1 Corinthians 14:39 – “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.”

Extended Explanation

This verse is part of Paul’s conclusion to his discussion on spiritual gifts and orderly worship. After spending much of 1 Corinthians 14 explaining how prophecy and speaking in tongues should be used properly, Paul now sums up his teaching with two clear instructions:

1. “Be eager to prophesy” – Paul encourages believers to desire and prioritize prophecy because it builds up the church. Prophecy involves speaking God’s truth in a way that instructs, encourages, and strengthens others.
2. “Do not forbid speaking in tongues” – While Paul has spent time correcting the misuse of tongues, he makes it clear that tongues are still a valid gift when used properly. Instead of banning tongues altogether, the church should make sure they are used in an orderly and beneficial way.

This verse shows a balanced approach to spiritual gifts. Paul does not elevate one gift while rejecting another. Instead, he teaches that both prophecy and tongues have a place in the church, but they must be used correctly and in a way that benefits everyone.

Historical Context

The Corinthian church was struggling with spiritual gifts. Many believers were speaking in tongues without interpretation, creating confusion instead of edification. Others were prophesying without regard for order, causing disruptions in worship services.

Because of this, some may have been tempted to reject tongues altogether to avoid the disorder. Others may have wanted to prioritize tongues over prophecy, since speaking in tongues seemed more impressive.

Paul corrects both extremes:

• He encourages prophecy because it benefits the whole church.
• He allows tongues, but within the guidelines he previously gave (such as requiring an interpreter – 1 Corinthians 14:27-28).

This instruction reflects a larger biblical principle—spiritual gifts should be used in a way that honors God and strengthens the church.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights several important truths about spiritual gifts:

1. Prophecy is highly valuable because it directly builds up the church.
2. Tongues should not be forbidden, but they must be used properly.
3. Balance is key—spiritual gifts should be embraced, but in a way that promotes order and unity.
4. Spiritual gifts are from God and should be received with gratitude, not skepticism or pride.

Literary Analysis

Paul uses strong yet balanced language in this verse.

• “Be eager to prophesy” – This is a positive command, urging believers to actively desire the gifts that build up others.
• “Do not forbid speaking in tongues” – This is a protective command, ensuring that tongues are not rejected, even though they should be used with care.

This structure shows that Paul values both gifts, but he places a greater emphasis on prophecy because it is more beneficial to the whole church.

Biblical Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 14:1 – “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.” (Paul encourages prophecy as the most beneficial gift.)
• 1 Corinthians 14:27-28 – “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 to God.” (Paul’s guidelines for the proper use of tongues.)
• Acts 2:4 – “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” (The gift of tongues was first demonstrated at Pentecost.)
• 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 – “Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good.” (Paul warns against rejecting prophecy but also encourages discernment.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse teaches that spiritual gifts are important and should not be ignored. However, they must be used properly and with discernment.

Many churches today tend to go to one of two extremes:

1. Some reject spiritual gifts entirely, believing that prophecy and tongues are no longer relevant.
2. Others overemphasize certain gifts, focusing on tongues or prophecy in a way that causes disorder and division.

Paul’s message reminds us to seek the gifts that build up the church, while also keeping things in order. We should not forbid tongues, but we must use all gifts in a way that aligns with Scripture and edifies others.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in the way He equips His church. He gives spiritual gifts not for selfish reasons, but to strengthen and encourage His people.

• Prophecy is a gift of love because it brings guidance, encouragement, and correction.
• Tongues, when used properly, can also be a sign of God’s power and presence.

God’s desire is that His church functions in unity, love, and order. He does not give gifts to create division or pride but to help believers grow in their faith and serve one another.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come to empower His followers (John 14:16-17), and the gifts of the Spirit are part of that empowerment.

• Jesus Himself was a prophet, speaking God’s truth to the people (John 6:14).
• Jesus promised that believers would speak in new tongues as a sign of the Spirit’s work (Mark 16:17).
• Jesus taught that the Holy Spirit would guide believers into all truth (John 16:13), which aligns with Paul’s encouragement to seek prophecy.

Paul’s teaching in this verse reflects Jesus’ desire for His followers to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit while maintaining love and order.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why does Paul emphasize prophecy over tongues in this verse?
2. How can churches today apply the principle of balance when it comes to spiritual gifts?
3. Have you ever seen spiritual gifts used in a way that brought order and encouragement? What about in a way that caused disorder?
4. How can believers make sure that their pursuit of spiritual gifts aligns with God’s Word?
5. What does this verse teach about the role of the Holy Spirit in the church today?

This verse is a reminder that spiritual gifts are valuable, but they must be used wisely. God wants His church to be built up, not divided, and His gifts should always be used in a way that honors Him and strengthens His people.