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1 Corinthians 14:3
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Prophecy and Tongues

1 Pursue love, and adesire spiritual gifts, bbut especially that you may prophesy.  
2 For he who aspeaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.  
3 But he who prophesies speaks aedification and bexhortation and comfort to men.  
4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied;1 for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.  

Tongues Must Be Interpreted

6 But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by arevelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching?  
7 Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played?
8 For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle?
Commentaries:
Barnes' Notes
<< 1 Corinthians 14:2   1 Corinthians 14:4 >>


1 Corinthians 14:3

But he that prophesieth - See the note at I Corinthians 14:1. He that speaks under the influence of inspiration in the common language of his hearers. This seems to be the difference between those who spoke in foreign languages and those who prophesied. Both were under the influence of the Holy Spirit; both might speak the same truths; both might occupy an equally important and necessary place in the church; but the language of the one was intelligible to the church, the other not; the one was designed to edify the church, the other to address those who spoke foreign tongues, or to give demonstration, by the power of speaking foreign languages, that the religion was from God.

Speaketh unto men - So as to be understood by those who were present.

To edification - See the note at I Corinthians 10:8, note at I Corinthians 10:23. Speaks so as to enlighten and strengthen the church.

And exhortation - See the note at Romans 12:8. He applies and enforces the practical duties of religion, and urges motives for a holy life.

And comfort - Encouragement. That is, he presents the promises and the "hopes" of the gospel; the various considerations adapted to administer comfort in the time of trial. The other might do this, but it would be in a foreign language, and would be useless to the church.




Other Barnes' Notes entries containing 1 Corinthians 14:3:

Acts 2:17
Acts 11:27
1 Corinthians 14:40
1 Corinthians 14:40

 

<< 1 Corinthians 14:2   1 Corinthians 14:4 >>

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