What role does prophecy play compared to tongues in church edification today? Understanding Paul’s Citation (1 Corinthians 14:21) “In the Law it is written: ‘By other tongues and foreign lips I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to Me, says the Lord.’” • Paul quotes Isaiah 28:11-12, where God warned unbelieving Israel that foreign-language invaders would speak to them—an ominous sign that judgment was at the door. • By bringing this Old Testament scene into the Corinthian discussion, Paul reminds the church that uninterpreted tongues still function primarily as a sign to the hard-hearted, not as regular nourishment for believers. Tongues as a Sign, Not a Teaching Tool • 1 Corinthians 14:22 follows the quotation: “Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers.” • At Pentecost (Acts 2:4-11) tongues drew a crowd of unbelievers who were amazed, but the intelligible preaching of Peter brought salvation. • In congregational life, tongues serve best when: – They validate the gospel’s reach to every nation (Acts 10:44-46). – They edify the speaker privately (1 Corinthians 14:4) or the body if interpreted (14:5, 27-28). • Without interpretation, the church hears only “foreign lips,” repeating the Isaiah warning rather than receiving clear instruction. Prophecy as Clear Communication for the Church • 1 Corinthians 14:3-4: “But the one who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort… the one who prophesies edifies the church.” • Prophecy translates God’s heart into the shared language of the congregation, producing: – Edification—building up faith and doctrine (Ephesians 4:11-13). – Encouragement—strengthening weary souls (Acts 15:32). – Comfort—bringing divine perspective to trials (1 Thessalonians 5:14). • Because prophecy is intelligible, it fulfills Paul’s overriding rule: “Let all things be done for edification” (1 Corinthians 14:26). Practical Implications for Today’s Gathering • Pursue clarity over spectacle. If a tongue is given publicly, wait for interpretation; otherwise, keep it between the speaker and God (14:28). • Give priority to prophetic, Scripture-saturated words that unpack God’s truth and apply it to daily life. • Expect tongues to appear more in evangelistic settings where God may confront unbelief, echoing the Isaiah pattern. Guardrails for Exercising Gifts • “The spirits of prophets are subject to prophets” (14:32)—all gifts submit to orderly leadership. • “God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (14:33). When prophetic words or tongues create confusion, they have stepped outside their biblical boundaries. • “Test everything; hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21). Scripture remains the final arbiter of any message, prophetic or otherwise. A Snapshot of Balanced Ministry Prophecy: primary, clear, church-wide edification. Tongues: secondary, sign for unbelievers, personal edification unless interpreted. When exercised within these lanes, both gifts glorify Christ, strengthen His people, and keep the church anchored in the sure Word of God. |
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