Scripture

I wish you could all speak in tongues, but even more, I wish you could all prophesy. For prophecy is greater than speaking in tongues, unless someone interprets what you are saying so that the whole church will be strengthened.

Observation

We must let love be our highest goal, but we should also desire the gifts of the Holy Spirit, especially prophecy. Speaking in tongues is just speaking to God – it remains a mystery to the listeners. The one who prophesies strengthens, encourages, and comforts the church.

Paul wants everyone to speak in tongues, even more that we should prophesy. Unless there is an interpreter, prophecy is more useful to the church than tongues. If Paul came to their church and just spoke in tongues, that would not be helpful, but if he comes with a special revelation, prophecy, or teaching, that will be helpful.

Anyone who speaks in tongues in church should pray for the interpretation.

Application

This chapter is a classic case of needing to read the context before coming to a conclusion. Various verses have been quoted to justify every position possible on the use of spiritual gifts in the church.

Paul is very clear that he supports the use of speaking in tongues as a gift to edify the individual believer. Its place in a group setting is less useful, but only because it does not strengthen the whole group.

When I pray in tongues, I am talking to God. My spirit communicates with the Holy Spirit. This is a great thing, but it does not do anything for other people. Paul says that in the meeting, tongues speakers should pray for an interpretation so that everyone may be blessed.

Paul wishes everyone would speak in tongues, but more so he wishes that everyone would prophesy.

Churches need to find ways to encourage the spiritual gifts, especially prophecy, so that the church can be built up.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, please release your gifts in the church. Let tongues, interpretation, and prophecy be especially prominent. Amen