1 Corinthians 14:28 – “If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God.”
Extended Explanation
This verse is part of Paul’s teaching on order in the church, specifically regarding the use of the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues. He emphasizes that if someone speaks in a tongue (a language not understood by those present), there must be an interpreter. Otherwise, the speaker should remain silent during the gathering and instead pray quietly to God.
The point is not to suppress spiritual gifts but to ensure they are used in a way that benefits the church. If no one understands the words being spoken, it does not serve the body of believers. Instead, it should be a personal moment between the speaker and God. Paul’s focus is on maintaining order and edification in worship rather than allowing chaos or confusion.
Historical Context
The early church in Corinth had a problem with disorder during their gatherings. Many believers were excited about spiritual gifts, particularly speaking in tongues, but they were using them in a way that created confusion rather than building up the church. In response, Paul wrote 1 Corinthians 14 to correct this behavior.
In the ancient world, Corinth was a diverse and cosmopolitan city with many languages spoken. The gift of tongues (speaking in other languages by the power of the Holy Spirit) was sometimes used as a sign of God’s presence. However, without interpretation, these words were meaningless to the listeners. Paul reminds the Corinthians that church gatherings should be about strengthening and instructing believers, not showcasing spiritual experiences for their own sake.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that worship should be orderly and beneficial to the entire church body. It reinforces the idea that spiritual gifts are not for personal glory but for the building up of others. God is a God of order, not confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33), and everything done in the church should reflect His character.
It also highlights the importance of accountability in using spiritual gifts. Just because someone has a gift does not mean they should use it at all times. There are proper ways to express spiritual gifts that align with God’s desire for unity and edification.
Literary Analysis
1 Corinthians 14 is structured as a corrective teaching, where Paul contrasts disorder with God’s intention for the church. The repetition of words like “edification,” “understanding,” and “order” throughout the chapter emphasizes the main theme—spiritual gifts must be used in ways that build up the church.
The phrase “keep quiet” does not mean the person is forbidden from ever speaking in tongues but rather that they should restrain themselves in public settings if there is no interpretation. The phrase “speak to himself and to God” indicates that tongues can be used for private prayer and worship, even if they are not appropriate for public gatherings without an interpreter.
Biblical Cross-References
- 1 Corinthians 14:33 – “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.” (God desires order in worship.)
- 1 Corinthians 14:19 – “But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.” (Paul prioritizes understanding over spiritual experiences that are not beneficial to others.)
- Matthew 6:6 – “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Private prayer is valuable to God.)
- Acts 2:4-6 – The gift of tongues was first demonstrated at Pentecost, where people heard the gospel in their own languages. This shows that tongues were meant to communicate God’s message to others.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds modern believers that church gatherings should be about encouraging one another and growing in faith, not drawing attention to personal spiritual experiences. If a spiritual gift does not help others understand or grow in their faith, it should be used privately.
It also teaches self-control in worship. While personal expressions of faith are valuable, they should never be disruptive or cause confusion in the church. This applies not only to speaking in tongues but to all aspects of worship and teaching.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God desires His people to experience His presence in ways that strengthen their faith and unite them as a family. He is not a God of confusion but of peace. His love is seen in the way He provides guidance for the church so that all believers can grow together rather than be distracted by disorder.
This verse also reflects God’s care for both the individual and the community. He does not deny personal experiences of worship, but He calls for consideration of others in corporate worship settings. Love for God and love for others should always go hand in hand.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus taught about the importance of worshiping God in spirit and truth (John 4:24). True worship is not about outward displays but about the heart’s connection with God.
Additionally, Jesus modeled self-control and submission to God’s will. He never sought to bring attention to Himself for the sake of spectacle but always pointed people to the Father. Paul’s instruction in 1 Corinthians 14:28 follows this same principle—spiritual gifts should be used in ways that bring glory to God, not to individuals.
Moreover, at Pentecost (Acts 2), when the Holy Spirit enabled the disciples to speak in tongues, it was not for chaos but to spread the gospel to people of many nations. This shows that the purpose of tongues is communication and edification, not personal exaltation.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think Paul was so concerned with order in worship?
- How can this verse guide us in using our spiritual gifts today?
- Have you ever experienced or witnessed a time when worship was disorderly or distracting? How did it impact your understanding of God?
- How can we balance personal expressions of faith with the need to build up the church as a whole?
- What does this verse teach us about self-control in our spiritual lives?
This verse is a strong reminder that everything we do in worship should reflect God’s character—full of love, wisdom, and order. Instead of seeking personal spiritual experiences for their own sake, we are called to use our gifts in ways that bless others and glorify God.