What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 14:28? But – Paul begins with a small word that signals a shift in direction, contrasting what he just commanded about orderly tongues (1 Corinthians 14:27) with what to do when the needed condition is missing. – Earlier, he wrote, “But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words… than ten thousand words in a tongue” (1 Corinthians 14:19). The conjunction reminds us the priority is always clarity that builds up the body (Ephesians 4:29). If there is no interpreter – Interpretation is essential for public tongues to edify others (1 Corinthians 14:5, 13). – Without it, the congregation cannot say “Amen” or be strengthened (1 Corinthians 14:16–17). – This clause underlines that spiritual gifts serve the whole assembly, never personal display (1 Corinthians 12:7; 1 Peter 4:10–11). He should remain silent in the church – Silence here is not punitive; it’s protective. It guards worship from confusion and disorder (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40). – Paul uses the same verb for silencing prophets who finish their turn (1 Corinthians 14:30), showing that self-control is a Spirit-produced virtue (Galatians 5:22–23). – Practical takeaway: If a gift cannot benefit others in the moment, loving restraint is the obedient choice (Philippians 2:3–4). And speak only to himself and God – Tongues are still valuable privately, where the speaker is personally edified (1 Corinthians 14:4). – This inward conversation aligns with Jesus’ teaching on secret prayer that honors the Father (Matthew 6:6). – The instruction does not quench the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19); it channels the Spirit’s work into the proper setting. summary 1 Corinthians 14:28 teaches that public exercise of tongues hinges on interpretation. When none is available, the believer lovingly holds back, preserving order and edification in worship while continuing to commune quietly with God. The verse models how love directs every gift: if it cannot build up others, it stays between the believer and the Lord. |
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