It is written in the Law: "By strange tongues and foreign lips I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to Me, says the Lord." It is written in the Law:This phrase indicates a reference to the Old Testament, which is often called "the Law" by New Testament writers. Here, Paul is likely referring to Isaiah 28:11-12, where God speaks of using foreign languages as a sign of judgment against Israel. The "Law" in this context can refer broadly to the Hebrew Scriptures, including the Prophets. This highlights the continuity between the Old and New Testaments and underscores the authority of Scripture in Paul's argument. Jhn 10:34 Jesus replied, “Is it not written in your Law:… “By strange tongues and foreign lips The mention of "strange tongues and foreign lips" alludes to the Assyrian invasion of Israel, where the Assyrians spoke a language unfamiliar to the Israelites. This serves as a historical example of God using foreign nations to execute judgment. In the New Testament context, it connects to the gift of tongues, which was a sign to unbelievers, particularly to the Jewish people who were familiar with the prophecy. The use of foreign languages was a divine tool to capture attention and convey a message of both warning and opportunity for repentance. Deu 28:49 The LORD will bring a nation from afar… I will speak to this people, "This people" refers to the Israelites, God's chosen people, who were often resistant to His messages delivered through prophets. The phrase emphasizes God's direct involvement in communicating with His people, despite their disobedience. It also reflects God's persistent desire to reach out to His people, even when they are unresponsive. This can be seen as a type of Christ, who also came to speak to God's people, often facing rejection. Isa 28:11-12 Indeed, with mocking lips and foreign tongues,… but even then they will not listen to Me, This highlights the stubbornness and hard-heartedness of the people, a recurring theme throughout the Bible. Despite clear signs and messages, the Israelites often failed to heed God's warnings. This serves as a warning to the Corinthian church and to all believers about the dangers of ignoring God's voice. It also connects to the broader biblical narrative of human rebellion and the need for divine intervention through Christ. Mat 13:14-15 In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled:… says the Lord.” This phrase asserts the authority and finality of the message. It is a reminder that the words spoken are not merely human opinions but are declarations from God Himself. This underscores the seriousness of the message and the certainty of its fulfillment. It also connects to the prophetic tradition, where messages are often concluded with a divine affirmation, reinforcing the truth and reliability of God's word. Jer 23:28 Let the prophet who has a dream retell it, … Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth about the use of spiritual gifts, particularly the gift of tongues. 2. The Church in Corinth A diverse and spiritually gifted congregation facing issues of disorder and misunderstanding regarding spiritual gifts. 3. Isaiah the Prophet The original source of the quote Paul uses, found in Isaiah 28:11-12, where God speaks to Israel through foreign tongues as a sign of judgment. 4. The Law Refers to the Old Testament scriptures, particularly the prophetic writings, which Paul cites to make his point. 5. The Lord God, who speaks through the prophets and through Paul, emphasizing His sovereignty and the importance of listening to His message. Teaching Points Understanding Spiritual GiftsRecognize that spiritual gifts, like tongues, are meant for edification and as signs, not for personal glory or confusion. The Importance of Listening to God Just as Israel was judged for not listening, we must be attentive to God’s voice in our lives through His Word and Spirit. The Role of Prophecy and Tongues Prophecy is for the edification of the church, while tongues serve as a sign, particularly to unbelievers, highlighting the need for order in worship. God’s Sovereignty in Communication God chooses how to communicate with His people, and we must be open to His methods, whether through scripture, prophecy, or other means. Judgment and Mercy God’s use of foreign tongues as a sign of judgment also points to His mercy, as it serves as a call to repentance and faith. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding the original context of Isaiah 28:11-12 help us interpret 1 Corinthians 14:21?2. In what ways can we ensure that our use of spiritual gifts aligns with God’s purpose for edification and order in the church? 3. How can we cultivate a heart that listens to God, avoiding the pitfalls of Israel’s disobedience? 4. What are some modern-day "foreign tongues" or signs that God might use to get our attention, and how should we respond? 5. How do the themes of judgment and mercy in 1 Corinthians 14:21 encourage us in our walk with Christ? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 28:11-12The original context of the quote, where God uses foreign tongues as a sign to Israel, highlighting their disobedience. Acts 2:4-12 The event of Pentecost, where the apostles spoke in various tongues, demonstrating the power of the Holy Spirit and serving as a sign to unbelievers. Deuteronomy 28:49 A warning of foreign nations as a judgment against Israel, similar to the use of foreign tongues as a sign. Romans 11:8 Paul speaks of a spirit of stupor given to Israel, connecting to the theme of not listening to God’s message. Hebrews 2:1-4 An exhortation to pay attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away, emphasizing the importance of listening to God. People Corinthians, PaulPlaces CorinthTopics Ear, Foreigners, Languages, Law, Lips, Listen, Nation, Says, Speak, Stands, Strange, Strangers, Thus, Tongues, Unknown, Written, YetDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Corinthians 14:21 1444 revelation, NT Library 1 Corinthians xiv, 20Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit, in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. It would be going a great deal too far to say, that they who fulfilled the latter part of this command, were sure also to fulfil the former; that they who were men in understanding, were, therefore, likely to be children in malice. But the converse holds good, with remarkable certainty, that they who are children in understanding, are proportionally apt to be men in malice: that is, in proportion … Thomas Arnold—The Christian Life Gunsaulus -- the Bible Vs. Infidelity Here is the Sum of My Examination Before Justice Keelin, Justice Chester, Justice Blundale, Justice Beecher, Justice Snagg, Etc. The Substance of Some Discourse had Between the Clerk of the Peace and Myself; when He came to Admonish Me, According to the Tenor of that Law, by which I was in Prison. Things to be Meditated on as Thou Goest to the Church. The Miracle of Tongues. The Second Wall. Luther's First Preface. Women are not Permitted to Speak at the Time of the Divine Liturgy... Eighteenth Day for Peace Rules to be Observed in Singing of Psalms. Of Deeper Matters, and God's Hidden Judgments which are not to be Inquired Into From his Entrance on the Ministry in 1815, to his Commission to Reside in Germany in 1820 The Preacher as a Christian. Fifteenth Day. The Holy Spirit. Ten Reasons Demonstrating the Commandment of the Sabbath to be Moral. Spiritual Gifts. Meditations to Stir us up to Morning Prayer. That the Unskilful Venture not to Approach an Office of Authority. The Holy Spirit Guiding the Believer into a Life as a Son. Peace The Necessity of Regeneration, Argued from the Immutable Constitution of God. The Christian Prayer Links 1 Corinthians 14:21 NIV1 Corinthians 14:21 NLT 1 Corinthians 14:21 ESV 1 Corinthians 14:21 NASB 1 Corinthians 14:21 KJV 1 Corinthians 14:21 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |