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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