While love is the greatest gift from God, it doesn’t mean that the temporary spiritual gifts were useless. Paul encouraged the Corinthians to desire spiritual gifts. Of the various spiritual gifts, the one Paul deems most valuable is that of prophecy (I Corinthians 12:31).<\/p>\n
Paul explains the preference by contrasting prophesies with speaking in tongues. The choice of tongues out of all the other gifts is likely because the Corinthians preferred this gift the most.<\/p>\n
When a person speaks in another language, implying that it is in a language that no one else present understands, God alone understands him. He might have important information to present, but it remains a mystery.<\/p>\n
In contrast, the prophet gives a message men can understand, which edifies, exhorts, and consoles the listener. Although the speaker in another language and the prophet may have the same message from the Spirit, only the prophet can share that message with other people because the prophet and the listeners speak a common language. The tongue speaker might benefit from his message, but the rest of the church cannot.<\/p>\n
Again, Paul emphasizes that speaking in another language is not useless. He would be happy if everyone had the gift of languages, but he would be even happier if everyone prophesied because prophecy was the greater gift because it gives the greater benefit to people.<\/p>\n
Speaking in another language doesn’t profit another person if there is no meaningful message to be presented. Even if the other person understood the language being used, the gift becomes useless if there isn’t information to be given. There needs to be a:<\/p>\n
Except in the case of prophecy, the rest do not necessarily imply direct inspiration from the Holy Spirit.<\/p>\n
Paul illustrates this with the use of musical instruments. If an instrument is played without a melody where the succeeding notes are not distinctive, no one will know what was being played. It would be like listening to a child play you a song, but then you have to ask what they were playing because you can’t guess the tune.<\/p>\n
Another illustration is that of a trumpeter for an army. If the sounds being blown are not distinct enough to make the message clear, the army soldiers won’t know what to do. A call to arms will be easily overlooked.<\/p>\n
In the same way, if the speaker in another language doesn’t speak in a clear, understandable way, then the listeners will not understand, and the tongue speaker might as well just speak into the air.<\/p>\n
There are lots of languages in the world. None should be treated as insignificant. Russian is very important to someone from Russia. Hebrew is very important to an Israelite. But the importance of a language doesn’t mean it must always be used, even if speakers of that language are not present. If the tongue speaker speaks in a language that the audience cannot understand, then no communication takes place. Both parties see the other person as a foreigner.<\/p>\n
Thus, Paul encourages the Corinthians to be zealous for spiritual gifts but not to lose sight of using the gifts to benefit the church. They need to excel first and foremost in building up the church. If a person speaks in another language, he also needs to pray that he can properly, clearly, and accurately interpret what he says in the language his audience understands. Paul is not saying that someone with the gift of languages cannot demonstrate his ability to speak in another language, but that demonstration cannot be solely for showing off. He must first think about benefitting his listeners with a message they can understand. A person who prays in another language, unknown to those around him, knows what he is thinking and so it is a benefit to him, but what he understands bears no fruit because no one else understands along with him.<\/p>\n
Whether we are talking about prayers or songs, enthusiasm and sincerity of heart aren’t enough. When we give a prayer or sing a song, it must be something that is understood by those who hear. After all, the purpose of the church is to edify (Romans 14:19; 15:2; Ephesians 4:12, 16; I Thessalonians 5:11). The spirit must be blended with understanding (John 4:24).<\/p>\n
When prayers are offered, others are listening and when they agree with the prayer give their “amen” (“so be it”) at its end. If a person does not understand what is being said, they cannot rightly agree with the prayer. “Uninformed” or “ungifted” in verse 16 literally means a private person; that is, is a person who is isolated from others because of his lack of understanding or skill. When all cannot understand, they are isolated from the rest. Though they came together, their fellowship doesn’t exist.<\/p>\n
When songs are sung, they serve the purpose of teaching those present (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). If the words are not understandable, then no teaching can take place. One’s heart may be uplifted by the tune, but no real or lasting benefit is given.<\/p>\n
No matter how well worship is conducted, if it isn’t understood by all, it lacks benefit to all.<\/p>\n
Paul uses the gift of tongues, given to him by God, often – more than those in Corinth. Paul’s mission to the Gentiles meant he would need to speak in many different languages. Yet, in the worship assembly, Paul would rather speak a few words that are understood than ten thousand in a foreign language that doesn’t benefit those assembled.<\/p>\n
Sometimes we childishly hold on to ideas even when we intellectually know they aren’t correct ones. Childishness and learning don’t belong together (I Corinthians 3:1; Ephesians 4:14). A child-like innocence to sin is appropriate (Matthew 18:3), but not toward understanding what we must do (Romans 16:19; I Corinthians 2:6).<\/p>\n
In regards to our attitude toward malice, the word Paul uses is one for an infant child. The other word for “children” is the word for a half-grown child. The word for mature is the Greek word for a full-grown adult male.<\/p>\n
Paul then alludes to Isaiah 28:11-12. This passage is not a prophecy about the miraculous gift of languages. In Isaiah 28:11-12, God is telling Israel that He will punish them by sending them to foreign lands where they would not be understood and where they would not understand those around them. Yet despite the punishment, they would not listen to God. They remained rebellious and stubborn. From this, Paul draws the point that foreign languages did not benefit God’s people when they were not inclined to listen to God. For the same reason, the gift of tongues won’t improve God’s people if they are not so inclined. Hearing words you don’t understand won’t change a person.<\/p>\n
Note that I Corinthians 14:22 contains two “not … but” idioms. These should be read as “not merely” or “not only” and “but more importantly.<\/p>\n
If the gift of tongues is not just for God’s people, then who are they really for? Paul concludes that God gave the gift of tongues for non-believers. It allows teachers to reach people by talking to them in their own native language and it leaves a strong impression on them. It serves as a sign to the unbeliever that God is behind the message.<\/p>\n
In contrast, prophecy is more for the believer than for the unbeliever. The unbeliever does not yet have faith in God, so God’s teachings don’t make a significant impact on their lives. Yet the child of God lives to do God’s will and the words of God from the prophets are very important to him. Seeing the truth in God’s message becomes a significant sign to the believer that God is with him.<\/p>\n
One way to make a point memorial is to give a sequence from which to hang ideas. In I Corinthians 14:20, Paul uses the development of a man from infant to child to adult to help us remember that we are infants in regards to malice, not children in regards to understanding but adults.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPrior Lesson\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Corinthian Letters\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNext Lesson\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Spiritual Gifts: Prophecy Is Better Than Tongues The prophet edifies others\u00a0(I Corinthians 14:1-5) While love is the greatest gift from God, it doesn’t mean that the temporary spiritual gifts were useless. Paul encouraged the Corinthians to desire spiritual gifts. Of the various spiritual gifts, the one Paul deems most valuable is that of prophecy (I…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":19928,"menu_order":37,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-30488","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":30491,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/bible-studies\/the-corinthian-letters\/spiritual-gifts-worship-is-for-edification\/","url_meta":{"origin":30488,"position":0},"title":"Spiritual Gifts: Worship is for Edification","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"January 13, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Spiritual Gifts: Worship is for Edification Tongues and prophecy in the worship service\u00a0(I Corinthians 14:23-25) Paul transitions from comparing the use of tongues and prophecy in general to their use in the worship service. Worship doesn't happen all the time or by accident. Paul speaks of times when all Christians\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":30483,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/bible-studies\/the-corinthian-letters\/spiritual-gifts-different-gifts-in-one-body\/","url_meta":{"origin":30488,"position":1},"title":"Spiritual Gifts: Different Gifts in One Body","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"January 13, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Spiritual Gifts: Different Gifts in One Body The influence of the Spirit\u00a0(I Corinthians 12:1-3) The subject now shifts to spiritual matters, in particular spiritual gifts. Ignorance in these matters would not serve the Corinthians well. In their past, many of the Corinthians were idol worshipers, led by their impulses and\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":24560,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/bible-studies\/the-corinthian-letters\/spiritual-gifts-the-greatest-gift-is-love\/","url_meta":{"origin":30488,"position":2},"title":"Spiritual Gifts: The Greatest Gift is Love","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"August 10, 2010","format":false,"excerpt":"Spiritual Gifts: The Greatest Gift is Love The need for love\u00a0(I Corinthians 13:1-3) Love is what makes all other gifts and actions worthwhile. If Paul was able to speak all the languages of men and angels, it would be just noise if he did not have love. Notice that Paul\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":30663,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/bible-studies\/the-corinthian-letters\/suggested-mark-ups-for-i-corinthians\/","url_meta":{"origin":30488,"position":3},"title":"Suggested Mark-Ups for I Corinthians","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"January 15, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Suggested Mark-Ups for I Corinthians People Paul Sosthenes Chole Apollos Cephas Crispus Gaius Stephanas Barnabas Moses Timothy Fortunaus Achaius Pricilla Aquila Adam James God God, the Father God, the Son God, the Spirit Time Location Corinth Achaia Ephesus Asia Macedonia Jerusalem Keywords baptized belief \/ faith boast body calling church\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":19928,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/bible-studies\/the-corinthian-letters\/","url_meta":{"origin":30488,"position":4},"title":"The Corinthian Letters","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"February 13, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"The Corinthian Letters by Jeffrey W. Hamilton July 2011 I Corinthians Getting Familiar with the Text Introduction to Studying the Corinthian Letters Background to I Corinthians Overview of I Corinthians Understanding What Was Said in I Corinthians Segmenting I Corinthians The Start of the Letter Salutations and Thanksgiving (I Corinthians\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Corinth.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Corinth.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Corinth.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":30670,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/bible-studies\/the-corinthian-letters\/an-outline-of-i-corinthians\/","url_meta":{"origin":30488,"position":5},"title":"An Outline of I Corinthians","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"January 15, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"An Outline of I Corinthians I.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Greetings (I Corinthians 1:1-3) II.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Paul\u2019s Thankfulness (I Corinthians 1:4-9) III.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Paul\u2019s Concerns Addressed (I Corinthians 1:10-6:20) \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Who do we follow (I Corinthians 1:10-3:23) \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a01.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Division over leaders (I Corinthians 1:11-17) \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a02.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Wisdom of God\u2019s plan (I Corinthians 1:18-2:16) \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a03.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A true view of God\u2019s laborers (I Corinthians 3:1-23) \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0B.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Judging\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/30488","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30488"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/30488\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19928"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30488"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}