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Priscilla: I Corinthians 14:13-25
Prophecy and Tongues – Part 2

Dear God, my Beloved Father, I offer You my praise and gratitude because I am filled with joy, living in the love, holiness, and righteousness of the Triune God. May You sanctify me, instruct me, grant me wisdom, and help me understand as I meditate on the Eternal Living Word of God, so that I may live pleasing to You each day.

Father, today I would like to present my meditation on I Corinthians 14:13-25.

13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

Verse 13: I understand that the Apostle Paul advises those who have the gift of speaking in an unknown tongue, which is a language given by the Holy Spirit, to pray for the gift of interpretation so that they may understand what they are saying and edify the Church. By doing this, their gift of speaking in tongues will bring edification and benefit to the Church.

14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

Verses 14 and 15: I understand that when the Apostle Paul prays in a language given by the Holy Spirit, he prays with his spirit, but his mind is unfruitful. This does not benefit his understanding. Therefore, the Apostle Paul also prays or sings praises to God in languages that he can understand.

16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

Verses 16 and 17: I understand that the Apostle Paul asks, “If there are people in the Church who pray, seeking God’s blessings or offering words of praise and thanksgiving, but they pray in a language that is not understood by those who are uneducated, how can they join in agreement with the one praying?” Although praying in a different language is a gift from the Holy Spirit and is good, that goodness does not benefit the Church, making it an unfruitful action.

18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

Verses 18 and 19: I understand that the Apostle Paul, who was granted the gift of speaking in multiple languages more than anyone else in the Corinthian Church, chooses to speak fewer words that the Church can understand for the greater benefit of the Church. Rather than speaking numerous words that cannot be understood, he values speaking fewer words that can be comprehended.

20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

Verse 20: I understand that the Apostle Paul advises the people of God to be innocent like doves when it comes to evil, having no intention to do wrong. However, in terms of knowledge, the people of God should be wise like serpents, having a proper understanding of God’s Word and resembling mature individuals in their understanding. Otherwise, they may fall into the temptations and traps set by the devil, leading to destruction and loss.

21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.

22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

Verses 21 and 22: I understand that the Apostle Paul recalls the example of the tribe of Ephraim within the people of Israel. Due to their unfaithfulness, they were punished by God and had to be scattered among the territories of other nations. And God spoke to them through the languages and lips of those nations. I understand that the gift of speaking in various languages is given to those who are weak in faith to strengthen their faith, and also serves as a sign to unbelievers that the speakers are believers in God. However, the gift of prophecy is specifically for those who have accepted Christ, and is spoken within the Church.

23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

Verse 23: I understand that if, during Church gatherings, each person speaks in different languages, it would cause confusion and unease among less educated or unbelieving individuals, who may perceive the Church’s gatherings as gatherings of mad people, thus becoming a stumbling block.

24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

Verses 24 and 25: I understand that if, during Church gatherings, everyone speaks the Word of God or proclaims the important truths of God and glorifies Him in the local language, so that everyone present can hear and understand, then the true essence of the Word of God will convict those who do not believe in Him. The truth of God’s Word will expose the sins and wrongdoings of unbelievers, leading them to repentance and acceptance of the salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ. I understand that the phrase “the secrets of their hearts are laid bare” means that the thoughts, reflections, and hidden sins of that person will be exposed and reproved by the Word of God, revealing the way to repentance. As a result, they will be convicted and recognize the presence of God in the Church gathering, and the Holy Spirit will move them to repentance and acceptance of God’s salvation, causing them to fall to their knees, confess their faith, and worship God.

Father, I thank You for the spiritual and significant gifts that the Holy Spirit bestows upon each member of the Church to edify one another and benefit the Church. May the truth of God’s Word sanctify, preserve, and bless the spirit, soul, and body of each one of us, making us blameless and ready for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!

In the grace of Jesus Christ, my Lord.

Priscilla Christian Huynh
05/29/2023