1 Corinthian (Class Version)

Chapter 14

1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.

2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue [] does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. []

3 But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.

4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.

5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, [] but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, [] unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.

What specific part of the gifts is Paul focusing on here?

A comparison between prophecy and tongues

When a person speaks in tongues, who are they speaking to?

To God – no one else can understand him

But a person who prophecies speaks to men with strengthening, encouragement and comfort

Who is edified with tongues?

Only the speaker – prophecy edifies the church

Is Paul getting down on tongues?

No – he wishes they all spoke in tongues, but beyond that he would rather that they prophecy so that the whole church is built up

6 Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction?

7 Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes?

8 Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?

9 So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.

10 Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning.

11 If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me.

12 So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.

13 For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says.

14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.

15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.

16 If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand [] say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying?

17 You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified.

18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.

19 But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.

Apparently in the Corinthian church they were using the gift of tongues a lot because it seemed really spiritual – but Paul challenges their thinking by asking them some practical questions very simply, what is Paul saying to them?