1 Corinthians 14 reminds me of one of my favorite words; Edification. The complex meaning is related to constructing a sturdy building; and strengthening by teaching moral truth. The person described would be someone that is stable, protective, forthright and able to impart wisdom. Today’s lesson is about fortifying others. Paul follows his chapter on love with instruction on prophesy. Most think of foretelling the future, but many times prophesy means to boldly declare God’s Word. Paul begins: “eagerly desire gifts of the Sprit, especially prophecy.” He then compares the gift of prophesy with the gift of tongues to clarify the purpose of each. “Anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God”; while prophesy “speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.” He continues; anyone speaking in tongues “edifies themselves” but the one who prophesies “edifies the church”. They each have a different use. In group settings, Paul says: “I would rather have you prophesy.” He explains, speaking in tongues is only useful to the group if “someone interprets.” As a teacher, Paul asks: “what good will I be to you… if I bring… knowledge or… instruction” that you cannot understand? To the believers that speak in tongues, in a group setting, he adds: “how will anyone know what you are saying?” To those around you, “You will just be speaking into the air.” In order to encourage, we must speak plainly.
Paul notes that there are “all sorts of languages in the world… none… without meaning.” My bilingual friends will use a non-English word to describes something, and then explain its deeper meaning. I am enriched by their explanation. Paul says to those “eager for gifts of the Spirit”, that they should desire “those that build up the church.” Paul then discusses his own time of communion with God in prayer: “If I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.” Like an unplanned sigh in reaction to sad news, there is an expression without exact meaning. Paul’s solution is: “I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding.” In the group setting Paul says: “I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct… than ten thousand words in a tongue.” Finally, Paul explains, if an inquirer comes to the public assembly while everyone is prophesying: “they are convicted of sin… as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare.” Paul says that when God’s Word is clearly spoken, visitors will say: “God is really among you!” Those that are searching are listening.
The chapter closes with some additional guidance about the need to have order in our corporate worship. The church service is a unique gathering. He explains, though each person may have a revelation to share: “Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.” Regarding tongues: “one at a time, and someone must interpret.” He adds, if no one interprets, “the speaker should keep quiet.” Concerning prophesy, he says limit the number of speakers, and “the others should weigh carefully what is said.” Paul describes a very organized meeting: “prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.” Not only is it more effective communication, but it reflects the God we serve: “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” In this context of order and decorum, Paul adds, women should also keep quiet. Sadly, this verse is used incorrectly by many. Jewish law, and both Greek and Roman culture had strong prohibitions against women debating with men in public. In the public forum, everyone was to limit interruption in order for the Word of God to be clearly heard. Paul closes by supporting all of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He concludes: “do not forbid speaking in tongues”, but adds: “everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” Friend, is it time to boldly speak or quietly listen?