I Corinthians 14:1-12
Prophecy and Tongues – Part 1

Today, 05/26/2023, let us, together in the grace of God, rejoice and reflect on the Word of God in I Corinthians 14:1-12.

1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?

8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.

10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.

11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.

12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

[King James Version]

Suggested Questions:

1. What are the “mysteries” referred to in verse 2?

2. What do the following terms mean in verse 6: by revelation; by knowledge; by prophecy; by doctrine?

3. How valuable is the gift of languages shown to be in the Church by this passage?

Suggested Applications:

1. Have you ever desired the gift of prophecy?

2. What do you think about the emphasis of the Charismatic Pentecostal denominations on the “gift of speaking in tongues”?

Note:

[1] (a) Please note that when the term “spirit” is used without a definite article in Greek to refer to God and Christ, it refers to their mindset and should not be capitalized. (b) If it is used to refer to humans, it refers to the human mindset aligning with God’s. (c) When used with a definite article, it refers to the spiritual essence of either God or humans.

[2] Please note that when the term “holy spirit” is used without a definite article in Greek, it refers to the power and life coming from God, not the person of God the Holy Spirit, and should not be capitalized.