times in this chapter, and proves to be a
primary demand of the Holy Spirit through the apostle. It is as
if the Holy Spirit is asking that this "test" (i.e. is
it edifying?) be passed first! Edification seems to be the great
goal of the chapter.
14:4 - He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who
prophesies edifies the church.
If our focus is on Christ Jesus our Lord, there will be no room
or time for self. If there is no room or time to lift-up self, then
there will be no thought or need for speaking in a language known
only to the speaker. Interestingly enough, our Lord Jesus Christ
never exhibited the practice of speaking in a language to others
that they did not understand. His abilities were always
manifested in perfection. Perhaps it would behoove us to concentrate
on being more like Christ.
14:5 - 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 could not, by the Spirit, be desiring that all the believers
would have the gift of tongues (languages). If so, it would contradict
what the spirit said (and desired) in chapter 12:30 where the obvious
answer to the rhetorical question is NO. He is however, desiring
that they would be multilingual for whatever benefit there may be.
However, once more, prophesying is of more value in an assembly
meeting than speaking in a foreign language, unless the foreign
language is interpreted for the assembly's understanding. It is
only then that any hope of edification could possibly take place.
14:6 - But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking in tongues,
what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation,
by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching?
These four avenues (revelation, knowledge, prophesying and teaching)
of communicating spiritual food to the saints, if spoken in a language
unknown, would be of no value unless the interpretation was given.
The Saints must understand or no edification can take place. It
is very likely that the carnal Corinthians were elated by the ability
of some to speak an "unknown" tongue (Language). Remember,
this is the same group of Christians that was proud of immorality
being openly practiced among them (see chapter 5).
14:7-8 - Even things without life, whether flute or harp,
when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sound,
how will it be known what is piped or played? For if the trumpet
makes an uncertain sound who will prepare himself for battle?
A very good example, demonstrating that even in the material realm,
the sounds being made must be distinguishable to be understood.
How humbling this is to think that these "dumb" instruments
are rendered of no value if they are not played with mind engaged
(intelligence). If God designed our vocal cords and gave us a brain
to drive them with understanding, doesn't it makes sense to use
them in this way unless he sees fit to give us another language
understandable by a "foreign" listener.
14:9 - 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.
What a summary - this should make us all tremble before our God
when we think of ministering His Word in a degrading or confusing
way. Is there anyone who would want to speak the oracle's of God
into the air so that no one can understand? God forbid! What is
candidly clear from this verse is that the Corinthian is giving
the utterance. Equally clear is a fact that in Acts 2:4 the Holy
Spirit gave the utterance. The gift of tongues (languages) was manifested
in Acts 2:4, 6, 8 & 11. When it is the supernatural gift of
tongues, the Spirit always gives the utterance.
14:10 - There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in
the world, and none of them is without significance.
Here, as well as in other places, all languages (tongues) are obviously
significant to those who know them.
14:11 - 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.
Once more the need for interpretation is apparent. The Holy Spirit
is never the author of confusion among saints. In Genesis 11 the
languages were confounded so they did not understand one another’s
speech. Such should never be the case in the Lord’s assembly.
If you have ever traveled to a foreign country, or have been involved
with foreign students in your home, you can vividly understand what
this means.
14:12 - Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts,
let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.
Spiritual gifts translates the word for "spirits". It
seems a bit uncertain what the Corinthians were zealous for, but
whatever it was, they were exhorted to excel in edifying the assembly.
14:13 - Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that
he may interpret.
This is not praying for the (supernatural) gift of interpretation
of tongues (languages). The reason should be clear - such gifts
are given by the sovereign act of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:11).
It is however; prayer to learn the language of the assembly so all
can be edified.
14:14 - For if I pray at a tongue, my spirit prays, but my
understanding is unfruitful.
What Paul by the spirit is not saying is most important.
He is not saying he does not know what he is praying. He is saying
that he is in contact with God (who is Spirit) by his spirit. However
his intellect mind (Greek NOUS) is not bearing fruit for
the assembly - therefore, no one can say AMEN at his giving
of thanks (see verse 16). The word "understanding" is
misleading in this verse - think of mind/intellect instead. The
speaker’s intellect mind was not bearing fruit for the benefit
of others who did not understand his language (tongue).
14:15 - 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.
He is saying that his prayer in the assembly is both the spiritual
contact with God (who understands all languages) and an intellectual
contact with the assembly, because he speaks a language the assembly
understands. The same is true of his singing.
14:16 - 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?
This verse, in its obvious clarity, shows if one blesses with the
spirit (his human spirit), the people who do not know the language
(those occupying the place of the uninformed) cannot say Amen
at his giving of thanks because they do not understand (Greek OIDA)
what is said. Keep in mind that “blessing with the spirit”
is referring to his own human spirit and is a spiritual contact
with God but not intelligent to the assembly.
14:17 - For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is
not edified.
The reason once more is obvious; the other does not understand the
language of your prayer - what a sad loss -- not edified!
14:18 - I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you
all;
Paul, under the leading of the Holy spirit, is telling them by this
statement that he has learned many languages (NOT talking
about the gift of tongues), even more than all the Corinthians.
He used these in his many travels for the Lord in spreading the
gospel. We know that he spoke Greek, Hebrew and Latin. He likely
spoke several other languages.
14:19 - 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.
Understanding translates NOUS (the intellect mind) once again
and "in a tongue" (literally ENGLOSSA) means in
a language unknown to the assembly (not an unknown or mystical language).
The New Testament scriptures were written in Greek and embody a
built-in mathematical pattern of sevens which is an obvious stamp
of inspiration by our creator God who created all things in six
days and rested the seventh. This pattern is woven into the very
fabric of the original writings and demonstrates the infinite wisdom
and power of God. The sad tragedy of trying to communicate in a
language not understood is highlighted in this verse by the Holy
Spirit using the mathematical comparison of ten thousand to five.
14:20 - brethren, do not be children in understanding; however,
in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.
"Grow up" is the admonition. Children are not only devoid
of much understanding but are also incapable of taking it in. Babies
are not old enough to have “nurtured up” malice in their
minds like adults.
14:21 - In the law 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.
This verse is the prelude to verse 22. The Holy Spirit uses Isaiah
28:11-12 to show that an invading army coming against Israel would
be speaking in "tongues" and Jeremiah 5:15 gives more
insight into this matter.
14:22 - 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.
Acts 2:1 - 11 is abundant evidence of tongues (languages) being
a sign. It must be noticed that the languages the apostles spoke
were the languages (GLOSSAS) of the various nations from
which the thousands of Jews had come. Also, and of even more significance,
the precise dialect of each language was uttered so that each person
heard his language in his own dialect (see Acts 2:6 & 8). What
a miracle! We see the gift of tongues was certainly not appropriate
for assembly gatherings. However “to prophesy” is the
preferred tool of the Holy Spirit to edify those who gather to be
ministered unto.
14:23 - 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 out of your
mind?
Notice the term "whole church" indicating a corporate
gathering. If those ministering are speaking in a foreign language,
how will those who do not know that language understand, and unbelievers,
what will they think? Spiritually dead people do not understand
spiritual things (1 Corinthians 2:14). So if they come to a meeting
of the assembly, they need to know what is being said if any hope
exists that they may understand and be saved. Speaking words not
understood by strangers/unbelievers will be a bad testimony for
the assembly. The Holy Spirit is demonstrating the importance of
conducting ourselves with “understanding”, especially
in regards to what the unbelievers see, and what they are there
to learn. Our purpose is to win them to Christ, not alienate
them or scare them away! If this is important within our assembly
gatherings, how much more is it important outside in the day-to-day
world.
14:24 - But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed
person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all.
Telling forth a message from God (prophesying) will bring forth
the desired effect and God can be glorified and the saints edified
and the non-Christian can benefit. This is the mind of God as seen
elsewhere in Scripture.
14:25 - 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.
The characteristics of the word of God are quite clear in Hebrews
4:12. The Word knows us better than anything, therefore the Word
spoken in the power of the Holy Spirit will bring forth much fruit
and thereby identify God in the midst.
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Chapter
14 |
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Verses
26-40 Overview |
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This section has sometimes been cited as reflecting one particular
type of all-inclusive meeting as opposed to many different meetings
"whenever" you assemble together. To use this as a definition
of all the required elements of any one particular meeting would
be quite an accomplishment. The very first phase draws our attention
to what has just been previously stated. So, based on what has just
been said (which relates to worship in verse 25, prophesying in
24, tongues/languages in 20-23, understanding in 19, thanksgiving
in 17, blessing in 16, prayer and 13-14, etc.), we could easily
conclude that these various elements are to be present at various
meetings as appropriate to orderly conduct.
14:26 - 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.
The Corinthians were zealous but confusion would occur if their
zeal was displayed without wisdom. However, if wisdom was exercised,
all things would be done for maximum edification.
14:27 - If anyone speaks in a tongue let there be two or at
the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret.
The wisdom of this simple admonition! The reason for a maximum of
three speaking a foreign language in any one meeting is because
of lack of time (the message has to be spoken twice) and such can
be a bit wearying to the Lord's people. It must also be conducted
in an orderly fashion.
14:28 - But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent
in the church, and let him speak to himself into God.
Before any man attempts to minister to the assembly from God's Word,
he needs absolute assurance that there is some man who can interpret
his message if it will be spoken in a language not known to the
assembly. If no interpreter is present then he can be edified by
private contact with God in silent prayer and personal meditation.
14:29
- Let two or three prophets speak and let the others judge.
As long as the prophesying is given (obviously in the language of
the assembly) two or three can speak. The brothers in the congregation
will judge (Greek - DIAKRINETOSAN). This means a thorough
scrutinizing of all that is said so all will benefit (be edified).
14:30 - But if anything is revealed to another who sits by,
let the first keep silent.
There will always be room for God to use any brother who has something
from the Lord for his people. This should obviously be someone who
is recognized as one who can minister. "Lay hands on no man
suddenly" would apply in this case.
14:31 - For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may
learn and all may be encouraged.
All who are able should be allowed to minister so there is a greater
diversity of information for a greater spectrum of learning and
thereby listeners would be exhorted to carry out what is learned
to God's glory
14:32 - And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the
prophets.
This statement should cause each man to search his own heart and
be certain that his motivation is correct. Also, discipline needs
to be apparent to the Saints and will be obvious to them when each
man's spirit is subject to the leading of the Holy Spirit. No blatant
outbursts would be forthcoming. Brotherly respect and kind consideration
would be exercised before all present.
14:33 - For God is not the author of confusion but of peace,
as in all the churches of the Saints.
It is well to observe that the first words of our Lord to his disciples
after His resurrection were "peace be unto you". When
confusion is present, we can be assured that Satan is near. God,
being the author of peace (our Lord is our peace - Eph. 2:14), will
lead us to have our savior in His rightful place (in the midst Matthew
18:20) bringing us His presence and His peace. Notice the term "as
in all the Churches," which specifically indicates more than
just the Corinthians.
14:34 - 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.
Notice the plural term "the churches" indicating more
than just a single assembly. Speaking in the assembly is a man's
role. In 1 Tim. 2:11, women learn in silence (which translates HESUCHIA).
When searched in each place and context where the Holy Spirit uses
this word, it will be apparent that they (women) do not speak
in the assembly. The Word silent in this Corinthian text is from
the Greek word SIGAO, and is connected with speaking (Greek
LALEO), not singing (Greek PSALLO). The same is true
in Timothy. "As the law also says", shows the required
behavior of the Woman is consistent with the Old Testament teaching.
In Genesis 3:16, God's word to the woman puts her into a role of
submissiveness to the man - this is God's law to her.
14:35 - And if they want to learn something, let them asked
their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women speak in
church.
The word for husbands translates the Greek word ANDRAS (or
man) and when used with "own" (Greek IDIOUS) is
usually understood to mean husbands (literally "her own man").
However, this is not the case in this verse. The word “own”
is not here. Not all sisters in Christ have husbands. Therefore
any man who is spiritually related to an unmarried sister could
be used of God for this role of answering questions. The shame of
women speaking in the assembly is linked with Chapter 11 and versus
5 & 6.
14:36 - Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or
was it you only that it reached?
The Holy Spirit's question is used to provoke the believers to rethink
the "origin" of God's word. As though He wants them to
remember that what He is giving is God's Word, not theirs.
It was not only originally not from them, but not to them exclusively.
They needed to observe that the Lord had other assemblies (churches)
and all should be in harmony.
14:37 - 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.
There would be no exceptions given to the Saints. They were
obligated to implicit obedience because what Paul wrote was God
breathed words requiring that kind of obedience. Acknowledgment
comes from a strengthened Greek word for "know" (Greek
EPIGINOSKETO) with the idea of "upper experiential knowledge".
The Holy Spirit is not only asking us to acknowledge the Word of
God but to demonstrate respect for it (so that others may observe).
14:38 - But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant.
No argument is needed for a person in this condition. It is a willing
to ignorance! This person has rejected divine authority. We are
reminded to not cast our pearls before swine! (Matthew 7:6),
which refers to unbelievers. Perhaps therefore, the Holy Spirit
is presenting a parallel for those who are in willing to ignorance.
14:39 - Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy,
and do not forbid to speak with tongues.
God, through Paul, is pleading for men to possess a zealous desire
to proclaim to God's saints a message from the Lord, something to
build them up. However with all that Paul (by the Holy Spirit) has
instructed about speaking in a foreign language in the assembly,
no prohibition is to be allowed. All the rules necessary to keep
order and to promote edification of the saints have been set in
order.
14:40 - Let all things be done decently and in order.
Our God is the God of order! His creation is an absolute proof of
such truth and the Lord's people should make certain that their
behavior is in keeping with this truth. Decently comes from a word
meaning "well formed" and order comes from a word meaning
"arrangement" (the Greek TASSO is linked with this
word and has the idea of placement). The behavior that the Lord
demands in this verse is consistent with manifesting the character
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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