1 Corinthians 14:5- “I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.”

Extended Explanation

Paul is continuing his discussion on spiritual gifts in the church, specifically comparing speaking in tongues and prophecy. In this verse, he makes an important point:

• Speaking in tongues is good – Paul acknowledges that this is a valuable gift, and he does not discourage its use.
• Prophecy is better in a church setting – The reason prophecy is greater is that it builds up the whole church, while speaking in tongues without interpretation does not help others.
• Tongues need interpretation to be useful – If someone speaks in tongues and there is an interpreter, then it can be beneficial for the church, just like prophecy.

Paul is not devaluing tongues, but he is emphasizing the priority of understanding in the church. His desire is that spiritual gifts be used in ways that strengthen everyone, not just the individual.

Historical Context

The Corinthian church had an excitement for spiritual gifts, but they were often using them in ways that caused confusion rather than encouragement. Some believers were speaking in tongues during gatherings without any interpretation, which meant that others in the church had no idea what was being said. This led to disorder instead of edification.

Paul was writing to bring clarity and order to their worship. He wanted them to understand that while speaking in tongues was a valid spiritual gift, prophecy was more beneficial in a church gathering because it was spoken in a way that people could understand and be encouraged by.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several important truths about how spiritual gifts should be used:

1. All spiritual gifts are valuable, but some are more useful in certain settings – Paul is not against tongues, but he is making a distinction between gifts that build up the individual versus gifts that build up the church.
2. Understanding matters in worship – If no one understands what is being spoken, then the church is not strengthened.
3. Spiritual gifts should always serve the greater good – Paul’s emphasis is that gifts should benefit the entire body of Christ, not just the person exercising them.

This verse reminds us that our spiritual experiences should not just be for personal benefit but should contribute to the growth and encouragement of others.

Literary Analysis

Paul uses a contrast to highlight his point:

• “I would like every one of you to speak in tongues” – He acknowledges that speaking in tongues is a good gift.
• “But I would rather have you prophesy” – Here, he makes it clear that prophecy is more beneficial for the gathered church.
• “The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets” – The “greatness” Paul refers to is not about status but about usefulness to the church. If tongues are interpreted, then they can also build up the church just like prophecy.
• “So that the church may be edified” – Paul keeps returning to his main goal: the strengthening of the church.

This verse is structured to help the Corinthians shift their focus—from gifts that primarily serve individuals to gifts that serve the whole body of Christ.

Biblical Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 14:12 – “Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.” (Paul encourages gifts that help the church as a whole.)
• 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.” (Tongues without interpretation should not be spoken publicly.)
• Ephesians 4:11-12 – “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” (God gives gifts for the strengthening of the whole church.)
• Acts 2:4-6 – “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them… each one heard their own language being spoken.” (Tongues at Pentecost were understood by those who heard them.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For believers today, this verse is a reminder that spiritual gifts should always be used to help others grow in their faith. Some key takeaways:

• Personal spiritual experiences are valuable, but they should not take priority over helping others – Speaking in tongues can be a powerful experience, but in a church setting, what benefits everyone is more important.
• Clear communication in worship matters – If people do not understand what is being spoken, they cannot be strengthened or encouraged.
• Seek to be a blessing to the whole body of Christ – Instead of focusing on personal experiences, believers should seek to edify, encourage, and strengthen others.

Paul’s words challenge us to ask: How can we use our gifts to serve and bless others rather than just focusing on ourselves?

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse reflects God’s desire for His people to grow together in love and unity:

1. God gives gifts for the good of His church – He wants His people to be encouraged, strengthened, and built up.
2. God values clarity and understanding – He does not want confusion in worship but desires that His people understand His truth.
3. God calls us to serve one another – Love is shown through how we use our gifts to help others, not just in seeking personal experiences.

God’s love is displayed in how He provides spiritual gifts for the strengthening of the church. He is not a God of disorder, but of peace and encouragement.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the ultimate prophet—the one who spoke God’s truth clearly so that people could understand and be transformed.

• Jesus’ words always built up His followers – “The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.” (John 6:63)
• Jesus emphasized teaching and understanding – He often explained His parables to ensure that people understood His message (Mark 4:34).
• Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to guide believers into truth – “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” (John 16:13)

Jesus’ ministry was focused on bringing clarity, teaching truth, and strengthening people in their faith. Just as prophecy builds up the church, Jesus’ words gave life and encouraged His followers.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Do I focus more on personal spiritual experiences, or am I intentional about strengthening others in their faith?
2. How can I use my gifts in a way that builds up the church rather than just myself?
3. What steps can I take to ensure that my words and actions bring clarity, encouragement, and growth to others?
4. Do I prioritize spiritual gifts that serve others and not just gifts that give me personal fulfillment?
5. How can I follow Jesus’ example in using my words to bring understanding and encouragement?

This verse challenges us to shift our focus from personal experiences to serving others. When we seek to build up and encourage the church, we reflect the heart of Jesus and bring glory to God.