Footnotes:
14:1-5 - Paul exhorts us to pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy, which builds up the church. The purpose of the gifts is always to build up and strengthen the Christian community (see also 1 Corinthians 12:7 and Ephesians 4:12).
14:6-19 - Paul compares speaking in tongues to prophecy, emphasizing that while the gift of tongues edifies the individual, prophecy edifies the entire church. Love must always be the criterion for using spiritual gifts (see also Acts 2:4-11 and Romans 14:19).
14:20-25 - The purpose of tongues is for signs to unbelievers, while prophecy edifies the church. Paul teaches that the use of the gifts should be ordered and focused on collective edification (see also Isaiah 28:11-12 and 1 Corinthians 12:7).
14:26-33 - Paul gives guidance on order in worship, emphasizing that everything should be done in an edifying manner, without confusion. Peace and edification should be the primary goal of any Christian gathering (see also 1 Corinthians 12:25 and Colossians 3:15).
Verses related to I Corintios, 14:
1 Corinthians chapter 14 provides guidelines for using spiritual gifts in worship. How to exercise gifts in an edifying way? Paul compares the gifts of prophecy and tongues, emphasizing the importance of building the church. It establishes rules for the orderly use of gifts in meetings, promoting clarity and understanding. The text also addresses the role of women in public worship. Consider with us five biblical passages that correlate with the practical themes of this guiding chapter.
Ephesians 4:29: "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is helpful in edifying others as needed, so that it may give grace to those who hear it." - This verse reflects the theme of 1 Corinthians 14 about the edifying use of speech in the church.
1 Thessalonians 5:19-21: "Don't quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt, but test all things and keep what is good." - As in 1 Corinthians 14, this verse addresses the appropriate use of spiritual gifts.
Romans 14:19: "Therefore, let us strive to promote everything that leads to peace and mutual edification." - This verse echoes the theme of 1 Corinthians 14 about building one another up in the church.
Colossians 3:16: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and counsel one another with all wisdom, and sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." - As in 1 Corinthians 14, this verse talks about the edifying use of gifts in worship.
James 3:9-10: "With our tongue we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, it cannot be like this!" - This verse relates to the discussion in 1 Corinthians 14 about the proper use of speech.
FAQ:
What does Paul say about the gift of tongues in 1 Corinthians 14?
Paul teaches that the gift of tongues is valuable, but it must be accompanied by interpretation to edify the church. He emphasizes that it is better to prophesy, for this edifies everyone. (1 Corinthians 14:2-5)
Why does Paul say that prophesying is more important than speaking in tongues?
Prophesying edifies the church, while speaking in tongues without interpretation is not helpful to the congregation. Prophecy brings understanding and edification to all. (1 Corinthians 14:19-25)
How does Paul guide order in Christian worship?
Paul instructs that during worship, everything should be done decently and in order. This includes speaking in tongues, prophesying, and teaching, always with the aim of building up the church. (1 Corinthians 14:40)
What does it mean to "pursue love" in 1 Corinthians 14?
Paul teaches that in seeking spiritual gifts, Christians should always pursue love, for it is the motivation and foundation for the proper use of spiritual gifts. (1 Corinthians 14:1)
