Why is silence important if no interpreter is present, according to 1 Corinthians 14:28? Text: 1 Corinthians 14:28 “But if there is no interpreter, he must remain silent in the church; let him speak to himself and to God.” Why Silence Matters When No Interpreter Is Present • Spoken tongues without interpretation do not build up the gathered body; only the speaker is edified (14:4). • God’s design for public worship is mutual strengthening—“since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek to excel in the edification of the church” (14:12). • Silence protects the congregation from confusion and distraction, preserving unity and focus on Christ. Rooted in Edification • 1 Corinthians 14:5—prophecy is preferred “so that the church may be edified.” • Ephesians 4:12—gifts are “to equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ.” • Colossians 3:16—“Let the word of Christ richly dwell among you… teaching and admonishing one another.” Without interpretation, tongues fail this edifying purpose; silence safeguards it. Safeguarding Clarity for Believers and Seekers • 1 Corinthians 14:9—“Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying?” • 14:23—unintelligible tongues may cause outsiders to say, “You are out of your minds.” By remaining silent, believers present a coherent witness, helping unbelievers hear the gospel clearly. Demonstrating Self-Control and Order • 1 Corinthians 14:32—“The spirits of prophets are subject to prophets,” showing gifts are to be governed, not unleashed impulsively. • Galatians 5:22-23—the Spirit’s fruit includes self-control; silence when needed expresses this fruit. • 14:40—“Let all things be done decently and in order.” Ordered worship reflects God’s nature and safeguards reverence. Honoring God’s Character of Peace • 1 Corinthians 14:33—“For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace.” When worship is intelligible and orderly, God’s peaceful character is displayed; silence serves that peace when no interpreter is present. Practical Takeaways for Today • Test every public expression of a gift by its capacity to edify the whole body. • If a tongue is given, pray for an interpreter; without one, keep it between “yourself and God” (14:28). • Cultivate an atmosphere where Scripture governs enthusiasm—zealous yet orderly, Spirit-led yet scripturally guided. |
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