Paul has argued that the proud, divided church in Corinth needs some crucial things to correct those problems. They need love in all that they do and they need the gifts of the Spirit to be exercised by the whole body. Here he focuses in on one specific gift, prophecy.
Especially Prophecy (v1-5)
Paul says that if you are following love, then you will desire the gifts and that you will place an emphasis on prophecy. To prophesy is to love God and his people (v1). He emphasises prophecy in contrast to “tongues” which suggests that the church in Corinth were placing an emphasis on the latter. He says that when you speak in tongues, you are speaking to God but when you prophecy, you are helping others. The tongue speaker may be saying deep and true things about God but no-one understands them (v2-3). So, the tongue speaker only edifies themselves not the wider church (v4).
It is important to respond to two common errors here. First of all, despite its use in this way, 1 Corinthians 14 is not intended as a manual on how to speak in Tongues. The aim is to help us see the value of prophecy. Secondly, as Paul makes clear, this is not an argument against speaking in tongues as some cessationists have treated it. Paul says that he actively wants the church to speak in tongues but he has a greater desire for them to prophecy (v5)
Seek to build up (v6-12)
Paul asks what use it is coming and speaking in tongues in the church unless, there is a revelation from God, some important knowledge or wisdom, some insight into God’s plan and purpose. This could suggest that a prophetic word is better than a tongue but I also think that Paul is suggesting that the tongue itself when given in church should have content, have a message. Tongues are not just meant to be babble (v6). He gives the example of musical instruments like harps and trumpets. You don’t just make a noise with them. You pick out notes and cords to give a clear and beautiful tune (v7-8). It’s the same with language. All languages have meaning. The Corinthians are not to just get caught up in ecstatic utterances, enjoying an experience (v9).
One problem with uninterpreted tongues is that this contributes to division and alienation in the church. If we don’t understand each other, then we become strangers to each other. We re-create Babel (v10-11). This is why the church should be concerned to exercise gifts in a way which leads to the church being built up together (v12).
Seek understanding (v13-17)
Paul’s concern is that if they speak in tongues, then they are not understanding what they are saying. So, he instructs those who speak in tongues to pray for interpretation. Notice that it is the tongue speaker themselves who should seek that interpretation, although it is helpful to have independent collaboration (v12). This means that when we speak in tongues, whether publicly or privately, our spirit and mind are both engaged (v13). It also builds unity and fellowship as others are able to affirm and agree with what we say. The result is that the church are encouraged, equipped and built up (v15-17).
I saw the sign (v18-26)
Paul himself is able to boast that he speaks in tongues more than anyone. There’s no point in the Corinthians getting into a boast battle with him. When it comes to serving the church though, he would rather speak a few words they can understand than lots that they cannot (v18-19). This is because he understands how Tongues and Prophecy functions.
The Corinthians would have seen Tongues as a sign of God’s presence and power with them. It was that but what kind of sing was it? Well, Paul reminds them of Isaiah’s prophecy that foreigners would come to invade the land and take the people captive. Hearing people you cannot understand represents judgement not blessing and salvation (v21-23). Furthermore, an unbeliever will not be convicted of God’s presence if they come in and cannot understand. They’ll just think you are mad (v24). Prophecy though, because it enables people to hear and understand what God is saying brings conviction and repentance (v25-26).
A prophetic church is…
We often hear people talking about being prophetic and the need for prophetic churches. It’s important for us to understand what we mean by this. A prophetic church is one where God’s people are seeking to hear God speak, to know his direction and assessment in order that the whole church can hear, understand and grow together in unity.
Faithroots 