What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 14:2? For he who speaks in a tongue Paul opens with the legitimate spiritual gift of tongues (Acts 2:4; 1 Corinthians 12:10). The emphasis is on Spirit-given speech, not natural language ability. • Tongues are a sign of the Spirit’s presence (Mark 16:17) and belong in the church’s gift mix (14:5). • Yet every gift must be stewarded for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7). …does not speak to men, but to God The direction is vertical: the tongue-speaker addresses the Lord, not the congregation. • Acts 2:11—listeners heard “the magnificent works of God.” • 1 Corinthians 14:28—without an interpreter the speaker is to “speak to himself and to God.” • Romans 8:26—the Spirit helps believers pray when words fail. Because the focus is Godward, the church gains nothing unless an interpretation is provided (14:13). Indeed, no one understands him Uninterpreted tongues leave listeners uninformed. • 1 Corinthians 14:9—unintelligible speech is “speaking into the air.” • 14:16—others cannot say “Amen” if they do not grasp the meaning. • Genesis 11:7—confusion of language disrupts unity, illustrating why clarity matters. Paul is not dismissing tongues; he is underscoring edification. He utters mysteries in the Spirit Tongues communicate Spirit-revealed truths beyond natural comprehension. • 1 Corinthians 2:7—the gospel itself is “God’s wisdom in a mystery.” • Ephesians 3:5—mysteries are “revealed by the Spirit.” • Jude 20—believers “pray in the Holy Spirit,” building themselves up. “Mysteries” are not secret doctrines for an elite few; once interpreted, they become edifying revelation akin to prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:3). summary 1 Corinthians 14:2 affirms that speaking in tongues is genuine, Spirit-given speech directed to God. Without interpretation, it benefits only the speaker because no one else understands the Spirit-uttered mysteries. Paul’s later instructions urge interpretation and intelligible prophecy so that every exercise of tongues advances the edification of the whole church. |
    |