1 Corinthians 14 Commentary
The prophets in the Old Testament like Samuel or Elijah delivered God’s word to the people. The prophet in the New Testament delivers the word of Jesus to the people. What is Jesus saying today? What are the instructions? This is prophecy. Let the believers prioritize prophecy! Prophecy is repeating the words of Jesus to the people. It is a guided process – by the Spirit!
For all practical purposes, tongues in this chapter are clearly different from tongues on the Day of Pentecost as recorded in Acts chapter 2.
In this chapter, tongues are mysteries uttered by humans to God, under the influence of the Spirit. No one understands them. Not even the speaker!
In Acts 2, a tongue was an intelligible human language. It was understood. Acts 2 verses 6 to 9. It served a special purpose for the occasion. Some events in the New Testament are inaugural in nature and are not repeated. Calvary is one of them. The pouring of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost is another. Of course, the Book of Acts records a couple of other events where we have “Pentecost-like” experiences. It was for the nations – the Jews needed to know the Spirit isn’t exclusively “Jewish”.
Acts 2 tongues could be understood by the inquirer, but tongues in this chapter cannot be understood by anyone, the speaker included. They are uttered to God under the influence of the Holy Spirit by the believer. It is a spiritual gift.
All believers can heal; however, not every believer will heal. Similarly, all believers can speak in tongues; however, not every believer will speak in tongues. Speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift.
Don’t forbid speaking in tongues (unknown tongues), Paul commands. Verse 40.
Corporate prayer is different from “individual” prayer. Rituals during a church gathering are meant for everyone while rituals in the closet are meant for the individual. Closet rituals are custom-made to an individual’s specification. The church will have specifications that “fit all”, ideally. Let the believers know the difference. Let there be order in the church.
Paul drives home the point that an individual’s gift may harm the good of the church if practiced in a disorderly manner.
The spirits of the prophets are subject to the control of the prophets. Verse 32. On the other hand, demons are not so kind to their victims. Demonic possession results in uncontrolled behavior and loss of control. You become a slave. On the other hand, the Holy Spirit is holy, righteous, gentle, loving, and just … There is freedom and not fear. There is also order.
More resources visit http://www.lovingscripture.com
LOVING SCRIPTURE 