Paul continues his discussion of the phenomenon of "speaking in tongues".
1 Corinthians 14: 21-25, Sensitive to visitors and inquirers
In the Law it is written: "Through men of strange tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me," says the Lord. Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.
So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!"
The church is to be sensitive to visitors and "inquirers", described here as "someone who does not understand." In this setting "tongues" are chaotic and strange; in contrast, a prophetic voice should be convincing. So Paul discourages "tongues" and instead suggests "prophesying."
Whether dealing with strange things like "tongues" or other strange aspects of church culture (of which there are many!), we have clear advice here that churches should be sensitive to the visitor and the seeker.
In the Law it is written: "Through men of strange tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me," says the Lord. Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.
So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!"
The church is to be sensitive to visitors and "inquirers", described here as "someone who does not understand." In this setting "tongues" are chaotic and strange; in contrast, a prophetic voice should be convincing. So Paul discourages "tongues" and instead suggests "prophesying."
Whether dealing with strange things like "tongues" or other strange aspects of church culture (of which there are many!), we have clear advice here that churches should be sensitive to the visitor and the seeker.
The quote from "the Law" in verse 21 is from Isaiah 28:11-12.
1 Corinthians 14: 26-33a, How to make "tongues" part of church order
What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.
If anyone speaks in a tongue, two--or at the most three--should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.
Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.
The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.
The emphasis is on church order, on actions that lead to strengthening the church.
1 Corinthians 13: 33b-35, Greeting
As in all the congregations of the saints, women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.
Here we have a very controversial statement -- "women are to remain silent..."! Most interpretations of this passage assume that Paul is giving instructions to churches in that time and culture, within conflicts over Jewish customs and Gentile practices. In other passages (such as I Corinthians 11:5) Paul mentions women speaking and praying out loud in churches and in a number of places (Romans 16) Paul speaks of women in leadership. Some specific chaotic practice is being confronted here. (Even those who insist on the strongest form of complementarianism do not attempt to enforce this passage!)
1 Corinthians 13: 36-40, Do not be arrogant and overconfident
Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command. If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored.
Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
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