What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 14:5? Paul’s longing: “I wish that all of you could speak in tongues” • Paul is not downplaying tongues; he celebrates the gift and even practices it himself (1 Corinthians 14:18). • The desire that “all” speak in tongues mirrors his earlier wish that all were as he is in celibacy (1 Corinthians 7:7). It is a pastor’s heart wanting believers to experience every good gift God gives (James 1:17). • Tongues, as seen on Pentecost (Acts 2:4-11) and in Cornelius’s house (Acts 10:44-46), offer: – A vivid sign of the Spirit’s presence (Mark 16:17). – Personal prayer and praise that bypasses natural limitations (1 Corinthians 14:2, 14-15). • Yet, unlike salvation itself (Romans 10:9-10), tongues are not required for all. Paul’s “wish” acknowledges God distributes gifts “as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11). The higher priority: “but I would rather have you prophesy” • Prophecy is Spirit-empowered speech in the common language that directly “strengthens, encourages, and comforts” believers (1 Corinthians 14:3). • In a gathered setting, intelligibility outranks novelty. Paul’s preference echoes Jesus’ call to feed His sheep (John 21:17). • Like Moses’ yearning that “all the LORD’s people were prophets” (Numbers 11:29), Paul wants the whole congregation engaged in sharing God’s Word in ways people understand and apply (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Measuring greater value: “He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues” • “Greater” refers to usefulness for the moment, not personal worth (Galatians 3:28). • Prophecy blesses the many, whereas uninterpreted tongues bless mainly the speaker (1 Corinthians 14:4). • Paul orders gifts by their edifying impact: apostles, prophets, teachers, miracles, then tongues (1 Corinthians 12:28). The ranking is functional, guiding worship toward clarity and growth (Ephesians 4:11-13). The condition: “unless he interprets” • Interpretation converts tongues into a prophecy-like message (1 Corinthians 14:13). • When interpretation is present, the congregation receives revelation, knowledge, or instruction (1 Corinthians 14:6). • This safeguard reflects the two-or-three-speakers rule and the required interpreter (1 Corinthians 14:27-28), keeping public worship orderly (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40). The ultimate goal: “so that the church may be edified” • Every gift must build up the body (1 Corinthians 12:7; Ephesians 4:16). • Edification includes: – Clear understanding (Nehemiah 8:8). – Strengthened faith (Romans 10:17). – Unified witness (John 17:23). • Love steers all gifts (1 Corinthians 13:1-3, 13). When love drives ministry, the church matures, unbelievers are convinced (1 Corinthians 14:24-25), and God is glorified (1 Peter 4:10-11). summary Paul prizes every spiritual gift, tongues included, yet he prizes intelligible, Spirit-driven speech even more. Prophecy—or interpreted tongues—feeds and grows the church, aligning all ministry with love’s supreme aim: edifying Christ’s body for God’s glory. |
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