We have seen in the last couple chapters the importance of both unity and diversity in the church, including what tensions these two bring, and how these tensions may be resolved. Further, we have explored and defined spiritual gifts, and the greatest gift of all to mankind -- the gift of love. In stride with these teachings, and the issue of orderly worship which began in chapter 11, Paul continues to teach in chapter 14 regarding our dependence on love and order. The chief concerns are orderly conduct in worship by recognizing the value and proper use of tongues and prophecy.

This authors preference of translation of the word glossas is not “tongue,” but rather “another language.” In this chapter alone there are several evidences of this use. Verse five indicates that the “tongue” can be interpreted; verse six that interpretation is the “second half” of the gift. In Acts chapter two we see the fulfillment in Isaiah 28.11-.12 (quoted here in verse 21), where the foreign speaking peoples interpreted the “tongue.” As Paul himself points out, speaking without understanding profits no one (verse nine). Why would God give an incomplete gift to His children? Another evidence is found in Paul’s equating “tongues” with foreign languages. We see this in verse 10, and again in verse 21 in the Isaiah quote where “strange tongues” is equated with “lips of foreigners”. As related to this passage then, when we see the word “tongues” we are to read “other languages.”

Because the Corinthians rarely used the gift of tongues properly (with an interpreter), Paul encourages them to pursue the more beneficial gift of prophecy, which benefits everyone. “For anyone who speaks in another language does not speak to men, but to God, for no one understands him.” We can understand the Bible’s teaching of the careful use of tongues from the following example. In February of 1996 I received a lengthy email from a Christian friend who related to me the following story: “When I was in Boise, Idaho in 1993 a young lady was praying over an elderly lady [what she thought] was a blessing for good health. I understood it as a devilish curse in Hebrew. Something was seriously wrong.” Just as speaking another language without interpretation is dangerous, so is opening ones self up to spirits. It is doubtful that the girl in Idaho intended to curse the older woman. She probably thought she was opening herself up to the Holy Spirit. It is unfortunate that she was unable to discern what spirit she was opening up to. “For this reason” Paul pens in verse 13, “anyone who speaks in another language should pray that he may interpret… for if I pray in a tongue my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind.”

Our mind is an important part of worship. Here the mind is emphasized in prayer, but also in singing and praising God. Our mind must be used to keep our spirit in check. This is not a new teaching, for we are to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength,” we are to “be transformed by the renewing of your minds” and to “take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (Matthew 22.37; Romans 12.2; 2 Corinthians 10.5) Our minds as well as our spirit is an important part of worship, as is the edification of others (verse 17). If the gift of tongues is indeed a God-given ability to speak a language formerly unknown to the speaker, where would this gift be most useful? On the mission field! Possibly this is why Paul excelled in this gift. As he traveled all across the Roman Empire teaching the gospel it would be helpful to be able to speak to people in their native language. Perhaps this is what is behind the distinction Paul makes in verses 18 and 19, where he thanks God for his gift, and then contrasts its use with theirs by saying, “But in the church…”. On the mission field being able to clearly communicate the gospel in the subject’s native language is a great benefit, but in the church where no one speaks the language no one benefits. This is Paul’s argument, and he gives it added weight in verse 22: “Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers.” Prophecy is better in the church than tongues.

The summation of his teachings begins in verse 26. In church worship it is important for all to share either a hymn or a word of instruction or revelation, or perhaps something in another language with its interpretation, but it must be done in an orderly fashion. Everyone is to take their turn so that all may be edified. It is not the time to tell a story about yourself, or to build up your ego, but rather to tell a story about God, and to build up each other. “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace,” (14.33) and “everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way” (14.40).