OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
SUMMARY (Adapted from Dextor Sammons)
In this chapter Paul concludes his discussion of spiritual gifts. In comparing the gift of prophesying with that of speaking in tongues, he points out that prophesying excels when it comes to the edification of the church (1-5). In fact, unless the speaking of tongues provides a new revelation or teaching, and is properly interpreted, it does little good (6-19). Designed to convince unbelievers, improper use of speaking in tongues in the assembly can even bring reproach on the church (20-25). Therefore Paul regulates the proper use of spiritual gifts in the assembly with a series of instructions, including commandments from the Lord about the place of women (26-40).
- To understand the proper use of tongues, especially their use in the assembly.
- To understand the principles which are to govern the assembly of the church.
SUMMARY (Adapted from Dextor Sammons)
In this chapter Paul concludes his discussion of spiritual gifts. In comparing the gift of prophesying with that of speaking in tongues, he points out that prophesying excels when it comes to the edification of the church (1-5). In fact, unless the speaking of tongues provides a new revelation or teaching, and is properly interpreted, it does little good (6-19). Designed to convince unbelievers, improper use of speaking in tongues in the assembly can even bring reproach on the church (20-25). Therefore Paul regulates the proper use of spiritual gifts in the assembly with a series of instructions, including commandments from the Lord about the place of women (26-40).
1 Corinthians 14 Audio |
MAIN POINTS
I. SPIRITUAL GIFTS: PROPHESYING AND SPEAKING IN TONGUES (1-25)
A. PROPHESYING VERSUS SPEAKING IN TONGUES (1-5)
B. USING TONGUES IN A PROFITABLE WAY (6-19)
b. For those who speak in tongues to pray that they may be able to interpret (13)
c. To be able to pray and sing with both the spirit and the understanding, that all might be edified (14-19)
C. ANOTHER COMPARISON BETWEEN TONGUES AND PROPHESYING (20-25)
I. SPIRITUAL GIFTS: PROPHESYING AND SPEAKING IN TONGUES (1-25)
A. PROPHESYING VERSUS SPEAKING IN TONGUES (1-5)
- A call to love, but also spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy (1)
- Speaking in tongues (as done at Corinth) is speaking to God and is speaking mysteries (2)
- Whereas prophesying edifies, exhorts, and comforts others (3)
- Speaking in tongues (as done at Corinth) was not edifying the church, thus the desire that they had the gift of prophecy more than the gift of tongues (4-5)
B. USING TONGUES IN A PROFITABLE WAY (6-19)
- Without a revelation, knowledge, prophecy, or teaching, speaking in tongues profit nothing (6)
- Like playing an instrument without giving any distinction in the sounds (7-9)
- Without interpretation, it is no better than a foreigner speaking to you (10-11)
- Therefore the admonitions:
b. For those who speak in tongues to pray that they may be able to interpret (13)
c. To be able to pray and sing with both the spirit and the understanding, that all might be edified (14-19)
C. ANOTHER COMPARISON BETWEEN TONGUES AND PROPHESYING (20-25)
- Tongues are a sign for unbelievers, while prophesying is for believers (20-22)
- Tongues in the assembly (without interpreters) will give people the wrong impression (23)
- But prophesying in the assembly can bless even the unbeliever and uninformed person (24-25)
II. SPIRITUAL GIFTS: REGULATING THEIR USE (26-40)
A. LET ALL THINGS BE DONE FOR EDIFICATION (26)
B. REGULATING THE USE OF TONGUES (27-28)
C. REGULATING THE USE OF PROPHESYING (29-33)
D. REGULATING THE PLACE OF WOMEN IN THE ASSEMBLY (34-38)
A. LET ALL THINGS BE DONE FOR EDIFICATION (26)
B. REGULATING THE USE OF TONGUES (27-28)
- Two or three may speak, in turn, and let one interpret (27)
- If there is no interpreter, keep silent in church (28)
C. REGULATING THE USE OF PROPHESYING (29-33)
- Two or three prophets may speak, and others may discern (29)
- To be done in turn, that all may learn, for the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets (30-32)
- God is not the author of confusion but of peace, in all the churches (33)
D. REGULATING THE PLACE OF WOMEN IN THE ASSEMBLY (34-38)
- They are to keep silent in the assemblies (34)
- Let them ask husbands at home if they have questions (35a)
- For it is shameful for women to speak in church (35b)
- These are commandments of the Lord which must be recognized as such (36-38)
ADDITIONAL READING: MAY A WOMAN ASK A QUESTION?
E. FINAL COMMENTS (39-40)
- Desire to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues (39)
- Let all things be done decently and in order (40)
