What does 1 Corinthians 14:39 mean?
Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 1 Corinthians 14:39
Explanation
1 Corinthians 14:39 encourages Christians to value the gift of prophecy and not to prohibit speaking in tongues. In this verse, Paul addresses regulations for orderly worship in the Christian church and the use of spiritual gifts. The verse emphasizes the importance of prophecy, which is the ability to communicate messages from God to the congregation, for the edification and strengthening of the church. At the same time, it recognizes the value of speaking in tongues but suggests it should be done in a manner that benefits all attendees.
Historical Context
The Apostle Paul penned the first letter to the Corinthians, a church in Corinth around A.D. 53-54. Corinth was a major Greek city known for its wealth, diversity, and moral laxity. The church in Corinth consisted of converts from paganism and had numerous issues regarding unity, morality, and worship practices. Paul’s guidance in chapter 14 arises from reports of worship becoming disorderly, particularly with the use of spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues and prophecy.
Theological Insights
Different Christian denominations have various interpretations of 1 Corinthians 14:39:
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Pentecostal and Charismatic: These groups typically emphasize the ongoing availability and practice of spiritual gifts like prophecy and speaking in tongues as an integral part of worship.
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Cessationist: Some Reformed and conservative evangelicals believe that the sign gifts ceased with the apostolic age; thus, they may interpret this passage as historical rather than prescriptive for today’s church practices.
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Continuationist: Other evangelical Christians may take a middle ground, accepting that spiritual gifts continue but must be exercised in an orderly and edifying manner as prescribed by Paul.
Practical Applications
1 Corinthians 14:39 can inspire believers to:
- Seek gifts that edify the church community.
- Value diverse spiritual gifts within their congregations while maintaining order.
- Encourage both freedom and structure in worship to ensure that all activities build up the body of Christ.
- Be open to different ways the Holy Spirit can work within a church service.
Cross-References
- 1 Corinthians 14:1-5: Stresses the superiority of prophecy over tongues because it edifies the church unless there is an interpretation.
- Acts 2:1-4: Describes the initial outpouring of the Holy Spirit where the apostles speak in tongues.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21: Encourages believers not to quench the Spirit but to test everything and hold fast to what is good.
Language Study
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Covet (ζηλοῦτε – zēloute): Derived from the Greek word ‘zēloō’ meaning to ‘burn with zeal; to desire earnestly.’
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Prophesy (προφητεύειν – prophēteuein): From ‘prophēteuō’ implying to speak forth or declare the divine will.
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Forbid (κωλύετε – kolūete): Originates from ‘kōluō’ signifying to prohibit or restrain.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
Speaking in tongues and prophecy have parallels in other religious practices where individuals enter trance states to communicate divine or supernatural messages. In ancient Greek religion, oracles, such as the Oracle of Delphi, served a similar purpose. However, Christian prophecy and speaking in tongues are distinguished by their purpose for edification and as a sign for unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:22).
Scientific Perspectives
There is a scientific interest in glossolalia (speaking in tongues) with studies focused on brain activity during the phenomenon. Some researchers suggest altered states of consciousness, while others observe speech patterns consistent with known language structures. These findings neither confirm nor invalidate the spiritual nature of the practice but contribute to the understanding of its psychological and neurological aspects.
Commentaries
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John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible: Gill interprets this as a call to seek after the gift of prophecy and allows for the gift of tongues provided it is used in an orderly way, with interpretation.
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Matthew Henry’s Commentary: Henry suggests that the ability to prophesy is more significant than speaking in tongues and should be desired more fervently because it builds up the church.
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The ESV Study Bible: It notes that while Paul instructs the Corinthians to be eager for the gift of prophecy, he also acknowledges the validity of speaking in tongues, insisting that it should not be forbidden if done properly.
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