1 Corinthians 14

Table of Contents hide

1 Corinthians 14 Commentary

by Brad Boyles

Gifts that are meant to edify the body, share with the body. Gifts that are meant to edify you personally, keep them personal.

Paul’s stance on tongues is clear. If there is no interpretation, that message is lost when shared with the body. Tongues without interpretation have no place in corporate gatherings. They are meant for personal edification and should be kept there. Using this logic, Paul would rather us prophesy than speak in tongues because prophecy benefits the entire body as it is able to be understood by everyone. Furthermore, prophecy is greater than tongues because, in the end, tongues with an interpretation simply equals prophecy.

Prophets in the OT naturally spoke more into future events because they were declaring new revelations that would eventually be recorded to become the full canon of Scripture. Today, authentic prophets who speak God’s voice do not make mistakes, and they also will never contradict Scripture. God gave us His inspired Word in black and white, so it is a more certain and verifiable revelation than a person’s internal thoughts, and thus, should be regarded as a higher authority.

If a prophet is one who reveals truth, a teacher is one who explains truth. This is why Paul is urging the Corinthians to work together – it is for the sake of the Gospel going forward. A so-called prophet that reveals “truth” but is resistant toward judgment and teaching is not a true prophet of God.

Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment.

1 Corinthians 14:29 NASB

Paul’s overall theme here is encouraging the believers at Corinth to do what is most beneficial for the Gospel. Many people today love the notoriety that comes with being a prophet or speaking in tongues. But Paul was concerned with the flock. If the entire body was speaking in tongues without an interpretation, nonbelievers who entered into their congregation would never hear the truth and probably leave thinking they were crazy!

I have a friend who led her elderly neighbor to Christ by going over to his house once a week and bringing him a frozen meal. She would sit with him as he ate and read from a children’s bible. As he ate his food, tears would fill his eyes. One evening, he asked how he could repent of his sin and ask Jesus into his heart. The power of God is found in the simple truth of the Gospel. If we aren’t doing that, what are we really doing?

Print 🖨