1 Corinthians 14 – Prophecy, Tongues and Church Instruction

1 Corinthians 14

Prophecy and Tongues:

1 Cor. 14:1-19
Pursue originates from the Greek word (dioko) which can be translated as hasten, run or run after; or follow, hunt or chase after with intensity. This passage amplifies running after love while seeking to prophesy to edify the church, ranking prophecy at the top of the gifts. Paul persistently instructs the Corinthian church to leave selfishness and immorality behind to fully give themselves to the work of Christ. The greater emphasis falls on edifying the church, instead of prophesying. As illustrated in chapter twelve, each gift represents a member of the body.


When the church needs edifying, then prophesying represents that member or that tool for completion. Paul wishing all "spoke in tongues" might be compared to him wishing all were celibate like him.⁵⁰ In other words, a suggestion rather than a command. His suggestion includes the accompaniment of interpretation of the various languages spoken during the "speaking in tongues"; otherwise tongues simply become meaningless sounds. The Corinthians must empty themselves over concern of an activity's effect on them and their appearance or reputation, instead chase after those things God instructs to elevate the church, in this specific case—prophecy.

Instruction for the Church: 

1 Cor. 14:20-39
The scripture weighs another aspect of tongues, Paul recalls Isaiah speaking a prophecy against Israel because Israel rejected God and His message from prophets. Isaiah's prophecy included that another message from a foreign tongue would later come to the Israelites representing God rejecting them. Gentiles would temporarily replace Israel in serving God. Consequently, Paul emphasizes that tongues, in this respect, were for unbelievers. Paul then points out that if an unbeliever hears you speaking in tongues, and no one can explain the meaning, they will question your mental stability. Paul likely reflected on how some considered the disciples drunk when initialing speaking in tongues at Pentecost.


It appears the early church worship service lacked predetermined organization—evidently one can have church without a bulletin with a printed order of service. Spontaneity ordered the day!⁵⁴ Paul, speaking to the congregation as "brothers", included men and women in this salutation. Congregants openly shared a hymn or advice, most likely related to an Old Testament passage. Paul recommended only two to three speak in tongues—allowed amongst believers—or prophecy per church service. Their message mandated prudence. A few were assigned to diligently discern whether the message originated from God.


Certainly the clarity of the message proved paramount, as confusion contradicts God. Effective and permitted prophecy proved advantageous for everyone. As many previous times, Paul reminds them that each component of worship keep its crosshairs on Christ and the church, instead of self-glorification. Opinions about the contextual meaning of Paul's message regarding women's involvement in the church vary. Some believe the literal interpretation applies to all women, all the time. Others believe women's exclusion only applied to the Corinthians, yet some fairly view that women have the right to speak-up and teach women and children, yet not teach men. Considering the sexual immorality in the Corinthian church, regardless of whether women utter a word or teach someone, they should certainly avoid any appearance or actions that may risk tempting or seducing anyone other than their husband.


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickEmeyer.com



(Radmacher, Allen and House 1999, 1482)
² (MacAurthur 1984, 371)
³ (Pringle n.d., 435)
⁴ (Pringle n.d., 434)
⁵ (Lowery 1983, 539-540)
⁶ (1 Cor. 14:20-22)
⁷ (Acts 2:13)
⁸ (Coffman 1984, 390)
⁹ (D. S. Toussaint 2012, Class Notes)