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1
Corinthians Chapter Fourteen
I.
Content of the Chapter
The Gathering in Which the
Spiritual Gifts Are Functioned
A. The comparisons between the
gift of prophesying and the gift of speaking with tongues (v.1-25):
1.
Speaking
the tongues edifies oneself, and the prophesying edifies the church (v.1-5).
2.
The
tongues cannot be understood by others (v.6-11).
3.
One
would rather speak five words with his understanding, that he may edify others
also, than ten thousand words in a tongue (v.12-19).
4.
The
prophesying excels speaking the tongues (v.20-25).
B. The principles of
gatherings in which the gifts are functioned (v.26-40):
1.
The
principles of speaking the tongues in the gathering (v.26-28);
2.
The
principles of the prophesying in the gathering (v.29-33);
3.
Women
should not teach in the gathering (v.34-38);
4.
All
things should be done decently and in order in the gathering (v.39-40);
II.
Verse by Verse Commentary
1Cor. 14:1 “Pursue love, and desire
spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.”
YLT: “Pursue the love, and seek earnestly
the spiritual things, and rather that ye may prophecy,”
Meaning of
Words:
“pursue”: capture, hunt; “desire”: zeal, envy;
Literal
Meaning: “pursue
love”, since “love” is a way of more surpassing excellence (1Cor. 12:31), which
gives value to various gifts (1Cor. 13:1-3) and is the greatest one among the
three abiding ones: faith, hope and love (1Cor. 13:13). Therefore, love should
be the goal of our pursuit.
“And desire spiritual gifts”, there is
not the word “gifts” in the original. Since believers at
“But especially that you may
prophesy”, it is speaking for God and teaching God Himself and what is of God
to men so that men will know more about God and walk in the light of God. Thus
the purpose of God who saves men will be fulfilled.
Prophesy is only one gift among all
the gifts (see 1Cor. 12:8-10, 28). Paul mentioned this gift to compare it with
the gift of tongues (v.2) so as to correct the wrong ideas of believers at
In fact, spiritual gifts are not
obtained by man’s pursuit, but are distributed to each in particular according
as the Spirit pleases (1Cor. 12:11). And moreover, not all the members are
“prophets or those speak the tongues” (1Cor. 12:29-30). Therefore, Paul
encourages us to “desire”, not “pursue”.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
“Pursue
love, and desire spiritual” (the original). After we have been saved, we shall
pursue love and have fellowship with the Lord and let love filled in us. We
shall also be emulous of spiritual and pursue to be spiritual and take part in
the gatherings, read the Bible, pray and have fellowship with all the saints
and seek spiritual together.
2)
Though
the gift like prophesying is distributed by the Spirit (see 1Cor. 12:11), man’s
desire will still influence the working and functioning of the gift.
1Cor. 14:2 “For he who speaks in a
tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however,
in the spirit he speaks mysteries.”
YLT: “for he who is speaking in an tongue
-- to men he doth not speak, but to God, for no one doth hearken, and in spirit
he doth speak secrets;”
Literal
Meaning: “for
he who speaks in a tongue”, the apostle Paul here mentioned speaking in a
tongue, for believers at Corinth liked to show off their gifts of tongues in
the gathering without considering whether others could understand them at all
(see v.26-28). Therefore, Paul taught them the right views about tongues with
nearly the whole chapter.
“Does not speak to men but to God”,
the Spirit distributes the tongues to men not for the purpose of man’s
prophesying but that men can utter exultant praise to God. Therefore, when
believers speak in tongues, others may see them as exultant as drunken men (see
Acts 2:13).
“For no one understands him”, it
points that if there is no one who can translate the tongue on the spot, no one
can understand the tongues.
“For”, it is explaining why “the
tongues are not spoken to men, but to God”. Tongues cannot be understood by men
without interpretation, so they are not spoken to men.
“However, in the spirit he speaks
mysteries”, we can see here that the tongue is by no means a meaningless voice,
but talking about many things about God. Therefore, since men cannot understand
them without interpretation, they are “mysteries”.
“In the spirit”, even the one who
speaks the tongue cannot understand what he speaks, so he does not speak in
mind but in spirit (see v.14).
Controversial
Clarification: the
Lee’s Sect misunderstands this verse, holding that: 1) the tongue is not spoken
to men, but to God. Therefore, he who speaks in tongue does not need to care
for the feelings of others, but needs to care for the fellowship of the speaker
with God; 2) since man cannot understand the tongue, so it is a kind of
disordered and meaningless voice; 3) he who speaks the tongue speaks mysteries
in his spirit. Since it is mystery, it is certainly unknown by men.
The right meaning of this verse is that:
without interpretation, “the tongues” are “mysteries” “that no one can
understand”. Therefore, they have no profit to men, so they are not “spoken to
men but to God”.
“Speak in a tongue”, the word “speak” is
“laleo” in the original. There is also another “speak” (“lego”) in the Bible
which is frequently used. Those who are “of the Lee’s Sect” think the former
word (laleo) is “speaking” without arrangement or logics. And the latter word
(lego) is “speaking” with arrangement and logics. Therefore, they hold that
speaking “the tongues” are uttering disorderly “tongues” with arrangement but
without logics. However, such opinion can not stand in the Scriptures, for Paul
also preaches (laleo) the gospel (Phil. 1:14;
The word “tongue” itself is “glossa” in
Greek, which carries two meanings: one is the physical organ “tongue”, and the
other is “language”. There are three times of the record of “tongues” in the Book of Acts (Acts 2:4; 10:46;
19:6). All of them in the original were the same word “glossa” in the original,
and all those who were on the sidelines could clearly hear what they were
saying: “speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God”, “speak with tongues,
and magnify God” and etc. Therefore, “glossa” refers to “other languages”
instead of “the physical organ”.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
Since
the tongue is spoken to God not man, it is appropriate to speak the tongue in
private fellowship with God, not in public gathering.
2)
The
true tongues are not boring and meaningless voices, but mysteries spoken in
spirit. Therefore, it is suspicious of the verity of most of the so-called
tongues of the Lee’s Sect
1Cor. 14:3 “But he who prophesies
speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.”
YLT: “and he who is prophesying to men doth
speak edification, and exhortation, and comfort;”
Meaning of
Words:
“edification”: build, edify, teach; “exhortation”: encourage, call near;
“comfort”: encourage, close to;
Literal
Meaning: “but
he who prophesies speaks…to men”, here, it puts forth the first contrast
between prophesying and tongues: the former is “spoken to men”, and the latter
is not “spoken to men but to God” (v.2).
“Edification and exhortation and
comfort”, the main purposes of prophesying are: 1) “edification”: to edify the
spiritual life of believers; 2) “exhortation”: to revive and strengthen the
spiritual life of believers; 3) “comfort”: to encourage believers to go on
walking on the spiritual way and not to be discouraged or stumbled. The
meanings of “exhortation” and “comfort” are similar and can be regarded as
synonyms.
1Cor. 14:4 “He who speaks in a tongue
edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.”
YLT: “he who is speaking in an tongue,
himself doth edify, and he who is prophesying, an assembly doth edify;”
Literal
Meaning: “he
who speaks in a tongue edifies himself”, he who speaks the true tongues may
enjoy the exultant joy before God and will be benefited to his spiritual life.
However, if there is no interpretation, other men cannot understand it and thus
receive no edifications. Therefore, the tongues only profits man personally.
However, such edification has nothing to do with one’s mind, for he does not
understand what he is speaking.
“But he who prophesies edifies the
church”, this is the second contrast between prophesying and tongues: the
former edifies “the church” and the latter edifies “oneself”.
The apostle Paul has early set the
principle of the walking of Christians in chapter ten: one shall not seek his
own profit, but that of the many (1Cor. 10:24, 33). In other words, one does
not seek to edify himself, but seeks to edify others (see 1Cor. 10:23).
We should judge whether we can speak
tongues or prophesy before men or in the gathering according to the
above-mentioned principles of the walking of Christians. Since speaking the
tongues cannot edify others, it is inappropriate to do it before men or in the
gathering, except that there is someone who interprets the tongues. Since
prophesying can edify the church, it can be done and should be done.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
“Speaking
the tongues” is to edify oneself. However, it is not the only way to edify
oneself, and there are many other ways, such as the truth, spiritual milk,
pray, prophesying, service, and even the environment and difficulty in our
daily life ---- all of them can edify believers. It is quite popular of “speaking
the tongues” in the church at
2)
The
gift of “building the church” lies firstly in “prophesying”, because the
prophet is the Seer of God (1Sam. 9:9) who is the first to see the focal vision
of God. The prophet is the “spokesman” of God (prophet means spokesman) who
preaches the eternal will of God. And the vision or will is none other than the
full Christ, namely, the nature of the building of the church. Therefore, the
apostle encourages us to “desire to prophesy” (v.39) so as to build the church.
If we despise or depreciate or even remove the prophesying, the church can
never be built.
3)
“He
who prophesies edifies the church”, it fits for the principle of love: seek the
profit of others. Therefore, such gift is what we Christians should desire
(v.1).
1Cor. 14:5 “I wish you all spoke with
tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater
than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church
may receive edification.”
YLT: “and I wish you all to speak with
tongues, and more that ye may prophecy, for greater is he who is prophesying
than he who is speaking with tongues, except one may interpret, that the
assembly may receive edification.”
Literal
Meaning: “I
wish you all spoke with tongues”, “I wish”, in fact, not everyone can speak the
tongues, for it is mentioned “do all speak with tongues” (1Cor. 12:30), which
means that not all believers speak with tongues. The right meaning of Paul is:
the tongues can edify oneself, and all profitable things should not be opposed
or profited (see v.39). If someone obtains the gift of speaking with tongues
distributed by the Spirit, it is worthy of rejoicing for him.
“But even more that you prophesied”,
the attitude of Paul is quite clear here: he passively approves the one who
speaks the tongues and yet positively encourages the one who prophesies. We
should catch the hidden meaning of the Scriptures, but not catch the previous
passive or less important words without paying attention to the positive words.
“For…unless indeed he interprets, that
the church may receive edification”, if one speaks the tongues with
interpretation, he is like the prophet and can edify the church. However, the
tongue is the last gift among all the gifts (see 1Cor. 12:8-10, 28). It edifies
the church much less than the prophesying. Moreover, the verity of many
so-called tongues and interpretation of tongues are doubtful.
“He who prophesies is greater than he
who speaks with tongues”, no matter the importance of gifts (see 1Cor. 12:28)
or the effect of edification to the church, prophesying is better than tongues.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
The
motive of our desire of spiritual gifts should be edifying the church instead
of edifying oneself. Any selfish motive is not pleased by God. However, God
honors our desire of devotion to the church and all.
2)
The
Spirit still intends to distribute the gift of speaking with tongues to some
believers. If anyone has obtained such gift, he should pray to the Lord to
grant the gift of interpreting the tongues for the sake of edifying the church.
If there be no interpreter, let him be silent in assembly (see v.28).
3)
Paul
here does not encourage believers to speak with tongues at all. He just puts
the gift of tongues on a proper position with a mild attitude. Strictly
speaking, Paul does not encourage in chapter fourteen but sets many limitations
upon the tongues.
4)
The
spirit in us can inspire us to draw near God, just like the children who love
their parents. And the spirit can also let us sober in mind and teach us to
present clear preachments, thus making us a teacher with clear orderliness and
in good manner.
1Cor. 14:6 “But now, brethren, if I
come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to
you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching?”
YLT: “And now, brethren, if I may come unto
you speaking tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you
either in revelation, or in knowledge, or in prophesying, or in teaching?”
Literal
Meaning: “but
now, brethren, if I come to you”, Paul takes himself as an example to show the
effect of tongues to the church.
“Speaking with tongues…unless I speak
to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching”,
“revelation”: to reveal things of God to men ---- it is illuminating
instruction; “knowledge”: the knowledge about the truth ---- it is deliverance
of knowledge; “prophesying”: it shares the same etymon with the word “prophesy”
(see v.1) ---- it is preachment of prophecy; “teaching”: it shares the same
etymon with the word “teacher” (see 1Cor. 12:28) ---- it is explanation.
“What shall I profit you?” ---- Paul
says that if he only speaks the tongues but does not use any among the four
above-mentioned ones (revelation, knowledge, prophesying, and teaching), he profits
nothing of his coming to them.
1Cor. 14:7 “Even things without life,
whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction
in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played?”
YLT: “yet the things without life giving
sound -- whether pipe or harp -- if a difference in the sounds they may not
give, how shall be known that which is piped or that which is harped?”
Literal
Meaning: “even
things without life, whether flute or harp”, “flute and harp” were musical
instruments that were popularly known by all at that time.
“When they make a sound, unless they
make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or
played?” ---- He who pipes with flute or plays with harp should utter some
melody and rhythm so that the audience can understand and appreciate. Likewise,
if one speaks the tongues without interpreter, the voice is meaningless to the
hearers.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
I desire to be a flute or harp in order to let the Spirit pipe or play. And I desire
more to have someone who can interpret or have the understanding in my mind so
that I can be made great sound to profit others.
1Cor. 14:8 “For if the trumpet makes
an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle?”
YLT: “for if also an uncertain sound a
trumpet may give, who shall prepare himself for battle?”
Literal
Meaning: “trumpet”,
it is commonly used in the army; “sound”, it should be a certain sound so that
the whole army can do according to the sign of the certain sound. If one speaks
the tongues without interpretation, it will be in chaos and believers cannot
prepare for the spiritual battle.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
That
one speaks many tongues uncertainly is like uttering sounds without distinction
(v.7) or like “making an uncertain sound”. It is meaningless and will cause men
in confusion.
2)
The
ministry of prophet includes “edification, comfort and encouragement” (v.3) and
“revelation, knowledge, prophecy and teaching” (v.6). However, all these should
be oriented towards the full Christ, who is the clear goal of our service. If
not so, it will be “an uncertain sound” and “speaking into the air” (v.9) so
that men will not know what to do, thus profiting nothing to the building of
the church.
1Cor. 14:9 “So likewise you, unless
you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is
spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.”
YLT: “so also ye, if through the tongue,
speech easily understood ye may not give -- how shall that which is spoken be
known? for ye shall be speaking to air.”
Literal
Meaning: “so
likewise you”, men are also like instruments that utter various voices.
“Unless you utter by the tongue words
easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken”? ---- “Easy to
understand”, it means speaking clearly so that man can understand.
When man speaks, he utters various
tones with his tongue, which become meaningful words so that the hearers can
understand. However, if there is only voice without meaning, no one can
understand it.
“For you will be speaking into the
air”, it indicates that it is totally not spoken to men and all the men on the
spot are regarded as nothing.
1Cor. 14:10 “There are, it may be, so
many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without
significance.”
YLT: “There are, it may be, so many kinds
of voices in the world, and none of them is unmeaning,”
Literal
Meaning:
“there are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world”, it means that
there are many sorts of languages in the world and each of them utters its
particular voice.
“And none of them is without
significance”, all the languages deliver significance.
If man wants to deliver his feeling to
the other one, he should use words that the other one can understand. Each
language has its significance.
1Cor. 14:11 “Therefore, if I do not
know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and
he who speaks will be a foreigner to me.”
YLT: “if, then, I do not know the power of
the voice, I shall be to him who is speaking a foreigner, and he who is
speaking, is to me a foreigner;”
Literal
Meaning: “therefore,
if I do not know the meaning of the language”, it means that I do not
understand the meaning of the language.
“I shall be a foreigner to him who
speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me”, “foreigner” refers to the
one who has not received the education of Greek, namely, the barbarian. It
carries a despising tone. The purpose of languages is communication. If one
does not care whether the hearer understands his words but continues to speak,
he is just like the barbarian who has not been cultivated by culture.
1Cor. 14:12 “Even so you, since you
are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church
that you seek to excel.”
YLT: “so also ye, since ye are earnestly
desirous of spiritual gifts, for the building up of the assembly seek that ye
may abound;”
Literal
Meaning:
“even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts”: you are men who are
zealous for spiritual gifts;
“Let it be for the
edification of the church that you seek to excel”, it means that we should seek
to be one who prophesies (see v.4).
1Cor. 14:13 “Therefore let him who
speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.”
YLT: “wherefore he who is speaking in an
tongue -- let him pray that he may interpret;”
Literal
Meaning: “pray
that he may interpret”, the one who interprets may be the one who speaks the
tongues or others.
Those who are of the Lee’s Sect emphasize that the tongue is a kind of
voice that no one can understand and even the speaker himself cannot remember
or understand. However, this verse tells that the tongues can be interpreted
and voices that have the law and can be distinguished. Otherwise, if the
interpreter does not distinguish the voices that men cannot distinguish in the
inspiration of the Spirit, he just interprets wantonly. It is self - deception
and is a great evil before God.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
we do not deny that the gift of the tongues may still be given to men today.
However, it can not be used unless there is believer who can understand and
interpret the tongues. This is an important principle of working the gift of
speaking with tongues.
1Cor. 14:14 “For if I pray in a
tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.”
YLT: “for if I pray in an tongue, my
spirit doth pray, and my understanding is unfruitful.”
Literal
Meaning:
“for if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays”, “spirit” is the organ through
which man touches spiritual things.
“But my understanding is
unfruitful”, “understanding” refers to the mind of man’s soul, which gives man
thoughts and understanding. “Unfruitful”, it means that one does not understand
what he is praying.
1Cor. 14:15 “What is the conclusion
then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding.
I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.”
YLT: “What then is it? I will pray with the
spirit, and I will pray also with the understanding; I will sing psalms with
the spirit, and I will sing psalms also with the understanding;”
Literal
Meaning: “what
is the conclusion then”? ---- What shall I do then?
“I will pray with the spirit, and I
will also pray with the understanding”. Believers should pray in spirit (see
Eph. 6:18; Jude 20) and utter the words in spirit with understanding. If we
want to attain to such step, we should often practice putting our mind in
spirit (
“I will sing with the
spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding”, “sing” can be divided
into psalms and hymns and spiritual songs (see Eph. 5:19). Psalms and hymns are
fit to sing with the understanding. And spiritual songs are fit to sing with
spirit.
1Cor. 14:16 “Otherwise, if you bless
with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say
"Amen" at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what
you say?”
YLT: “since, if thou mayest bless with the
spirit, he who is filling the place of the unlearned, how shall he say the Amen
at thy giving of thanks, since what thou dost say he hath not known?”
Literal
Meaning: “otherwise,
if you bless with the spirit”, “bless” refers to blessing and giving of thanks.
Here it may refer to giving of thanks more (see v.17).
“He who occupies the place of the uninformed”, “the uninformed”, it
refers to the one who is ignorant of the tongues.
“How will …say "Amen" at
your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say?” ---- “Amen”,
sincerely wish, yes, verily.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
No
matter prayers, or songs, or thank-giving, or fellowship or preachment in the
gathering, we should consider the feelings of all. Some situations should be
avoided, e.g. the voice is too low to hear clearly, or uttering some words that
are improper or unworthy of the situation.
2)
The
words strongly prove that believers should response to those who serve with
“amen”. Many churches are used to silence and say “amen” quietly only in the
end of the prayer, thus lacking the power of upholding the gathering.
1Cor. 14:17 “For you indeed give
thanks well, but the other is not edified.”
YLT: “for thou, indeed, dost give thanks
well, but the other is not built up!”
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
In
the gathering, not only shall the one who prophesies shall edify others but
also he that prays and gives thanks to the Lord shall also edify others.
2)
We
should have the spirit of “edifying others” in all our actions in the church.
This is exactly the principle of love mentioned in chapter thirteen ---- “not
seek one’s own” (1Cor. 13:5).
1Cor. 14:18 “I thank my God I speak
with tongues more than you all;”
YLT: “I give thanks to my God -- more than
you all with tongues speaking --”
Literal
Meaning:
after the apostle Paul had saved, he began to keep intimate fellowship with the
Lord and many time received the revelation of the Lord directly (see Acts
23:11; 2Cor. 12:1-4; Gal. 2:2; Eph. 3:3-4; 2Tim. 4:17). Therefore, he might
have spoken with tongues when he fell into a trance, but he spoke in a private
occasion.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
The
commentary of a specialist naturally has its influential power, for he is
experienced in that aspect. If we lack the experience in a certain spiritual
matter, we’d better not give opinions flippantly.
2)
Though
Paul regards prophesying as important, he does not ignore speaking with
tongues. He points that the spiritual value of speaking with tongues lies in
“edifying oneself” (v.4) and besides he himself has rich experience in this
aspect ---- “I speak with tongues more than you all”. On the contrary, though
he has such knowledge and experience of tongues, he still values the importance
of the gift of prophesying to the building of the church. Besides, he himself
is a great “prophet”. It teaches us that we should have a large capacity and
balanced pursuit towards spiritual things. If we appreciate one thing but
despise another thing according to our own knowledge and experience, it shows
that we still do not have sufficient knowledge of the full Christ.
1Cor. 14:19 “yet in the church I would
rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also,
than ten thousand words in a tongue.”
YLT: “but in an assembly I wish to speak
five words through my understanding, that others also I may instruct, rather
than myriads of words in an tongue.”
Literal
Meaning: Paul
here manifestly depreciates the value of tongues in the gathering.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
Ten
thousand words are less than five words of instruction. Therefore, in the
gathering, what is important is not showing yourselves but showing that how you
see others.
2)
We
should in no wise measure the stature of the spiritual life of others by the
tongues, nor evaluate whether the church has received profit according to the
length of words.
1Cor. 14:20 “Brethren, do not be
children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be
mature.”
YLT: “Brethren, become not children in the
understanding, but in the evil be ye babes, and in the understanding become ye
perfect;”
Meaning of
Words:
“understanding”: thought, mind;
Literal
Meaning:
“brethren, do not be children in understanding”, it means that we should not be
as childish as the children who lack understanding or judgments.
“However, in malice be babes”,
“malice”: show off the gift of tongues in the gathering and flatter oneself
that he is better than others. It may cause envy and divisions. “Babes”: they
are simple and innocent.
“But in understanding be mature”,
“mature”: one is fully grown in understanding and has rich thoughts and
judgments.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
It
is an immature condition in spirit of exceeding emphasis of a certain gift,
e.g. speaking with tongues.
2)
We
should be as innocent as the babes, but should not be ignorant as them. We
Christians shall have less first hand knowledge of sin, and yet more first hand
knowledge of the spiritual truth.
3)
We
should seek mature and strong “understanding” as “those who are mature” in the
pursuit of the Lord. However, we should be as ignorant as babes in malice. We
can not please the Lord if we are always childish or weak or if we are very
experienced in and familiar with sins,
1Cor. 14:21 “In the law it is written:
"With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And
yet, for all that, they will not hear Me," says the Lord.”
YLT: “in the law it hath been written,
that, `With other tongues and with other lips I will speak to this people, and
not even so will they hear Me, saith the Lord;'”
Literal Meaning: “in the law it is
written…says the Lord”, “law” here refers to the Old Testament instead of the
Pentateuch. The following words are quoted from the Book of Isaiah (28:11-12).
“With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people”,
it is speaking to the people of God with foreign languages. Since the people of
“And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me”, it meant that they still
did not believe. Paul quoted this verse to prove that the tongues were a sign
for unbelievers (see v.22).
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
The
tongues may bring little effect to man’s faith, for they merely satisfy man’s curiosity
and itching ears.
2)
When
God speaks to you with tongues, you should be careful, for it shows that your
situation is abnormal, just like the people of
1Cor. 14:22 “Therefore tongues are for
a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for
unbelievers but for those who believe.”
YLT: “so that the tongues are for a sign,
not to the believing, but to the unbelieving; and the prophesy not for the
unbelieving, but for the believing,”
Meaning of
Words:
“sign”: mark, indicator, token, wonder;
The
Backgroud: the
tongues were originated from the
Literal
Meaning:
“therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to
unbelievers”, “unbelievers” refer to men in the world. The tongues are bearing
witness before unbelievers in the world so that they may be confused,
astonished and surprised and will hear the gospel carefully and thus believe
the Lord (see Acts 2:6-8; 37-41). We should know that it is not “the tongues”
make man believe the Lord but “the prophesying” makes unbelievers believe the
Lord (see v.24-25). The function of “the tongues” is to prove the speaker is of
God.
Tongues do not bear witness to
believers, so it is unnecessary to speak the tongues among believers.
“But prophesying is not for
unbelievers but for those who believe.” ---- Prophesying is to convince
unbelievers to believe the Lord with understandable words (see v.24-25) and to
edify believers (see v.5, 19), so it bears witness to believers.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
Speaking
with tongues is not a sign of believers, but that of unbelievers. He who likes
to speak with tongues feels that his faith is strengthened. Actually it is a
misconception. Speaking with tongues even proves that he has no faith.
2)
If
God speaks to you with tongues, it shows that you are of little faith. Since
man has no faith mixed with the words of God (Heb. 4:2), God has to speak to
man with tongues. Where there is the tongue, there must be of no faith.
However, prophesying is not a sign of unbelievers, but that of believers.
1Cor. 14:23 “Therefore if the whole
church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come
in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out
of your mind?”
YLT: “If, therefore, the whole assembly may
come together, to the same place, and all may speak with tongues, and there may
come in unlearned or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?”
Literal
Meaning: “and
there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers”, “uninformed”: see the
commentary of verse sixteen.
“Will they not say that you are out of
your mind?” ---- The disordered conditions in the gathering are disagreeable to
men.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
we can see that it is totally wrong of encouraging men to speak with tongues in
the gathering and it is crazy and has disobeyed the teachings of the
Scriptures.
1Cor. 14:24 “But if all prophesy, and
an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is
convicted by all.”
YLT: “and if all may prophecy, and any one
may come in, an unbeliever or unlearned, he is convicted by all, he is
discerned by all,”
Meaning of
Words:
“convince”: the real situation is exposed; “convict”: be searched, be
scrutinized;
1Cor. 14:25 “And thus the secrets of
his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God
and report that God is truly among you.”
YLT: “and so the secrets of his heart
become manifest, and so having fallen upon face, he will bow before God,
declaring that God really is among you.”
Literal
Meaning: “and
thus the secrets of his heart are revealed”, he who prophesies in Spirit may
utter some words surprising himself and satisfying the need of some hearers who
feel pricked in their heart (Acts. 2:37) so that men are bound to surrender.
“And so, falling down on his face, he
will worship God”, it is a spontaneous response after one has met God.
“And report that God is truly among
you”, it indicates that the prophesying has the function of bringing men unto
God.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
“Unbeliever”
(v.24) can be compared to the one who lacks faith in the word of God and does
not have the word of God as the lamp unto his feet and the light unto his path
(Ps. 119:105). Therefore, he falls into the darkness and does not know God or
himself. When he comes to the gathering, in which many prophets speak for God,
he sees God and is enlightened. Therefore, the secrets of his heart are
revealed so that he falls down on his face.
2)
The
peak of the gathering is to let men see God therein. He who prophesies does not
explains the words of God clearly only but more makes God appear again in the
flesh. Then man can see God there.
3)
The
reality of the church is the presence of God and the power of God. There is a
group of saints in such church. When they are gathered, the presence and power
of God will be manifestly revealed and even the Gentiles have to fall down on
their faces to confess that only such saints can really stand for “the whole
assembly” (v.23).
1Cor. 14:26 “How is it then, brethren?
Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a
tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for
edification.”
YLT: “What then is it, brethren? whenever
ye may come together, each of you hath a psalm, hath a teaching, hath a tongue,
hath a revelation, hath an interpretation? let all things be for building up;”
Literal
Meaning: “how
is it then, brethren?” ---- What have we learned from all the above-mentioned
things?
“Whenever you come together, each of
you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an
interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.” In the gathering,
someone has a psalm, someone has a teaching, someone has a tongue, someone has
a revelation, and someone has an interpretation ---- they use what they have to
edify the church. The word “have” here does not refer to personal interest, or
the production of one’s thought, or the transient emotional impulsion, but
refers to the spiritual accumulation ---- what we have ordinarily received in
our life before God as well as what have been constituted in our spirit are
what we “have”. Thus, we can supply to the church in the guidance of the Spirit
in the gathering.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
There
are two difficulties in the church. The first is that the one who has nothing
thinks he “has”. Frequently, some of the children of God utter some words that
they actually are not fit to speak. God has neither spoken in them nor worked
in them at all. They are empty inside, but they like to speak, thus bringing no
edification to the church at all. The other difficulty is that he who “has” is
unwilling to walk according to the guidance of the Spirit. The Lord has already
spoken to some brothers and sisters, but they still wait there and constrain
them from speaking, thus failing to give what is supposed to give to the
church. In a word, if you feel you are empty inside, you should not speak. If
you know you have, you should supply to the church.
2)
Someone
who comes to the gathering seems to come to visit or come to stand by. Such
believer is just bringing death to the gathering. There are many times that
death appears in the gathering on account of such onlookers. Fellowship is a
law of the body. The fellowship in the body is supplying each other. Whenever a
member disobeys the law, we have brought death to the body and it will become
the burden of the body.
3)
What
you can give to the church is neither what you remember suddenly nor what is
interesting in you sight, but what you “have” ordinarily and what God has given
to you during these days. It is God that brings you to such a position during
these days and perfects you into such a man, and then God will use what you
have to distribute to the poor.
4)
God
pleases that His children use the gifts they have in the gathering. We cannot
use the gifts that we do not have, but shall use the gifts that we “have”. The
gathering of using the gifts is not the gathering in which anyone can speak,
but the gathering in which whoever has the gift can speak. It is inappropriate
to fulfill the ministry by an individual only, or by many ones. Such a
gathering is not publicly prepared to all the brothers or sisters, but prepared
in public to brothers those who have gifts and ministries. It is no wonder that
there is no provision in the gathering when the mouth does not speak but hopes
that the hands or the feet speak.
5)
The
activities in the gathering should not be according to the arrangements but
according to what we “have” ---- “has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue,
has a revelation, has an interpretation”. Such “have” is the guidance and
mission of the Spirit. Therefore if the one who has no psalm leads the psalms,
or the one who has not teaching instructs others, or the one who has no
revelation preaches according to the fixed arrangements, there will certainly
be of no presence of God and no blessing of the Spirit.
6)
If
a gathering relies on a pastor or one or two spiritual giants only, the water
in a wineskin is not sufficient enough for many believers. And even a load of
water is still not enough for many, for the water will be consumed soon. Today,
we shall not rely on one or two men, but shall turn to the body. And when
everyone manifests the Christ inside him, everyone will meet Christ only. The
body is rich and full of service and provision. One servant of God says, I
myself has only two eyes and can only look ahead. However, in the gathering of
the church, there are many eyes all around us.
1Cor. 14:27 “If anyone speaks in a
tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one
interpret.”
YLT: “if an tongue any one do speak, by
two, or at the most, by three, and in turn, and let one interpret;”
Literal
Meaning: here
it lists three basic requirements of speaking in a tongue in the gathering: 1)
it should not be more than three; 2) they should speak in turn instead of
speaking together; 3) the tongue should be interpreted by someone so that the
rest can understand.
1Cor. 14:28 “But if there is no
interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to
God.”
YLT: “and if there may be no interpreter,
let him be silent in an assembly, and to himself let him speak, and to God.”
Literal
Meaning: if
there is no interpreter of the tongues, no one can understand the tongues and
thus cannot be edified. Therefore, the tongue is inappropriate to be spoken in
the gathering, but spoken to God in private situation.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
There
is only one basic principle of all the gatherings, namely, edification for
others, not for oneself. Paul says speaking the tongues edifies man
individually and the interpretation of the tongues edifies others (v.4). Paul
says if there is no interpreter, the tongues should be forbidden. In other
words, all that can only edify man himself without edifying others are speaking
the tongues.
2)
The
principle of the interpretation of the tongues is that we impart what we have
been edified to others so as to edify others. Therefore, if there is no
interpreter, the tongue should not be spoken in public. That is to say, if the
tongue can only edify any individual instead of all believers, it should not be
spoken in the gathering.
1Cor. 14:29 “Let two or three prophets
speak, and let the others judge.”
YLT: “And prophets -- let two or three
speak, and let the others discern,”
Meaning of
Words:
“judge”: distinguish, discern, and separate;
Literal
Meaning: “let
two or three prophets speak”, it indicates that there should be less than three
who prophesies in a gathering.
“And let the others judge”, “others”,
it may refer to other prophets or the assembly. “Judge”, it is to prove the
talking of the prophet and judge whether it is right (see 1Thess. 5:20-22) so
as to try the prophet (see Rev. 2:2).
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
There
are two mistakes in the gathering of the Christianity: a) all the hearers
listen to one speaker, and admire the authority of him and have never found any
fault in his message. b) Many believers strive to speak, which seems as if
there are hundreds of birds who twitter in the gathering, thus making the
gathering lacking in a focus or a theme.
2)
It
is proved in this verse that someone who prophesies may not be of God, so
believers should judge. Today, the greatest crisis in the Christianity is that
many false apostles or prophets rise and attract men unto them.
1Cor. 14:30 “But if anything is
revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent.”
YLT: “and if to another sitting may be
revealed, let the first be silent;”
Literal
Meaning: there
is a prerequisite for this verse: the prophet who sits by has to be truly
“revealed”. That is to say, he can speak only when the Spirit has truly worked
and inspired in him. Otherwise, there should be in disorder. If one speaks on
account of the revelation and inspiration of the Spirit, his words will be
consistent with the former speaker without any contradiction.
1Cor. 14:31 “For you can all prophesy
one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged.”
YLT: “for ye are able, one by one, all to
prophesy, that all may learn, and all may be exhorted,”
Literal
Meaning:
“for you can all prophesy one by one”, someone thinks that “you can all”
indicates every believer has the gift of prophesying, which is contradictory to
the scriptures “are all prophets” (1Cor. 12:29). Therefore, it can be explained
as that “you are all likely to…”. “One by one”, it means those who have gifts
should be restricted by others and the environment (see v.29-30) rather than
speak as they wish.
1Cor. 14:32 “And the spirits of the
prophets are subject to the prophets.”
YLT: “and the spiritual gift of prophets to
prophets are subject,”
Literal
Meaning: it
is not the prophets but the spirits of the prophets that are subject to the
prophets. Though the spirits of the prophets are revealed by the Spirit, it is
still the prophets who preach the revelation. The prophets fulfill their
ministries through the spirits of the prophets. The prophets have the right to
decide how to fulfill their ministries or when and where they perform their
functions.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
The
principle of the evil spirit’s working is obliterating the freewill of men so
that men will be out of control. The principle of the Spirit’s working is
contrarily different. Though He is infinitely mighty, He is still as gentle as
a dove. He honors man’s will and provides man according to the man’s will.
Therefore, one needs not to force himself or force others. All should be done
according to the Spirit.
2)
It
is the spirit that speaks the tongue. And it is the spirit that prophesies. And
it is still the spirit that reveals. Therefore, the gathering cannot be without
the spirit, and the speaker cannot speak without the spirit. We should feel the
spirit, touch the spirit, obey the spirit as well as judge the spirit.
3)
When
man is filled with the Spirit, he cannot lose the power of self-control. The
more one is spiritual, the more he can control and govern his spirit.
Therefore, anyone should not use the excuse that he is urged by the spirit so
he can not control himself and becomes even out of control and cries wildly.
1Cor. 14:33 “For God is not the author
of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.”
YLT: “for God is not of tumult, but of
peace, as in all the assemblies of the saints.”
Meaning of
Words:
“peace”: quietness, rest;
Literal
Meaning:
it indicates that all is out of God’s revelation and works must be very
peaceful and in order.
1Cor. 14:34 “Let your women keep
silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be
submissive, as the law also says.”
YLT: “Your women in the assemblies let them
be silent, for it hath not been permitted to them to speak, but to be subject,
as also the law saith;”
The
Background: at
that time, there were some women in the church at
Literal
Meaning: “let
your women keep silent in the churches”, “keep silent”, it means that the women
should not exceed their authority in words.
“For they are not permitted to speak”,
in the early church, the women were not allowed to teach or to exercise
authority over man (1Tim. 2:12). They could pray or prophesy with their head
covered (see 1Tim. 11:5). That was to say, they prayed to the Lord and spoke
for the Lord under the covering of brothers (see Acts 2:17-18; 21:9).
“But they are to be submissive, as the
law also says”, “the law” referred to the Old Testament. It is always taught in
the Old Testament that woman should obey man (see Gen. 3:16).
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
Sisters
do not strive to be the head in the saints of the churches for the purpose of
obeying the order of God in the universe (see 1Cor. 11:3). Therefore, it is not
unfair, but is natural and worthy of God’s will.
2)
It
does not say sisters shall not speak in the gathering at all, but that: a)
sisters should not teach things concerning the church; b) sisters should not
give any commanding teaching to brothers; c) sisters should stand in the
position of being covered.
1Cor. 14:35 “And if they want to learn
something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for
women to speak in church.”
YLT: “and if they wish to learn anything,
at home their own husbands let them question, for it is a shame to women to
speak in an assembly.”
The
Background:
it was shameful at that time that women spoke in public. Meanwhile, the level
of woman’s education was comparatively low and they could not understand the
knowledge, so the question they asked might very childish. Moreover, the women
believers at
Literal
Meaning: Paul
gave such instruction in this verse according to the background at that time
and suggested sisters to withhold their questions
1Cor. 14:36 “Or did the word of God
come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached?”
YLT: “From you did the word of God come
forth? or to you alone did it come?”
Literal
Meaning:
“or did the word of God come originally from you”?: “could it be said that the
church in
“Or was it you only that it reached?”:
“could it be said that the revelation of God only reaches the church?”
The questions of Paul here suggested
that believers in
1Cor. 14:37 “If anyone thinks himself
to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write
to you are the commandments of the Lord.”
YLT: “if any one doth think to be a
prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge the things that I write to you --
that of the Lord they are commands;”
Literal
Meaning:
“if anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual”, it suggested that
there was a group of believers in the church at
“Let him acknowledge that the
things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord”, in the early
church, the teachings of the apostle had great authority, which were kept by
all believers and churches (see Acts 2:42) and became the foundation of
building the church (see Eph. 2:20). Therefore, the teachings of the apostle
were equal to the commandment of the Lord.
1Cor. 14:38 “But if anyone is
ignorant, let him be ignorant.”
YLT: “and if any one is ignorant -- let him
be ignorant;”
Literal
Meaning: the
words of the apostle were the Lord’s commandments (v.37). If one is ignorant of
the highest authority in the church, let him be ignorant. “Let him be
ignorant”, it is “let him be unknown (not confessed)” in some old scriptures.
1Cor. 14:39 “Therefore, brethren,
desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.”
YLT: “so that, brethren, earnestly desire
to prophesy, and to speak with tongues do not forbid;”
Literal
Meaning:
Paul insists this principle in this chapter: he encourages the prophesying, and
does not forbid the tongues.
Controversial
Clarification: someone
quotes the words of Paul, “do not forbid to speak with tongues”, and turns a
blind eye to the “tongues” for fear of offending the Spirit. Actually, Paul has
clearly declared in this chapter:
1)
The
true “tongue” has its meaning and is speaking many mysteries. Therefore, if
someone speaks the meaningless tongues with disorderly voices, it must be false
“tongues”. Even though there is an interpreter, the translation is false.
2)
Even
though the “tongue” is true, if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in
church (v.28). Therefore, if someone is unwilling to keep the order in the
gathering, and perform his “tongues”, it should also be forbidden.
3)
If
the true “tongue” is interpreted, the church should be edified. So such tongues
can be regarded as prophesying. It is not only speaking “one by one”, but also
should “be two or at the most three” (1Cor. 14:29-33). Otherwise, it should be
forbidden.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
This
verse still indicates that how balanced the attitude of Paul is and how large
his capacity is. What a strong contrast with the present condition of endless
contentions concerning spiritual things in Christianity!
2)
It
is taught in the scriptures that we should pursue love, and desire spiritual
gifts, but especially that you may prophesy (v.1). And we are not encouraged to
speak with tongues” in the scriptures, but pursue the greater gifts ---- “love”
(1Cor. 12:31-13:1).
1Cor. 14:40 “Let all things be done
decently and in order.”
YLT: “let all things be done decently and
in order.”
Literal
Meaning: “be
done decently”: well-formed, comely; “in order”: regular arrangement;
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
In
the church, all things should be done in order. Therefore, we should not make
proposals or walk flippantly in the church, but should be instructed and learn
and do everything decently and in order.
2)
The
church should avoid things being done changeably or impulsively or
disorderedly.
III. Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons
The Comparisons between Man
Who Speaks in a Tongue and Man Who Prophesies
A. He who speaks in a tongue
is private; and he who prophesies is in public (v.4);
B. He who speaks in a tongue
is not spoken to man, but to God; and he who prophesies is not spoken to God but
to man (v.2);
C. He who speaks in a tongue
edifies himself; and he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and
comfort to men (v.3-4);
D. No one understands the one
who speaks in a tongue; and he who prophesies is easily understood (v.2-3);
E. Tongue should be
interpreted; and the prophesying needs not interpretation (v.13);
F. He who speaks in a tongue
speaks mysteries in his spirit; and he who prophesies speaks various mysteries
with his mouth (v.2, 24-25);
G. He who speaks in a tongue
speaks according to his spirit, not his mind; and he who prophesies speaks
according to both his spirit and his mind (v.14, 19);
H. He who speaks in a tongue
and he who prophesies are both in the spirit, but the former is still a baby
and the latter is mature (v.20);
I.
The
tongue may inspire man and also may make man misunderstand; and the prophecy
can both inspire man and reveal man (v.23-25);
J.
The
tongue proves the presence of God and is for a sign to unbelievers. However,
only when God opens his heart, he can believe. The effect of the tongue in
one’s mind is less than the prophesying (v.22-25);
K. Paul wishes us all spoke
with tongues, but even more that we prophesied (v.5);
L.
The
tongue is not forbidden; we shall desire earnestly to prophesy (v.39);
Seeing Speaking with
Tongues from Chapter Fourteen of the
First Epistle to the Corinthians
A. The tongue is not spoken to
man, but to God (v.2a).
B. He who speaks in a tongue
speaks various mysteries in his spirit (v.2b).
C. He who speaks in a tongue
edifies himself (v.4).
D. If there is no interpretation,
the tongue brings no edification to the church (v.5b).
E. The edifying effect of the
tongue is still less than the prophesying (v.5c).
F.
If
the tongue cannot be understood by man’s mind, it edifies no man (v.6-17).
G. In the church one would
rather speak five words with his understanding, that I may teach others also,
than ten thousand words in a tongue (v.19).
H. He who speaks in a tongue
is still a baby (v.20).
I.
The
tongue is for a sign to unbelievers, not to believers (v.21-25).
J.
If
the tongue is spoken in the gathering, it should fulfill the principle of
edification (v.26).
K. If anyone speaks in a
tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn (v.27).
L.
If
there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church (v.27-28).
M. Do not forbid to speak with
tongues (v.39).
The Relation of Believers’
Understanding and Spirit with the Church Life
A. Teaching with one’s
understanding is better than speaking with tongues (v.6, 19).
B. One shall pray with the
spirit, and will also pray with the understanding (v.14-15a).
C. One shall sing with the
spirit, and will also sing with the understanding (v.15b).
D. If one blesses with the
spirit but not with the understanding, it brings no edification (v.16-17).
Three “Keep Silent”s
A. But if there is no
interpreter, let him keep silent in church (v.28).
B. If anything is revealed to
another who sits by, let the first keep silent (v.30).
C. Let the women who do not
understand keep silent in the churches (v.34).
Principles of the
Gatherings
A. He who “has” something form
God can opens his mouth (v.26a).
B. Let all things be done for
edification so that all may learn and all may be encouraged (v.26, 31b).
C. If anyone speaks in a
tongue, let there be two or at the most three (v.27a, 29a).
D. Each of those who speak
with tongues should be in turn (v.27b, 31a).
E. If there is no interpreter,
let him keep silent in church (v.27c-28).
F. Let two or three prophets
speak, and let the others judge (v.29b).
G. But if anything is revealed
to another who sits by, let the first keep silent (v.30).
H. The spirits of the prophets
never make the gather in disorder (v.32-33).
I.
Women
should keep silent in the churches and learn to be submissive (v.34-36).
J.
Let
all things be done decently and in order (v.40).
──
Caleb Huang《Christian Digest Bible
Commentary Series》
Translated by Mary Zhou