Tyndale Open Study Notes1 Corinthians 14

The church in Corinth focused too much on the gift of speaking in tongues (see 14:1–25, 27; compare the lists in 12:8–10, 28, where Paul lists tongues last). Paul offers advice to correct their understanding of the value and use of spiritual gifts.

After highlighting the supreme importance of love (chapter 13), Paul discusses spiritual gifts again. He defines their value by how much they help others, which reflects love (chapter 13). With this in mind, Paul compares the overvalued gift of speaking in tongues with the more helpful gift of prophecy.

Among all the special abilities the Spirit provides (see study note on 1 Corinthians 12:1–14:40), Paul urges the Corinthians to seek the ability to prophesy because it benefits the church more (see 12:10) .

The issue with speaking in tongues is that listeners cannot easily understand the message. However, the gift of prophecy is clear and helpful. It is a message from God that strengthens, encourages, and comforts those who hear it.

The main purpose of spiritual gifts is to strengthen the whole church, not just to improve oneself (see 12:7; compare 8:1; 14:12).

A message must be clear to communicate well.

The Spirit gives special abilities to strengthen the entire church (see 12:7; 14:4; compare Ephesians 4:15–16).

Paul does not forbid speaking in tongues (see 14:39), but interpreting is crucial, especially in public worship (see 14:27–28).

Speaking in tongues involves the speaker's spirit, as the Holy Spirit speaks through them, but not their mind, since the message is not logically understandable.

• It is better to worship with both spirit and understandable words. Public worship should bless God and others. Speaking in tongues without interpretation glorifies God and helps the speaker (14:4), but it does not help others present.

• say “Amen” to your thanksgiving: Amen was the traditional response to a prayer.

Paul emphasized the personal benefit of speaking in tongues, but in a church meeting, it should benefit others, not just the speaker.

To understand these matters maturely, consider the purpose of spiritual gifts. Do not treat them as ends for personal enjoyment.

Paul used this quotation from Isaiah 28:11–12 to show that speaking in tongues is a sign for unbelievers, not believers. However, in 1 Corinthians 14:23–25, Paul argues that unbelievers are more likely to be convinced by prophecy than by speaking in tongues. He emphasizes that, in public worship, prophecy is more useful than speaking in tongues.

“God is truly among you!” Paul refers to Isaiah 45:14.

Paul provides clear instructions for using spiritual gifts in the church. He stresses the importance of expressing them in an orderly manner. In the early Christian community, church meetings were not led by professional pastors or priests. Instead, everyone shared what God had given them to strengthen the church.

• has a psalm: Psalms can be sung alone or with others (compare Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).

• Everything done in public worship should strengthen the church (see 1 Corinthians 12:7; 14:4, 6, 12, 26; see also 8:1).

Paul advises a church eager for the gift of tongues to limit its public use. He suggests no more than two or three people should speak, one at a time, and only if someone can interpret the message.

Public prophecy should be shared in an orderly manner, guided by the Spirit, so everyone benefits. Others should evaluate what is said to determine if it is truly a message from God (1 Thessalonians 5:19–21). Those with a prophecy should take turns. Although prophecy is a divinely given message, the speaker still controls it.

• This part of the discussion on using spiritual gifts shows a view on women's roles similar to that of the Pastoral Letters (see 1 Timothy 2:11–15).

• Paul advises women to be quiet and respectful in church meetings. We should understand this instruction considering 1 Corinthians 11:5, which clearly implies that women can pray and prophesy in public.

• as the law says: This possibly refers to Genesis 3:16.

• As an apostle, Paul wanted the Corinthians to treat his words as commands from the Lord.

• What I am writing you: This likely refers to all his teachings, especially about spiritual gifts.

Paul summarizes his discussion on spiritual gifts in chapters 12 to 14.