This is viewed as totally wrong with regard to all of the conduct which demanded Paul's attention. Churches presuming to appoint deaconesses do so without Scriptural authority, and without any guidelines as to the needful qualifications. 1 Corinthians 14, William Barclay's Daily Study Bible, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary, as set of 17 volumes on the New Testament, the result of Barclay's dedicated work But if I bring you a revelation or some special knowledge or prophecy or teaching, that will be helpful. This indeed posed a delicate problem. The genuine gift had to be either identical with that of Pentecost, or a far lesser thing given for the encouragement of individuals and to be used privately (1 Corinthians 14:4). This is the golden rule for organizing and conducting public worship services of the church in all ages. Barclay also observed this and suggested how it comes about: The phenomenon called tongue-speaking can be faked; this writer has seen it faked; and the simple truth is that anybody can fake it. Far from being an instrument of converting unbelievers, or being some kind of sign that would help unbelievers to believe, tongues in a public assembly were a positive hindrance, resulting not in the conversion of any but in the judgment against Christians to the effect that they were all crazy. Howbeit in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue. Furthermore, Paul's speaking in tongues "more than ye all" is tremendously significant. Let your women, &c. — The last clause of the preceding verse is by some critics, and among the rest Bishop Pearce, joined with this, so as to make this sense; as in all the churches of the saints, let your women keep silence in the churches, namely, of Achaia. Barbarian ... in ancient times meant merely one who did not speak Greek. [3] William Barclay, The Letters to the Corinthians (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1954), p. 142. However, Paul taught that there was a genuine gift of "interpretation of tongues" (1 Corinthians 12:10): and this has the effect of denying the gift at Corinth any identity with the miracle of Pentecost, where no interpreter was needed. 1 Corinthians 14:34-35. The force of 1 Corinthians 14:7-9 is that the false tongues of Corinth were unintelligible nonsense, having no meaning whatever, being nothing more than jabberings of orgiastic demonstrators; and here was the delicate part of the whole situation, the UNINTERPRETED manifestations of the genuine gift itself resembled the false tongues so perfectly that no one on earth could have told any difference! It has been produced by people who earnestly desire to do it, and who have been led to believe it is Scriptural because of the inaccurate and misleading words in many of the "translations" of the New Testament in vogue today. Thus Pat gets it from Shirley, Tom gets it from Mabel, etc., just like Adam took the forbidden fruit from the hands of Eve. The teacher did more good and was therefore greater than the tongue-speaker. Certainly, in the case of the tongue speakers: (1) they were all speaking at once, (2) perhaps dozens were participating every Sunday, and (3) such a thing as interpreting what was spoken in tongues had been ignored altogether. To speak words that have no meaning to those who hear them, is but speaking into the air. 1 Corinthians 14 generates more questions per square inch than just about any other chapter in the New Testament. Certainly the fact is plain enough that there was a POSSIBILITY of no such interpreter being present; and therefore Paul gave the order that if none indeed was present, tongues were not to be used under any circumstances (1 Corinthians 14:28-28). 1 Corinthians 14 - Speaking in unknown Tongues by Albert Barnes Commentary. Yet thus the preachers did who delivered their instructions in an unknown tongue. This is therefore a call for the Corinthians to stop chasing after tongues and to grow up spiritually. There were no hymn books or congregational singing, except tunes sung in unison; and four-part harmony had not been invented. If then I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be to him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh will be a barbarian unto me. Wherefore let him that speaketh in a tongue pray that he may interpret. All Rights Reserved. 14. In praying and giving thanks, 1 Corinthians 14:14-17. As McGarvey said, "To understand the passage we should know the ignorance, garrulity and degradation of Oriental women. references to encouragement and consolation (1 Cor 14:3, 31) and the scene describing the ideal exercise of prophecy (1 Cor 14:24–25). Would it not make Christianity ridiculous to a heathen, to hear the ministers pray or preach in a language which neither he nor the assembly understood? There is a continuation of the thought of the foolishness of tongue-speaking. The questions have been lightly edited for brevity, clarity and confidentiality. Clearly, the prophetesses of the Old Testament exercised their gift publicly, even the priests and the king being subject to what they said. As in all the churches of the saints, let the women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted them to speak; but let them be in subjection, as also saith the law. New International Version (NIV) Psalm ... probably refers to a song, or hymn composed by the worshiper during the previous week, or at least one he had learned. In view here is the almost total uselessness of this gift in the area of instructing the church, even the true gift. Women may not be evangelists. As Metz said: Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to the unbelieving: but prophesying is for a sign, not to the unbelieving, but to them that believe. To make this a universal rule for all women is to ignore the limitations evident in the passage. ... McGarvey understood this is idiomatic for "What is the conclusion of the argument? It is the conviction here that the genuine gift to the Corinthians was precisely that, a demonstration of tongues for personal edification, not in the sense of learning anything, but as proof that he who had it enjoyed possession of the Holy Spirit. It was the teaching phase Paul stressed here, indicating that teaching was a much more desirable activity than tongue-speaking. Much of 1 Corinthians 14 is recognizable because several of its verses are among the most popular verses in the Bible. If so, where is it? What is it then? For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. Paul's admonition that they should pray to be able to interpret is, on the contrary, a declaration that they could not interpret. If any man thinketh himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him take knowledge of the things which I write unto you, that they are the commandment of the Lord. (b) The apostle Peter, on Pentecost, cited the Old Testament Scriptures which prophesied that in the times of the new covenant, "Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy" (Acts 2:17). Every ability or possession is valuable in proportion to its usefulness. But if all prophesy, and there come in one unbelieving or unlearned, he is reproved by all, he is judged by all. Prophesying, that is, explaining Scripture, is compared with speaking with tongues... View the entire commentary. 1 Corinthians 14:23-25 but in the assemblies of the church prophecy is more useful. (b) And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time ... and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment (Judges 4:4,5). "[20] This was addressed to abuses of the formal worship by women of a certain class in an ancient culture. From these passages from both testaments, it is clear that the total exclusion of women from any public speaking did not occur, nor was the action of such women construed as "usurping authority" over a man. as absolutely sarcastic, meaning that no matter how "well" they thought they were giving thanks, the Holy Spirit was opposed to what they were doing, on the simple grounds that the rest of the congregation would not know "what thou sayest." That he may interpret ... Again, no certainty that any interpreters existed at Corinth appears here. There are no miraculously endowed teachers today, despite Satan's having induced a few to fake even this. The spontaneous, informal nature of the early church services is clearly visible. The need for an interpreter of the true gift proves that the possessor of it would not have known what he said, unless, of course, he also had the gift of interpreting tongues. This stresses the private nature of the true gift; and the apostolic order for it not to be used in church (without an interpreter) removed the only possible reason why the counterfeiters were faking it, making it impossible for them to accumulate any flattery or "glory" from the display of their "abilities" publicly. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. VI, p. 273. The women under consideration in this order were married, nothing whatever being said of widows, spinsters or the unmarried; and they were also ignorant, as indicated by "if they would learn anything." For God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. These reasons were: (1) The Old Testament gave man the authority over the family, as in verses cited above, and (2) the customs of the age made it shameful for a woman to speak in public. There is no rule, however, that this must always be done. So also ye, since ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may abound unto the edifying of the church. Furthermore, Paul allowed that when an interpreter was present, along with other prescribed conditions, the gift at Corinth might properly be used (1 Corinthians 14:27). The only kind that has ever existed since the age of the apostles has been the kind Billy Graham called "counterfeit.". There is no understanding of this chapter without taking into account the falsity of those Corinthians tongues, but at the same time not denying a legitimate gift as then existing and having been prostituted to unholy ends. Metz said, "It was difficult to distinguish the valid gift (of tongues) ... from an invalid expression of personal exultation. Love is a better thing to practice than speaking in tongues. This requirement alone demanded the omission of tongues from all church services. The genuine gift (at Corinth) was never exercised by Paul, who surely had the gift (1 Corinthians 14:18), in public assemblies of the church, at least as far as the record goes, and based upon his stated refusal to use it at Corinth (1 Corinthians 14:6ff). The Corinthian women had violated that intention and Paul immediately assigned two reasons for forbidding the action (speaking in tongues publicly) which frustrated God's purpose. Study the bible online using commentary on 1 Corinthians 14 and more! Any use of a tongue in such prayers contravened the purpose of congregational participation in the public prayers; and it is an error, therefore, to suppose that the Holy Spirit was guiding those tongue-speakers to do anything of that kind. 1 Corinthians 14, Coffman Commentaries on the Bible, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary, by the leading authority in the Church of Christ, presents a … Not so much their voices being heard in a Christian assembly, but the rejection of lawful authority, is the thing suggested by Paul's statement that the Law of Moses forbade it. [1] S. Lewis Johnson, Jr., Wycliffe Commentary (Chicago: Moody Press, 1971), p. 634. Greater is the teacher than the tongue-speaker. This is a mandatory conclusion based on Paul's order that the speakers should speak "one at a time," or "in turn" (1 Corinthians 14:27). 508-510. Every preacher or evangelist is commanded to "Reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching" (1 Timothy 4:2). It does just the opposite of converting unbelievers, with the result that they turn aside in disgust, as Paul stated in the very next verse. As Lipscomb said with reference to this and 1 Corinthians 14:15: The inference that must be made from this and the next verses is that the tongue-speakers had even taken over the songs and prayers of the public worship! Language plain and easy to be understood, is the most proper for public worship, and other religious exercises. The true gift of tongues benefited not others but the tongue-speaker himself. Follow after charity--as your first and chief aim, seeing that it is "the greatest" ( 1 Corinthians 13:13 ). They can never be benefitted by such teaching. XX, Number 13. The blunt, dogmatic apostolic answer to tongue-speakings is just this: "but if there be no interpreter!" Certainly not! As Lipscomb said with reference to this and 1 Corinthians 14:15:. On no occasion may tongues be used unless an interpreter is standing by to tell the audience every word that was spoken.SIZE>. The first announcement of it came in a situation where it was drastically needed; and, despite the fact that over-formalization may occur from an over-zealous enforcement of it, it is the failure to enforce it at all which distinguishes many so-called "free" religious groups today. Certainly, the lack of authentic interpretation in the present times raises the most serious questions and goes far to prove the invalid nature of that which passes for tongue-speaking today. But he does not exclude intuition and emotion; cf. Since we today are dealing with a far different situation, it is proper to speak much more plainly of those bastard tongues at Corinth. This is proving himself the servant of Christ. This drew attention, more than the plain interpretation of Scripture; it gratified pride more, but promoted the purposes of Christian charity less; it would not equally do good to the souls of men. The essential thing to see is the close likeness in appearance of the two kinds of tongues; and this is paramount as an indication that the true tongues of Corinth were unlike those of Pentecost. This is proving himself the servant of Christ. And if this was true in those days, how much more is it true today, generations and centuries after the true gift disappeared altogether. God of course could hear. As to prophesying, two or three only should speak at one meeting, and this one after the other, not all at once. Paul, of course, made the comparison with instruments known in his day. I thank God, I speak with tongues more than ye all. Neither the KJV nor the English Revised Version (1885) is correct here. If such an illustration as this has any meaning, it has to be that uninterpreted tongues are as noisy, disagreeable, useless, cacophonous and worthless as a kitten on the keys of a piano. 1 Corinthians 4:14-17 New King James Version (NKJV) Paul’s Paternal Care. All Christians of all ages should heed this verse. (1-2) Receiving the collection. Read 1 Corinthians 14 commentary using Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete). For he that speaketh in a tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God; for no man understandeth; but in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. This was a simple rule; and if this was observed, every thing would be done well. "[4] It should be remembered, however, that the disappearance of apostolic miracles has removed the necessity of confusion with regard to tongue-speaking. Rules like these carry the strong implication that some at Corinth had claimed otherwise. Tongue speakers may not set aside the rules designed to control and eliminate tongues; but it is equally true that churches may not set aside the limitations imposed upon women in the realm of authority, in evangelism, and in holding offices of authority in the church. First 30-days on us! Paul's method of doing so was a marvel. What then was the apostle's purpose in bringing up the fact that he himself spoke in tongues? But if those who minister, plainly interpret Scripture, or preach the great truths and rules of the gospel, a heathen or unlearned person might become a convert to Christianity. 1 Corinthians 14:16 The Greek word for inquirer is a technical term for someone not fully initiated into a religion; also in verses 23 and 24. Perhaps Paul is saying that tongues are indeed a sign to unbelievers, but not a positive sign. 3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. Who is the author of such confusion? Many in all ages have prostrated themselves before God in worship and in prayers, and the admissibility of this as legitimate is plain enough in this verse. A truly Christian minister will seek much more to do spiritual good to men's souls, than to get the greatest applause to himself. In this the third chapter of Paul's writings specifically related to tongue speaking and other spiritual gifts, the full thrust of his purpose is revealed. As to the speaking in an unknown tongue, if another were present who could interpret, two miraculous gifts might be exercised at once, and thereby the church be edified, and the faith of the hearers confirmed at the same time. Follow after love; yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. It is a proof that a people are forsaken of God, when he gives them up to the rule of those who teach them to worship in another language. In a word, all the post-apostolic tongue-speakings for nineteen centuries have not contributed one authentic sentence to the revealed will of God, like that in the New Testament. 1 Corinthians 14 Spiritual Gifts 12 Now m concerning 1 spiritual gifts , 2 brothers , 3 I do not want you to be uninformed . 14 1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. for ye will be speaking into the air. From this, it seems mandatory to view the genuine gift at Corinth as different from that of Pentecost, and also of far less importance, even that genuine gift (at Corinth) being by Paul ranked last among spiritual gifts. Difficult as some of Paul's intentions may be for people to discern, the unqualified inspiration of this chapter, and the entire epistle, must be received. © 2021 Christianity.com. 1. 1 Corinthians 14:21 Isaiah 28:11,12; 1 Corinthians 14:34 Or peace. Uninterpreted tongues will cause outsiders to say, "Ye are mad."SIZE>. The pride, vainglory, envy, strife, factionalism, etc., which marked the original outbreak of counterfeit tongues was of Satan; and it may not be doubted that the evil one is still active in such things as the recurring appearance of tongue-speaking throughout Christian history. Did Priscilla usurp authority over Apollos when she (and her husband) taught him the word of God (Acts 18:24ff)? For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. These verses are a recapitulation of the argument in 1 Corinthians 14:7-9, the conclusion being that any kind of jargon or gobbledegook, such as tongues, which cannot be understood by the hearers, is condemned. The Blessed Spirit never operated against the will of God. 6 Dear brothers and sisters, # 14:6a Greek brothers; also in 14:20, 26, 39. if I should come to you speaking in an unknown language, # 14:6b Or in tongues; also in 14:19, 23. how would that help you? Visit our library of inductive Bible studies for more in depth inductive studies on this and other … It is simply incredible that the people affecting to speak in tongues could really imagine that they are doing any good. [10] Leon Morris, Tyndale Commentary (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. Follow after love; yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. As Billy Graham said of tongues in the United States at this present time (March 26,1976), "There is much that is counterfeit ... tongues are no evidence that a person has been baptized in the Holy Spirit. If there was an interpreter, then others might be permitted to hear both the tongue and the interpretation. 1 Corinthians 14:34-38 Women are forbidden to speak there. Thus, from the very beginning the authority of the family was vested in the man. Upon the occasion of the creation and fall, God said to Eve, "Thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee" (Genesis 3:16). To these prohibitions, there must be added a number of others which are given in this chapter, including these: 5. Fall down on his face and worship God ... "Power to make unbelieving visitors fall down on their faces and worship God, O for such today, instead of dead formalism on one hand and irreverent monkey business on the other!"[13]. How the prophets or teachers should act in the Church, 1 Corinthians 14:29-33. [7] J. W. McGarvey, Commentary on First Corinthians (Cincinnati, Ohio: Standard Publishing Company, 1916), p. 137. Uninterpreted tongues were as disastrous as the efforts of a military bugler whose unintelligible blasts could not be distinguished either as a call to charge, a call to retreat, or a call to go to bed! [4] Donald S. Metz, Beacon Bible Commentary (Kansas City, Missouri: Beacon Hill Press, 1968), p. 447. This was mentioned along with "tongue" to bind the two inseparably together; and it seems plausible that by this inclusion Paul did not mean to certify the fact of there actually being interpreters of tongues in Corinth, but rather as a device of eliminating tongues altogether UNLESS this condition was fulfilled (having an interpreter). In a word, these four verses lay down practically the same rules for the prophets as those applying to those having the tongues (of either kind). "Or of knowledge" refers to the spiritual gift of knowledge which Paul assuredly had. Putting together all of Paul's regulations, the conclusion persists that there were also false prophets engaging in the free-for-all orgiastic demonstrations going on in Corinth. What is it then, brethren? It was this sinful usurpation of their husbands' status as head of the family which was the essence of their wrongdoing. Five intelligible words are to be preferred to ten thousand in an uninterpreted tongue. The man who is inspired by the Spirit of God will observe order and decency in delivering his revelations. 14 I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. Below is the whole commentary on 1 Corinthians 14 from Albert Barnes Notes on the Bible commentary that is related to speaking in tongues i.e. George W. DeHoff, a current church leader and a scholar of great discernment, vigorously supported McGarvey's position on this question, saying: Some things, however, are forbidden to women in the Christian religion. This whole section of this chapter (1 Corinthians 14:1-12), if it had any purpose at all, was to get rid of tongue-speaking in the assemblies of the church in Corinth, with the delicate purpose of Paul, always in view, not to discourage any real gift that might have existed there. 2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. They are a sign of judgment, as the unknown tongues of the Assyrians were in Isaiah’s day. 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