1 Corinthians 14:1-25

This whole chapter is summed up in the last verses.

Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.

(v39-40, NIV)

So, we are to desire to prophesy, but speaking in tongues is acceptable as well. Paul desires everyone to prophesize and he explains why throughout the chapter.

He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.

(v4, NIV)

So, prophecy is superior in who it benefits. Tongues only benefit the speaker, but prophecy builds up the church. The next point Paul brings is meaning and understanding. What we say and do have no real meaning or purpose if nobody else understands it. This communication issue is why there is need for an interpreter. Paul mentions in verse 28 that you shouldn't speak in tongues when you come together if there is no interpreter. I wonder how that works. I mean, do people outright stop and ask everyone to see if an interpreter is among them before they begin speaking in tongues? Maybe they only speak in tongues in a place where other people have spoken in tongues before. Since others have done it before in the same place and same group of people, they know that someone interpreted the last time someone spoke in tongues. Maybe that's how it works. Another weird thing is what if someone interprets their own speaking in tongues? hm...

Anyway, the next point is about the mind. There is a distinction between the spirit and the mind. Apparently, speaking in tongues is linked to the spirit and if you are speaking in tongues, you are not speaking with your mind. Paul is very clear about what he thinks about this.

But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.

(v19, NIV)

The next point refers to outsiders. If someone from outside the church came in to see everyone speaking in tongues, they would think we are crazy. But if we were all prophesying, "he is convicted by all" (v24, ESV).

The other thing that ties this chapter in not mentioned in the last two verses is building up others. The first points mentioned already all have to do with building up others. They all are pointing back to who it builds up. Even the last one is about benefiting outsiders. Paul is not saying that speaking in tongues is forbidden, but prophesying is better. There are also certain guidelines and rules. Regardless, we should pursue love as is mentioned in the last chapter. It is loving to seek to benefit others as opposed to yourself.