NBBC SS: 1 Corinthians 14 (Part 2)

Introduction: We left off with 1 Corinthians 14:3 last week and will pick it up with 1 Corinthians 14:4.

We noted last week that Paul begins by telling the Corinthians to earnestly desire the spiritual gifts.

This really is a fitting way to begin this chapter following a discussion of the breadth of spiritual gifts that are given by the Spirit, given opportunity to exercise by the Lord Jesus Christ, and made effective by God the Father (cf. 1 Cor 12). Following on the heels of 1 Cor 13 and the discussion of love, we are naturally inclined to ask, because the Spirit gives and we love our Church family, what do we do with spiritual gifts?

We use them to edify others.

You see, this is not about wanting all of the spiritual gifts. Paul does not say that. Instead, because we love our church family that we want to edify, we want just the right spiritual gift to suit the moment in which the Lord Jesus has provided for us to build them up to love and please Him more.

I’m reminded of Ephesians 4:29 “29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” When we speak to one another, we want to use just the right words in that moment so that the other would be encouraged to be more like Jesus Christ.

Then Paul draws our attention to the superiority of the gift of prophecy, particularly over tongues.

If you recall, last week I had defined prophecy as our pastor does, “a Spirit-prompted timely word spoken to another believer for edification, exhortation, and consolation.” Brothers and sisters, the way that Paul highlights the uses of prophecy in 1 Cor 14:3 and his encouragement for the church to exercise this gift, I’m convinced that this happens whenever we are with one another. As one of your pastors, there are times where I just stand back and watch you all interact with one another. I see the Lord using you in one another’s life and my own to build up one another to be more like Jesus, encourage one another to keep on going in doing what you’re doing for the Lord and fighting sin, and comforting one another in the midst of loss.

In sum, prophecy trumps other spiritual gifts on account of its clear edification results in the life of the Church.

One item that I did not have the time to address last week was how Paul uses “tongue/tongues” in this passage.

Let’s do a little reflecting on Paul’s description of tongues in this passage.

1 Corinthians 14:2 “2 For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries.”

Paul identifies that there is the reality of misunderstanding tongues.

Hence, Paul has given the first warning about the use of tongues: the reality of misunderstanding.

This is not misunderstanding of some otherworldly language that is uncommon to humanity.

Though Paul uses the phrase “tongues of angels” in 1 Cor 13:1, I don’t believe that’s he’s referring to a language of heaven.

Instead, he’s developed a scenario to point out the utter need for love to motivate whatever we do to serve the Lord.

If Paul had in mind something akin to the gibberish/nonsensical speech that is common among modern charismatic churches, he could have used different words: phluareo/phluaros or barbaros.

Funny enough, Paul will use barbaros later in this passage.

He will do so as an illustration in 1 Cor 14:11.

However, he’s clearly speaking about interacting with an individual from another culture whose language is not native to himself.

There’s some irony here that I hope to point out later on.

Instead, this is misunderstanding of a language that is different from one’s own native spoken language.

Consistently, across the NT, the term that is translated as “tongue/tongues” is used to refer to either 1) the organ that we use to speak and 2) human languages.

Particularly we see the latter use in conjunction with the supernatural ability to speak a language not native to yourself, as on the day of Pentecost and in several other places in Acts with gentile believers came to Christ.

Hence, we could define the biblical gift of tongues in this way based on what we’ve considered so far: the supernatural ability to speak a language not native to you.

There’s more to this that we’ll see as we go along.

Now, let’s jump down to 1 Corinthians 14:4 and pick it up there.

Notice how Paul more clearly points out how prophesy is a more desirous spiritual gift over tongues (cf. 1 Cor 14:4).

4 One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church.

Prophesy has the greater reach in edifying the church.

Whereas tongues has the benefit of personal edification.

Paul does not comment on the personal edification that is to be had here.

It may be that one is personally edified in the sense that they see God’s hand at work in their life directly.

So now we can add to our understanding of the biblical gift of tongues that it has the benefit of personal edification but the danger of public confusion.

It’s fascinating that Paul almost puts prophesying and tongues on the same level of greatness plane (cf. 1 Cor 14:5).

5 Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy; and greater is one who prophesies than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edifying.

Spiritual people use spiritual gifts to edify (4 times in these few verses) others, not for self promotion!

Tongues has benefit only when there is interpretation (**requirement); otherwise, there is confusion.

Notice, while Paul states that he, “wishes that you all spoke in tongues,” he does not command that they speak in tongues!

Speaking in tongues is not imperative in any sense in this or any other passage throughout Scripture for one’s spiritual development or even maintaining salvation (initial evidence), contrary to some in the modern charismatic church.

However, those in whom the Spirit indwells compels them to use the gifts that He gives for the common good of His people (cf. 1 Cor 12:7).

So far, the biblical gift of tongues is the supernatural ability to speak in a language not native to your own that has the benefit of personal edification but the danger of public confusion that requires an interpreter.

6 But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what will I profit you unless I speak to you either by way of revelation or of knowledge or of prophecy or of teaching? 7 Yet even lifeless things, either flute or harp, in producing a sound, if they do not produce a distinction in the tones, how will it be known what is played on the flute or on the harp? 8 For if the bugle produces an indistinct sound, who will prepare himself for battle? 9 So also you, unless you utter by the tongue speech that is clear, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.

I’m inclined to believe that it’s not revelation in the sense of new that pertains to being included in Scripture.

In other words, that it’s different from what should go into the Bible.

Paul suggests for us in 1 Cor 14:26, 30 that the Corinthians can also have a revelation.

Hence, it’s not something that is limited to those that the Spirit would inspire to write Scripture.

If it were, then Paul would have instructed the Corinthians to make sure to keep records of these for inclusion into Scripture.

But he didn’t.

Remember, other NT writings refer to earlier letters and their inscripturated authority (cf. 2 Pt 3:15-16).

So this is something to be used in Church, for edification, and not to be included in Scripture.

The term is used in 1 Cor 2:10 to refer to the Spirit’s working to illumine the understanding of Paul and others concerning the message of the OT.

Thus, I believe that what Paul is referring to here is just the Spirit’s work of giving understanding to God’s Word.

In fact, this is something that Paul prays for the Ephesians in Ephesians 1:17, “revelation of the knowledge of Him.”

Knowledge simply refers to acquiring additional information that you did not know.

The danger with knowledge is that it can be used to make one arrogant, cf. 1 Cor 8:1.

However, when used rightly, this knowledge should increase our understanding of the Lord and lead us to grow in living to please the Lord, cf. 1 Cor 1:5; Eph 1:17.

Teaching refers to taking the Scriptures and sharing them in such a way that it intentionally promotes confidence in God’s Word that results in endurance and encouragement to persevere (cf. Rm 15:4 “instruction”; 1 Cor 10:6, 11).

Brothers and sisters, what Paul is referring to here is what goes on in any sound church that seeks to be faithful to God’s Word.

Our Sunday School teachers and Pastor faithfully study God’s Word week after week.

Under the illumination of the Holy Spirit, they seek to share what the Holy Spirit has taught them.

In turn, the goal is our edification to be more like Jesus that we rely on God the Father to make effective.

Think about the multiplication effect of this!

When we have discussion in our Sunday School class, that only makes our understanding sharper!

Then, when can go home and have these discussions with our family and even church family in reflecting on the things that we have heard.

But, if these things are spoken in a tongue, that puts up an understanding barrier that prevents this kind of development and edification.

Paul’s point here is that speaking in tongues diminishes the value of these ministry efforts on account of being misunderstood, without an interpreter.

If someone were to play a song but use the wrong or indistinct notes, how would you know what the song was?

Have you ever listened to a portion of a song that you know but it was not enough for you to be able to name the title?

This can be so frustrating.

Similarly, impediments to understanding God’s Word can similarly be frustrating.

How can someone be edified if you don’t know what they’re saying?

Even worse, if in the military, if the wrong command is given, how can someone distinguish between preparing to fight and something else?

Clear communication is key in the military to protect people and resources as well as to advance on the enemy.

If communication is not clear, it can be costly and even deadly (i.e. Pearl Harbor).

Similarly, brothers and sisters, we don’t want to gamble with someone’s being built up to be more like Jesus Christ that included critical warnings to watch out for sin.

How can someone be encouraged to put off sin and pursue living to please the Lord if you can’t understand what they’re saying?

Thus, Paul is making the same point that he made earlier.

Prefer prophesy because it does not carry the same reality of misunderstanding.

Or, more explicitly, seek gifts of the Spirit that clearly edify without the possibility of misunderstanding.

But Paul is by these illustrations highlighting how frustrating or spiritually devastating tongues without interpretation can be.

If you don’t know what’s being said, how can you be edified?

10 There are, perhaps, a great many kinds of languages in the world, and no kind is without meaning. 11 If then I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be to the one who speaks a barbarian, and the one who speaks will be a barbarian to me. 12 So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church. 13 Therefore let one who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.

Paul’s next illustration plays off of the idea of indistinct sounds in the previous verse but applies it in general to human language.

Even though Paul uses a different word than “tongue” when he refers to “languages” he’s not using it to make a distinction between some kind of spiritual language in tongues and human languages.

Instead, he’s calling attention to something that reality teaches us.

If you don’t know the language of another, how can you communicate.

I find this really ironic that Paul uses an illustration of two people attempting to communicate who don’t know each other’s native language in the context of the gift of tongues!

Hence, Paul is pointing to the fact that tongues is not always in operation.

In other words, the gift of tongues is something that the Holy Spirit gives at will to those that He will (cf. 1 Cor 12:11).

Truthfully, I’m reminded of 1 Corinthians 13:10 where Paul reminds the Corinthians that tongues will cease one day, definitely when the perfect comes.

In studying the use of the word perfect, it’s used in one other place in 1 Corinthians.

That place is 1 Corinthians 1:8.

Herein, Paul exclaims that the Corinthians’ and our sanctification will be complete on the day of Jesus Christ.

That is, “the end” and the “day of our Lord Jesus Christ” are one and the same.

We will see from 1 Corinthians 15 that this day is when our Savior comes in power to reign over all things.

Hence, the perfect refers to when Christ comes again.

While this does not completely answer the question if tongues have ceased since Jesus has yet to come, it points us to the fact that tongues have an expiration date, coming soon with the Lord’s coming.

Paul’s point here is to emphasize the need of the interpreter in order for tongues to have edifying value, within the Church or even privately.

But, prophesy does not have that same requirement and therefore remains the preferred spiritual gift since we are seeking the edification of the Church.

14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15 What is the outcome then? I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the mind also; I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also. 16 Otherwise if you bless in the spirit only, how will the one who fills the place of the ungifted say the “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not know what you are saying? 17 For you are giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not edified. 18 I thank God, I speak in tongues more than you all; 19 however, in the church I desire to speak five words with my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.

Paul now gets into a third illustration that builds off of an earlier statement that he made.

Here Paul calls attention to the fact that others who hear someone praying in a tongue can’t receive edification because they don’t know what’s going on.

Truthfully, I experienced something like this when I was in undergrad.

I was with a bunch of guys that I worked with during my sophomore year.

We had gathered together to pray and one of the guys had asked if he could pray in a different language.

While we agreed, I didn’t know what he was praying.

Therefore, I could not be encouraged by what he was saying nor could I affirm that what he was praying was true.

I had to take his word for it that he prayed something that was true.

Thankfully, I really trusted the guy but the fact remains that I still don’t know what he prayed for because I could not understand what he said.

The reference to the “ungifted” person is quite interesting.

Though it’s used in 1 Cor 14:23, 24 in close proximity to unbelievers, it’s used elsewhere to refer to true believers in Christ.

Acts 4:13 it’s used of the disciples to reference their lack of formal theological education.

In 2 Cor 11:6 Paul uses it of himself concerning his speech deficit.

My inclination is to take it as a new believer to whom gifts of the Spirit or Spirit-led activities are beginning to manifest.

What Paul is pointing out here is that God’s Spirit has provided us with the tools to clearly encourage new believers, and tongues can confuse that rather than promote it.

We want to help immature believers as much as we can in their new faith to grow in confidence in the Lord rather than confusion.

Why would Paul say what he does in 1 Cor 14:18-19?

Because he wants to edify the Corinthians.

Why would Paul want to edify the Corinthians?

1 Cor 8:1, because he loves them.

Summary: because we love the Church, seek the Lord to give you the gifts that you need to edify the Church, not yourself.

Brothers and sisters, I know that the temptation is to walk away with a largely negative perspective on tongues.

However, the negative perspective should be on the unbiblical modern use of tongues within the charismatic church.

Instead, I hope that we walk away with a caution concerning the biblical gift of tongues on account of the misunderstanding and a renewed desire to edify the Church because the Spirit gives the gifts, the Lord Jesus gives the opportunity to use the gifts, God the Father makes the gifts effective, and we love the Church that the Lord loves.

Therefore, we want for the Church to be as dazzling for her Groom when He returns!

20 Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature. 21 In the Law it is written, “By men of strange tongues and by the lips of strangers I will speak to this people, and even so they will not listen to Me,” says the Lord. 22 So then tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophecy is for a sign, not to unbelievers but to those who believe. 23 Therefore if the whole church assembles together and all speak in tongues, and ungifted men or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are mad? 24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an ungifted man enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all; 25 the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you.”

What is the danger that Paul is pointing out that the Corinthians are facing?

Immaturity.

Importantly, this immaturity pertains to the spiritual activities that Paul has addressed.

What does maturity look like in spiritual activity?

Believers who love others seeking the Lord for just the right equipping to minster what others need in that moment either in proclaiming the Gospel to unbelievers or edifying saints.

Brothers and sisters, we’re more concerned about pleasing the Lord in what He’s given us to do rather than the exercise of the gift itself!

Why does Paul have to address that the Corinthians “in evil be infants?”

Because they weren’t infants in that!

We have catalogued the issues before but we know that they are many!

Primarily, the issue here is elevating certain spiritual gifts over others rather than that which edifies.

Notice, what does Paul conclude about tongues here?

They are a sign to unbelievers.

Now Paul is getting at where tongues are most naturally at home and to be used, among unbelievers!

The one who would enter the church and hears tongues being spoken, whether unbeliever or new believer, would be confused and say that the church had gone crazy!

Why?

Because tongues are most at home outside the church rather than inside the church.

This is a critical distinction between biblical tongues and the modern charismatic practice of tongues that occurs within a so-called church service.

Therefore, given the example that Paul cited and the danger of confusion that would lead to being designated crazy by unbelievers and new believers, we conclude that tongues are most at home outside the church.

26 What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.

Brothers and sisters, what Paul is most naturally talking about is a church service.

When we gather together, we have songs to sing.

When we gather, there are those who have earnestly sought the Lord to understand His Word better so that we can be edified.

What do we want to be the goal when we gather?

Edification.

Notice, that Paul is not commanding anything here but edification.

That is, the Church is not under compulsion to do anything that is not edifying.

I find this fascinating in light of Paul’s instruction elsewhere to give public attention to God’s Word when gathered together (cf. 1 Ti 4:13; 1 Th 5:27; Col 4:16).

This latter observation is also going to factor significantly before we conclude this passage.

27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and one must interpret; 28 but if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God.

It’s almost as if here Paul is suggesting a hypothetical circumstance.

If someone comes to church claiming that they are speaking in tongues here’s the max number who can share and the necessity of having an interpreter handy.

In other words, the hypothetical nature suggests that while it could happen it’s not ordinary or required for the Church’s experience of edification.

Paul is building off of his earlier statement in 1 Cor 14:2.

Therein Paul addresses how tongues can be spoken to God and others do not understand, in a church service.

What I find compelling here is the restraint that Paul suggests can and must be exercised in the biblical gift of tongues.

Order/structure: “by two or at the most three, and each in turn … one must interpret.”

Self-control: “keep silent.”

Thus, the ecstatic or uncontrolled nature of the modern use of tongues in the charismatic church is inconsistent with the biblical gift of tongues.

29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment. 30 But if a revelation is made to another who is seated, the first one must keep silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted; 32 and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets; 33 for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

Paul is repeating the idea that he prompted earlier about orderliness and structure.

However, there are huge differences between these verses and the verses concerning tongues.

First, Paul says “Let two or three prophets speak.”

Paul does not use a conditional statement initially in v. 29.

The conditional statement will come in 1 Cor 14:30.

This statement is actually a command.

**Hence, Paul expects that edification, exhortation, and consolation are all part of the church’s gathering whenever it comes together!

Though prophecy may not have an interpreter, it is under accountability.

It demands evaluation (1 Cor 14:30).

It is under the authority of the spiritual leadership within your church (1 cor 14:32).

Ultimately, Who is the One at work bringing clarity for the Church’s edification?

Our Lord.

Who is the God of peace, rather than confusion.

** peace not understanding

What does this look like in the Church?

I most naturally think of our Sunday School classes or our Bible Studies with the young adults, men, women, and Wednesdays.

You all have seen this in our class.

I say something.

Jessy, Mike, or another raises their hand to share an observation.

Ultimately, what is it that Paul is pointing to?

God has given to the Church what it needs to be edified, encouraged to pursue pleasing the Lord!

He has given it to us in a way that we can exercise self-control, demonstrating that the Spirit of God is in us (cf. Gal 5:23).

34 The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. 35 If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church.

In hearing these verses, we might be tempted to think, “Ok, our female classmates can never ask a question or Stacey can never take prayer requests in our class again.”

I don’t believe that’s what Paul is getting at here.

Instead, I believe that Paul is prohibiting a woman exercising teaching authority, particularly over her male counterparts.

First, Paul expects women to pray and prophesy according to 1 Corinthians 11; so, there’s some expectation of women using their voices in church.

1 Cor 14:26, assemble suggests whole church

Additionally, Paul uses the phrase “desire to learn” to provide some clarity in restricting the scope of the speaking to a circumstance where teaching is taking place, 1 Cor 14:35.

Further, Paul uses the word “to speak” elsewhere to refer to either himself or the Law (the OT, the Pentateuch) as providing instruction through its speaking (cf. Rm 3:19; 1 Cor 9:8).

Additionally, Paul has provided similar instruction elsewhere, rooting a woman’s submission to male teaching authority in creation order in 1 Tim 2.

When I think of this passage, I’m reminded of what Priscilla and Aquilla did with Apollos in Acts 18:24-28).

Apollos was preaching in public but was only acquainted with John’s baptism.

Instead of calling him out in public, this husband wife team took him aside and gave him private instruction.

The truth is, I may say something that is unclear in Sunday School or while I preach.

One of you ladies may notice this and have a question about it.

You then go home and address it with your husband.

Your husband then does one of two things.

Either he also affirms your concern.

Or, he provides clarity on what was said.

If there’s a concern, then in following God’s creation order in Gen 2 that Paul reiterates in 1 Cor 11, either the husband or, as demonstrated with Priscilla and Aquilla, you and your husband come and address that concern with me.

For those of our sisters who are single, your thought might be, “Who can I go to?”

The Lord has provided for you trusted spiritual leaders in this church through our deacons and our pastor.

I would encourage you to seek one of them if you, as a single woman, have a concern.

36 Was it from you that the word of God first went forth? Or has it come to you only? 37 If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment. 38 But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.

What Paul is getting at is that everything that he has shared is God’s Word.

Our actions are subject to the authority of God’s Word.

Brother and sisters, the things that we do are accountable to the authority of God’s Word that He has given to us.

39 Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues. 40 But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.”

Why do we desire earnestly to prophesy?

Because we love our church family.

And because we love our church family, we want to do that which will most build them up to encourage them to live to please the Lord, edification.

Importantly, Paul concludes here with the statement, “do not forbid to speak in tongues.”

He’s not commanding the Corinthians or any other Christian to speak in tongues.

However, we must acknowledge that Paul does not conclude here that tongues have ceased.

Yet, the NT does not address the biblical gift of tongues post 1 Corinthians 14

Additionally, setting aside the current expression of the modern use of tongues in the charismatic church, the Church’s experience also includes a gradual diminishing of the gift of tongues since the early church.

The silence from the NT and the experience of the Church suggests for us that God is using linguistically talented individuals to learn a language not native to them for the public proclamation of the Gospel, discipleship of those believers and Bible translation.

Though the Scriptures have not conclusively declared the cessation of the gift of tongues, what we can confidently say is that the current tongues use in the charismatic church is far from the biblical ideal and cannot be equated with the biblical gift of tongues.

Conclusion: Let’s recap what we’ve considered over all from this passage.

Our main goal should be to edify, therefore we want just the right gift to suit that moment.

Tongues, the Spirit-given ability to speak in another language for the proclamation of the Gospel receives less attention as the NT developed and has gradually diminished since its usage in the Early Church. While Paul does not conclusively say that tongues have ceased, though they will when Jesus comes (cf. 1 Cor 13:8), the practice of unintelligible gibberish in the modern charismatic church is far from biblical tongues.

Prophecy, the Spirit-given ability to speak a timely word to a brother or sister for edification, exhortation, and consolation is preferred over tongues, requiring an interpreter, on account of the clarity of the former.

In demonstration of the orderliness of our God, we want to structure our service in such a way that chaos does not obstruct edification - such as the orderly exercise of gifts and women seeking clarity or affirmation of their concerns in the home setting.

Ultimately, God’s Word has the final authority in all of this!

Brothers and sisters, with all that Paul has to say in this passage, we must never forget his core theme: let all things be done for edification.

You see, brothers and sisters, we don’t desire spiritual gifts just to exercise some spiritual power over others for our own benefit. Instead, we want just the right gifts for what it is that God has called us to do in edifying the Church.

When Paul says, “earnestly desire the spiritual gifts,” I believe that we could tack onto that statement, “for that right moment as you interact with others, whether unbelievers who need to hear the Gospel or believers who need encouraging to be more like Jesus.”

I believe that a perfect companion passage to this is Ephesians 4:29 “29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” What we want to do is to say or do just that right thing in the power of the Spirit in that moment in which we interact with another individual that would give them exactly what it is that they need from the Lord in that circumstance.