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Read the full chapter of 1 Corinthians 14
By the end of 1 Corinthians 13, Paul has addressed the general wrongs within the Corinthian Church, the nature and granting of spiritual gifts, and the need for selfless love in all Christian endeavors.
In chapter 14, Paul addresses the misuse of the gift of tongues among the Corinthians. We do not have all the details of the questions that Paul is answering from the letter the Corinthians wrote to him. Neither do we know in full detail the assumptions and ideas on which they based their thinking. We therefore have to deduce from the style and dialogue itself whether Paul agrees or disagrees with the sentiments expressed.
Paul used parallelism to emphasize his arguments: a statement is followed by a contradicting statement. He uses “but” or a similar conjunction to signal that he does not agree with the previous statement.
How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
This chapter is a recipe for proper church order. Church activities should edify people. For example, in a multilingual meeting speaking in tongues is permissible if conducted in an orderly fashion with proper translation.
Incomprehensible utterances are contrary to the Spirit of God, because God would not exclude some people by giving others a “gift” that is not for the benefit of the Body. It is contrary to His nature of unselfish love. Speaking in tongues may be a worldwide phenomenon, but that fact does not mean that it is in harmony with Scripture.
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive (Ephesians 4:14).
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints (1 Corinthians 14:33).
Ahead to The Organization of 1 Corinthians 14
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This article is adapted from Truth Matters by Professor Walter J. Veith, an international speaker who has studied Biblical issues in-depth in his quest for truth. His popular series Genesis Conflict brings the debate between Creation and evolution to a new climax as he dissects the arguments with a scientific eye. His highly-acclaimed series Total Onslaught sheds light on the state of the world today as we move to a one-world government and an anticipated apocalypse.
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