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1 Corinthians 14

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

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.

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

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

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.

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?

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?

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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?

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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?

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:

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.

How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, everyone of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

Let all things be done decently and in order.

What does 1 Corinthians 14:12 mean?

Explanation

1 Corinthians 14:12 speaks to the congregation in Corinth, particularly referring to their desire for spiritual gifts.

The apostle Paul is addressing the issue of how spiritual gifts are being used within the church.

He acknowledges that the Corinthian believers are eager for spiritual gifts, which is a positive characteristic.

However, he urges them to channel this zeal towards the betterment and edification of the church.

The underlying message is that spiritual gifts should not be sought for personal status or to evoke admiration from others, but should serve the collective good and build up the community of believers in their faith.

Top Rated 1 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by Paul around A.D. 53-54.

The church of Corinth was a diverse community within a city known for its wealth and moral laxity.

The believers in Corinth faced many issues, including division, immorality, and the misuse of spiritual gifts.

Particularly, the gifts of speaking in tongues and prophecy were causing disorder during worship.

The church was emphasizing these showier gifts over others, creating an environment where the focus was shifting from edification to personal spiritual experiences.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse speaks to the doctrine of spiritual gifts within the Christian faith. Different Christian traditions interpret the gifts of the Spirit in varied ways. For example:

Charismatic Theology: This branch emphasizes the active presence of spiritual gifts today, arguing that they are essential for the work and growth of the church.
Cessationist Theology: This belief posits that certain miraculous gifts ceased with the apostolic age and are not generally available for the church today.
Reformed Theology: This perspective also tends to be more cautious about the continuation of sign gifts like speaking in tongues, stressing that all gifts must edify the church and align with Scripture.

Paul's counsel in this verse transcends these different viewpoints by focusing on the purpose of gifts: the edification of the church, which all denominations agree upon as a crucial aspect.

Practical Applications

Application of this verse in daily life encourages believers to seek and use their talents and spiritual gifts to benefit and build up others rather than for self-glorification.

It inspires Christians to participate in community life, serving and strengthening the faith of those around them.

Having a gift or a talent comes with a responsibility to use it in a communal and constructive way, aligning with the concept of serving "the body of Christ," which is the church.

Cross-References

Ephesians 4:12 - "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:"
Romans 12:6-8 - "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;"
1 Peter 4:10 - "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."

Language Study

"Zealous" (Greek: zelootai): A positive term indicating fervor or eagerness.
"Spiritual gifts" (Greek: pneumatikon): Referring to gifts given by the Holy Spirit.
"Excel" (Greek: perisseuete): To abound or have an abundance, implying going beyond the average or expected.
"Edifying" (Greek: oikodomēn): Literally means "building up," used metaphorically for strengthening or improving someone's character or faith.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparatively, in many ancient religions and myths, possessing divine gifts often set individuals apart as heroes or semi-divine beings. In Greco-Roman culture, having a gift from the gods could be a source of personal pride and prestige.

In contrast, the Christian approach, as suggested by Paul, is that spiritual gifts are not for personal aggrandizement but for the common good of the community.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the discussion about spiritual gifts may touch upon the psychological aspects of community and personal well-being. Research in social psychology confirms the benefits of altruistic behavior and the positive impact of working for the betterment of a group.

The verse’s call for using gifts for edification parallels findings in community psychology that highlight the importance of contributing to the well-being of one's community.

Commentaries

Experts and theologians offer various insights into this verse:

John Wesley: The founder of Methodism might say that using gifts purely for personal gain goes against the love and community focus that Christ exemplified.
Matthew Henry: In his comprehensive Bible commentary, he emphasizes the importance of using gifts in a way that benefits the whole church.
**Gordon D.

Fee**: A contemporary New Testament scholar, Fee has suggested that understanding and properly stewarding spiritual gifts is essential for the health and growth of the church.

1 Corinthians 14

1 Corinthians 14

What does 1 Corinthians 14:12 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated 1 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does 1 Corinthians 14:12 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated 1 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?