1 Corinthians 14
BSB1 Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit. 3 But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort. 4 The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I wish that all of you could 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. 6 Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? 7 Even in the case of lifeless instruments, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone recognize the tune they are playing unless the notes are distinct? 8 Again, if the trumpet sounds a muffled call, who will prepare 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 Assuredly, there are many different languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. 11 If, then, I do not know the meaning of someone’s language, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. 12 It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church. 13 Therefore, the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15 What then 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 Otherwise, if you speak a blessing in spirit, how can someone who is uninstructed 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 one 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 coherent words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue. 20 Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature. 21 It is written in the Law: “By strange tongues and foreign lips I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to Me, says the Lord." 22 Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers. 23 So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who are uninstructed or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your minds? 24 But if an unbeliever or uninstructed person comes in while everyone is prophesying, he will be convicted and called to account by all, 25 and the secrets of his heart will be made known. So he will fall facedown and worship God, proclaiming, “God is truly among you!" 26 What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a psalm or a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, two, or at most three, should speak in turn, and someone must interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, he should remain silent in the church and speak only to himself and God. 29 Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. 30 And if a revelation comes to someone who is seated, the first speaker should stop. 31 For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. 32 The spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. 33 For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace—as in all the churches of the saints. 34 Women are to be silent in the churches. They are not permitted to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. 35 If they wish to inquire about something, they are to ask their own husbands at home; for it is dishonorable for a woman to speak in the church. 36 Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only ones it has reached? 37 If anyone considers himself a prophet or spiritual person, let him acknowledge that what I am writing you is the Lord’s command. 38 But if anyone ignores this, he himself will be ignored. 39 So, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner.
Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 14
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 1 Corinthians 14
- Themes from 1 Corinthians 14
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 1 Corinthians 14
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul addresses the Corinthian church's misuse of spiritual gifts, particularly tongues and prophecy. He argues that while these gifts are valuable, they must be used in a way that builds up the church and promotes understanding. Paul provides guidelines for the use of these gifts, including the requirement that everything be done decently and in order, and that no more than three people speak in tongues during a service. He also emphasizes the importance of prophecy, saying that it is more important than speaking in tongues because it edifies the church. Paul concludes the chapter by emphasizing the importance of orderly worship and the need for the church to prioritize edification and understanding.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of Paul's first letter to the Corinthian church, which was written in response to reports of divisions and disorders in the church. The chapter is situated in the larger context of Paul's discussion of spiritual gifts, which begins in 1 Corinthians 12 and concludes in 1 Corinthians 14. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which emphasizes the importance of orderly worship and the need for the church to prioritize edification and understanding.
Heart Application
As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of prioritizing edification and understanding in our worship. We should strive to use our spiritual gifts in a way that builds up the church and promotes love and respect for one another. We should also prioritize order and decency in our worship, recognizing that God is a God of peace and not of disorder.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about the importance of orderly worship in the church. Paul says that everything should be done decently and in order, and that the church should prioritize edification and understanding. He provides guidance on the use of spiritual gifts, such as prophecy and tongues, and emphasizes the importance of respecting the order of creation. In 1 Corinthians 14:1-5, Paul highlights the importance of pursuing love and desiring spiritual gifts, especially prophecy.
Voices from the Church
“The gift of tongues is a sign, not a symbol of the Holy Spirit's presence, but rather a sign of the apostles' authority to preach the gospel to all nations.”
— John Calvin
“The church should be a place where the Holy Spirit is free to work, and where the gifts of the Spirit are valued and used for edification.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- The Importance of Prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:1-5) — Paul emphasizes the importance of prophecy in building up the church, saying that it is more valuable than speaking in tongues.
- Guidelines for Speaking in Tongues (1 Corinthians 14:6-19) — Paul provides guidelines for the use of tongues in worship, saying that no more than three people should speak in tongues during a service, and that each should speak in turn.
- The Importance of Edification (1 Corinthians 14:20-25) — Paul emphasizes the importance of edification in worship, saying that everything should be done for the building up of the church.
- Guidelines for Prophecy and Tongues (1 Corinthians 14:26-35) — Paul provides additional guidelines for the use of prophecy and tongues in worship, emphasizing the importance of order and decency.
- Conclusion (1 Corinthians 14:36-40) — Paul concludes the chapter by emphasizing the importance of orderly worship and the need for the church to prioritize edification and understanding.
Core Doctrines
- The Gift of Prophecy
- This chapter teaches that prophecy is a valuable gift that should be used for the edification of the church. In 1 Corinthians 14:1-5, Paul highlights the importance of pursuing love and desiring spiritual gifts, especially prophecy.
- The Gift of Tongues
- This chapter teaches that tongues is a gift that should be used in a way that is respectful and beneficial to all. In 1 Corinthians 14:6-19, Paul provides guidelines for the use of tongues in worship.
- The Importance of Edification
- This chapter teaches that edification is a key principle of worship, and that everything should be done for the building up of the church. In 1 Corinthians 14:20-25, Paul emphasizes the importance of edification in worship.
- The Importance of Order
- This chapter teaches that order is essential for promoting edification and understanding in the church. In 1 Corinthians 14:26-40, Paul provides guidelines for the use of spiritual gifts in worship.
Lessons from 1 Corinthians 14
- The Importance of Edification — This chapter teaches us that edification is a key principle of worship, and that everything should be done for the building up of the church.
- The Value of Prophecy — This chapter teaches us that prophecy is a valuable gift that should be used for the edification of the church.
- The Need for Order — This chapter teaches us that order is essential for promoting edification and understanding in the church.
- The Role of Women in Worship — This chapter teaches us that women should be silent in the churches and not speak in tongues or prophesy.
- The Importance of Respect — This chapter teaches us that we should respect the order of creation and the roles that God has given to men and women.
Themes from 1 Corinthians 14
- Orderly Worship — This chapter emphasizes the importance of orderly worship, saying that everything should be done decently and in order.
- Edification — This chapter teaches that edification is a key principle of worship, and that everything should be done for the building up of the church.
- The Gift of Prophecy — This chapter teaches that prophecy is a valuable gift that should be used for the edification of the church.
- The Gift of Tongues — This chapter teaches that tongues is a gift that should be used in a way that is respectful and beneficial to all.
- Respect for the Order of Creation — This chapter teaches that we should respect the order of creation and the roles that God has given to men and women.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the main point of this chapter, and how does it relate to the rest of the book of 1 Corinthians?
- How does Paul's teaching on the use of spiritual gifts relate to the concept of edification?
- What guidelines does Paul provide for the use of tongues in worship, and why are they important?
- How does Paul's emphasis on order and decency in worship relate to the character of God?
- What are some ways that we can apply the principles of this chapter to our own worship and practice?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Importance of Prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:1-5)
| 14:1 | Paul emphasizes the importance of pursuing love and desiring spiritual gifts, especially prophecy. |
| 14:2 | Paul explains that speaking in tongues is not as valuable as prophecy because it does not edify the church. |
| 14:3 | Paul says that the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. |
| 14:4 | Paul says that the one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. |
| 14:5 | Paul wishes that all the Corinthians could speak in tongues, but even more that they could prophesy. |
2. Guidelines for Speaking in Tongues (1 Corinthians 14:6-19)
| 14:6 | Paul says that if he comes to the Corinthians speaking in tongues, what good will he be to them unless he brings them some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? |
| 14:7 | Paul uses the example of musical instruments to illustrate the importance of clarity in speech. |
| 14:8 | Paul says that if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will prepare for battle? |
| 14:9 | Paul says that if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is meant? |
| 14:10 | Paul says that there are doubtless many different languages in the world, and none is without meaning. |
| 14:11 | Paul says that if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. |
| 14:12 | Paul says that so with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church. |
| 14:13 | Paul says that therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray for the power to interpret. |
| 14:14 | Paul says that if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. |
| 14:15 | Paul says that what am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also. |
| 14:16 | Paul says that otherwise, if you give thanks with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider say "Amen" to your thanksgiving when he does not know what you are saying? |
| 14:17 | Paul says that you may be giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not edified. |
| 14:18 | Paul says that I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. |
| 14:19 | Paul says that nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue. |
3. The Importance of Edification (1 Corinthians 14:20-25)
| 14:20 | Paul says that brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature. |
| 14:21 | Paul says that it is written in the Law, "By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord." |
| 14:22 | Paul says that thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers. |
| 14:23 | Paul says that if, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds? |
| 14:24 | Paul says that but if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all. |
| 14:25 | Paul says that the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you. |
4. Guidelines for Prophecy and Tongues (1 Corinthians 14:26-35)
| 14:26 | Paul says that what then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. |
| 14:27 | Paul says that if any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let one interpret. |
| 14:28 | Paul says that but if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. |
| 14:29 | Paul says that let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. |
| 14:30 | Paul says that if a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. |
| 14:31 | Paul says that for you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged. |
| 14:32 | Paul says that and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. |
| 14:33 | Paul says that for God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints. |
| 14:34 | Paul says that the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. |
| 14:35 | Paul says that if there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church. |
5. Conclusion (1 Corinthians 14:36-40)
| 14:36 | Paul says that or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are you the only ones it has reached? |
| 14:37 | Paul says that if anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord. |
| 14:38 | Paul says that if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. |
| 14:39 | Paul says that so, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. |
| 14:40 | Paul says that but all things should be done decently and in order. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main point of 1 Corinthians 14?
The main point of 1 Corinthians 14 is the importance of orderly worship in the church, and the need for the church to prioritize edification and understanding. In 1 Corinthians 14:1-5, Paul highlights the importance of pursuing love and desiring spiritual gifts, especially prophecy.
What is the difference between prophecy and speaking in tongues?
Prophecy is the gift of speaking God's word to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation, while speaking in tongues is the gift of speaking in a language that is not understood by the speaker or the hearers. In 1 Corinthians 14:2-5, Paul explains the difference between prophecy and speaking in tongues.
Can women speak in church?
According to 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, women should keep silent in the churches and not speak in tongues or prophesy. However, this command is not absolute and has been interpreted in different ways throughout church history.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 14:1 → 1 Corinthians 12:31 | The pursuit of love and the desire for spiritual gifts, especially prophecy, is a key theme in 1 Corinthians 12-14. |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 14:2 → Acts 2:4 | The gift of tongues is first introduced in Acts 2:4, where the disciples speak in other tongues as the Holy Spirit gives them utterance. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 14:3 → 1 Thessalonians 5:11 | The concept of edification is also emphasized in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, where Paul says that we should encourage one another and build one another up. |
| 4 | 1 Corinthians 14:6 → 1 Corinthians 13:1 | The importance of clarity in speech is also emphasized in 1 Corinthians 13:1, where Paul says that if he speaks in the tongues of men and of angels, but has not love, he is a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. |
| 5 | 1 Corinthians 14:10 → Genesis 11:1-9 | The concept of different languages is also discussed in Genesis 11:1-9, where the tower of Babel is introduced. |
| 6 | 1 Corinthians 14:12 → 1 Corinthians 12:7 | The concept of spiritual gifts is introduced in 1 Corinthians 12:7, where Paul says that to each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. |
| 7 | 1 Corinthians 14:14 → Romans 8:26 | The concept of praying with the spirit is also discussed in Romans 8:26, where Paul says that the Spirit helps us in our weakness. |
| 8 | 1 Corinthians 14:20 → Matthew 18:3 | The concept of being like children is also discussed in Matthew 18:3, where Jesus says that unless we become like children, we will not enter the kingdom of heaven. |
| 9 | 1 Corinthians 14:21 → Isaiah 28:11-12 | The concept of speaking in foreign tongues is also discussed in Isaiah 28:11-12, where God says that he will speak to his people in a language they do not understand. |
| 10 | 1 Corinthians 14:33 → 1 Corinthians 7:17 | The concept of order in the church is also discussed in 1 Corinthians 7:17, where Paul says that each one should live as the Lord has assigned to him. |
Sermons on 1 Corinthians 14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(1 Peter - Part 14): Be Ye Holy, for I Am Holy by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the awe-inspiring presence of God and the importance of holiness in the lives of believers. He emphasizes that God's children should strive |
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Gods Love by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of being introduced in Alaska and compares it to the power of the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes the importance of not standing in the |
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Baptism of the Holy Spirit - Part 2 by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the limitations of our physical bodies in experiencing the power of God. He explains that no man can look upon the face of God and live becau |
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"That They May Be one." by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not treating the preaching of the word of God as a mere ceremonial duty. He criticizes the idea of paying someone to fill a |
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(1 Corinthians) ch.14:1-15:19 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on 1 Corinthians 14:1, which encourages Christians to pursue love and earnestly desire spiritual gifts. The aim in life should be to have the ty |
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We Glorify christ... by David Platt | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the mission and vision of their faith community, which is to glorify Christ by making disciples of all nations. They emphasize the importance |
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(2006 Conference) 1.beauty and Perfection in Balance by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance of truth in our lives, churches, and ministries, drawing insights from Genesis 1. It highlights the need to examine o |
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Chasing the Dragon 2 of 2 by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker shares various stories and experiences related to the preaching of the word of God. One story is about Peter and John encountering a beggar who asks for |
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A Certain Sound by Manley Beasley | In this sermon, the speaker begins by asking for prayers for the upcoming multimedia presentation in Europe. He then reads a passage from the Bible and discusses the importance of |
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Deep Dealing - My Testimony by Andrew Strom | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and establishing a position in Him. They mention the teachings of Wigglesworth and Reese Howells, who a |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14
In this chapter, Paul teaches the Corinthians about the proper use of spiritual gifts, particularly prophecy and tongues. He emphasizes the importance of edification and order in worship, saying that everything should be done decently and in order. Paul also provides guidance on the use of tongues, saying that no more than three people should speak in tongues during a service, and that each should speak in turn. He emphasizes the importance of prophecy, saying that it is more valuable than speaking in tongues because it builds up the church. Throughout the chapter, Paul emphasizes the importance of respecting the order of creation and the roles that God has given to men and women. As Matthew Henry says, 'The church is the house of God, and it is to be kept in order, that God may be worshipped and glorified, and that the people may be edified and comforted.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Prophecy
Paul says that prophecy is more important than speaking in tongues because it edifies the church. This emphasizes the value of prophecy in building up the body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 14:1-5, Paul highlights the importance of pursuing love and desiring spiritual gifts, especially prophecy.
The Need for Order
Paul emphasizes the need for everything to be done decently and in order. This principle is essential for promoting edification and understanding in the church. In 1 Corinthians 14:26-40, Paul provides guidelines for the use of spiritual gifts in worship.
The Role of Women in Worship
Paul says that women should be silent in the churches and not speak in tongues or prophesy. This emphasizes the importance of respecting the order of creation and the roles that God has given to men and women. In 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, Paul provides guidance on the role of women in worship.