Building Up the Church in Love and Order

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Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to address various issues troubling the early church in Corinth, including divisions, immorality, and misunderstandings about spiritual gifts. Chapter 13 famously highlights love as the greatest virtue, setting the stage for chapter 14’s practical instructions on how spiritual gifts should function within the church. Understanding the cultural context of Corinth, a city known for its diversity and pagan worship, helps us see why orderly worship and edification were crucial. This chapter follows Paul’s call to love and now focuses on how gifts like prophecy and tongues serve the church’s growth and unity.

What You'll Learn

• Why Paul prioritizes prophecy over speaking in tongues for the edification of the church community.
• How speaking in tongues functions as a personal prayer language and a sign for unbelievers.
• The importance of intelligibility and order in corporate worship to build up all believers.
• The role of interpretation in making spiritual gifts beneficial to the whole church.
• Paul’s instructions on how to conduct worship services to avoid confusion and promote peace.
• The balance between spiritual enthusiasm and mature understanding in the church’s life.

Spiritual gifts must be exercised in love and order to edify the entire church body.

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

1 Corinthians 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

1 Corinthians 14:2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

1 Corinthians 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

1 Corinthians 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

1 Corinthians 14:5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

1 Corinthians 14:6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

1 Corinthians 14:7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?

1 Corinthians 14:8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

1 Corinthians 14:9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.

1 Corinthians 14:10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.

1 Corinthians 14:11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.

1 Corinthians 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

1 Corinthians 14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

1 Corinthians 14:14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

1 Corinthians 14:15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

1 Corinthians 14:16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

1 Corinthians 14:17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

1 Corinthians 14:18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

1 Corinthians 14:19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

1 Corinthians 14:20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

1 Corinthians 14:21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.

1 Corinthians 14:22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

1 Corinthians 14:23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

1 Corinthians 14:24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

1 Corinthians 14:25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

1 Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

1 Corinthians 14:27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

1 Corinthians 14:28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

1 Corinthians 14:29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

1 Corinthians 14:30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

1 Corinthians 14:31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

1 Corinthians 14:32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

1 Corinthians 14:34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

1 Corinthians 14:35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

1 Corinthians 14:36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

1 Corinthians 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 14:38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

1 Corinthians 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

1 Corinthians 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

1 Corinthians 14:1

Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

Study: Paul urges believers to pursue love (charity) alongside spiritual gifts, highlighting prophecy as especially valuable because it builds up the church. In the cultural context of Corinth, where spiritual gifts were often misused for personal status, Paul redirects focus to love and edification. The command to 'follow after charity' reminds us that gifts without love fail their purpose, encouraging believers to desire gifts that serve the community.

1 Corinthians 14:2

For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

Study: Speaking in an unknown tongue is described as speaking to God rather than men, emphasizing its spiritual nature. Paul explains that this gift involves speaking mysteries in the Spirit, which may not be understood by others. This highlights the personal, devotional aspect of tongues, but also points to the limitation of this gift in corporate settings without interpretation.

1 Corinthians 14:3

But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

Study: Prophecy is presented as speaking to people for their edification, exhortation, and comfort, showing its practical benefit in the church. Unlike tongues, prophecy communicates clear messages that build up the congregation. This verse reveals why prophecy is preferred in public worship: it directly strengthens and encourages the community.

1 Corinthians 14:4

He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

Study: Paul contrasts the effects of tongues and prophecy, noting that tongues edify the speaker while prophecy edifies the church. This distinction underscores the communal purpose of spiritual gifts, reminding believers that gifts should benefit others, not just the individual’s spiritual experience.

1 Corinthians 14:5

I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

Study: While Paul desires all to speak in tongues, he prioritizes prophecy because it is greater unless tongues are interpreted. This shows the necessity of intelligibility for the church’s edification. The verse teaches that gifts must be exercised with consideration for the whole body, not just personal expression.

1 Corinthians 14:6

Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

Study: Paul challenges the Corinthians by asking what profit comes from speaking in tongues without revelation, knowledge, prophecy, or doctrine. This rhetorical question highlights the need for spiritual gifts to convey meaningful truth. It warns against empty displays of spiritual gifts that fail to instruct or encourage.

1 Corinthians 14:7

And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?

Study: Using the analogy of musical instruments, Paul illustrates that sounds must be distinct to be understood. This cultural reference to familiar instruments like pipes and harps emphasizes the importance of clarity in communication. The point is that worship and speech must be intelligible to fulfill their purpose.

1 Corinthians 14:8

For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

Study: Paul compares an uncertain trumpet sound to unclear speech, showing that without clarity, people cannot prepare for battle. This metaphor underscores the practical necessity of understandable communication in the church, especially when spiritual gifts are exercised publicly.

1 Corinthians 14:9

So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.

Study: Paul explains that if words are not clear, speaking is like speaking into the air, meaning it has no effect. This stresses the futility of unintelligible speech in worship and the need for gifts to be understandable to edify others.

1 Corinthians 14:10

There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.

Study: Paul acknowledges the diversity of voices and languages in the world, each with meaning. This recognition of linguistic variety sets the stage for understanding tongues as a real language but highlights the need for interpretation in the church context.

1 Corinthians 14:11

Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.

Study: Without understanding the language, Paul says the speaker and listener become like barbarians to each other, emphasizing the alienation caused by unintelligible speech. This insight stresses the importance of mutual comprehension for unity and edification.

1 Corinthians 14:12

Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

Study: Paul encourages believers to be zealous for spiritual gifts but to seek to excel in ways that build up the church. This verse ties the desire for gifts directly to their purpose: the edification of the body, reminding readers that gifts are not for self-glorification.

1 Corinthians 14:13

Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

Study: Paul instructs those who speak in tongues to pray for interpretation, showing the necessity of making the message understandable. This practical advice ensures that the gift benefits the entire congregation, not just the speaker.

1 Corinthians 14:14

For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

Study: When praying in tongues, the spirit prays, but the understanding is unfruitful, highlighting a limitation of this gift. This verse reveals the need for balance between spiritual experience and intellectual comprehension in prayer and worship.

1 Corinthians 14:15

What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

Study: Paul resolves the tension by saying he will pray and sing both with the spirit and with understanding. This balanced approach models mature worship that engages both heart and mind for fuller edification.

1 Corinthians 14:16

Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

Study: Paul points out that if someone blesses God in tongues, an unlearned person cannot say Amen because they do not understand. This shows the importance of intelligibility for communal participation and worship.

1 Corinthians 14:17

For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

Study: Though the speaker gives thanks well, the other person is not edified, emphasizing that worship without understanding fails to build up others. This verse reinforces the chapter’s theme of edification through clear communication.

1 Corinthians 14:18

I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

Study: Paul acknowledges his own gift of tongues, showing his personal experience with this spiritual gift. This admission adds credibility to his instructions and shows that he values tongues but within proper limits.

1 Corinthians 14:19

Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

Study: Despite his gift, Paul prefers to speak five understandable words in the church to teach others rather than thousands in tongues. This preference highlights the priority of teaching and clarity over quantity or spiritual display.

1 Corinthians 14:20

Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

Study: Paul exhorts believers to be mature in understanding but innocent in moral character, urging spiritual growth in discernment. This balance encourages believers to grow in wisdom without losing childlike purity.

1 Corinthians 14:21

In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.

Study: Paul quotes Isaiah to show that tongues were a sign to unbelievers, fulfilling prophecy about God speaking through different languages. This Old Testament connection grounds the practice of tongues in God’s redemptive plan.

1 Corinthians 14:22

Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

Study: Tongues serve as a sign to unbelievers, while prophecy benefits believers, clarifying the distinct purposes of these gifts. This distinction helps the church understand when and how each gift should be used.

1 Corinthians 14:23

If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

Study: Paul warns that if everyone speaks in tongues without interpretation, unbelievers may think the church is mad. This practical concern stresses the need for order and intelligibility in worship.

1 Corinthians 14:24

But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

Study: If all prophesy, unbelievers are convicted and judged, showing prophecy’s power to reveal truth and bring repentance. This verse highlights prophecy’s role in evangelism and church edification.

1 Corinthians 14:25

And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

Study: The secrets of the heart are revealed through prophecy, leading to worship and acknowledgment of God’s presence. This demonstrates God’s power to convict and draw people to Himself through spiritual gifts.

1 Corinthians 14:26

How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

Study: Paul outlines orderly worship where everyone contributes a psalm, doctrine, tongue, revelation, or interpretation for edification. This instruction promotes active participation balanced with order and purpose.

1 Corinthians 14:27

If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

Study: Paul limits speaking in tongues to two or three people, each taking turns with interpretation, to maintain order. This regulation prevents confusion and ensures the church benefits from the gift.

1 Corinthians 14:28

But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

Study: If no interpreter is present, the speaker should remain silent in the church and speak only to God privately. This rule safeguards the congregation from confusion and maintains reverence in worship.

1 Corinthians 14:29

Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

Study: Prophets should speak two or three times, and others should judge what is said, showing accountability and discernment in prophetic ministry. This promotes order and protects the church from false teaching.

1 Corinthians 14:30

If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

Study: If a revelation is given to another, the first prophet should be silent, encouraging humility and attentiveness among prophets. This fosters unity and respect in the exercise of spiritual gifts.

1 Corinthians 14:31

For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

Study: Paul encourages all to prophesy one by one so that everyone may learn and be comforted, emphasizing inclusivity and mutual encouragement. This practice builds up the church through shared teaching and exhortation.

1 Corinthians 14:32

And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

Study: The spirits of prophets are subject to the prophets, indicating that prophetic utterances are controlled and orderly, not chaotic. This counters misconceptions about prophecy being uncontrolled or irrational.

1 Corinthians 14:33

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

Study: God is not the author of confusion but of peace, and this principle should govern all churches. This theological truth underscores the need for orderly worship that reflects God’s character.

1 Corinthians 14:34

Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

Study: Paul instructs women to keep silence in churches, reflecting cultural and covenantal norms of submission and order in worship. This command aligns with Old Testament law and emphasizes respect for authority and peace in the assembly.

1 Corinthians 14:35

And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

Study: Women are encouraged to ask their husbands at home if they want to learn, highlighting orderly teaching and authority structures within the family and church. This maintains proper decorum and learning environments.

1 Corinthians 14:36

What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

Study: Paul challenges the Corinthians’ arrogance by asking if the word of God originated with them, reminding them that Scripture and apostolic teaching are authoritative beyond their preferences. This rebukes any sense of superiority or rebellion.

1 Corinthians 14:37

If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

Study: Those who consider themselves prophets or spiritual must recognize Paul’s instructions as the Lord’s commandments, affirming apostolic authority. This ensures unity and submission to God’s revealed will.

1 Corinthians 14:38

But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

Study: Paul concludes that if anyone is ignorant of these commands, they should remain so, implying that willful ignorance is unacceptable. This underscores the seriousness of obeying God’s instructions for church order.

1 Corinthians 14:39

Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

Study: Paul encourages believers to desire prophecy and not forbid speaking in tongues, balancing enthusiasm for spiritual gifts with proper use. This promotes a healthy pursuit of gifts that edify the church.

1 Corinthians 14:40

Let all things be done decently and in order.

Study: Paul’s final exhortation is for all things to be done decently and in order, summarizing the chapter’s emphasis on orderly worship that honors God and builds the church. This principle remains vital for church gatherings today.

1 Corinthians 14 focuses on the proper use of spiritual gifts, especially prophecy and speaking in tongues, within the church. Paul emphasizes that gifts must build up the congregation through clear communication and order. Tongues are described as a personal prayer language and a sign for unbelievers, while prophecy serves to instruct, encourage, and comfort believers. The chapter provides practical guidelines for worship to avoid confusion and promote peace, highlighting love and edification as the ultimate goals of spiritual gifts.

Lord, help us to pursue spiritual gifts with love and humility, seeking always to build up Your church. Teach us to use our gifts in ways that encourage and instruct others, and grant us wisdom to maintain order and peace in worship. May our hearts be focused on edifying the body of Christ, reflecting Your character in all we do. Amen.

• Pray daily for God to cultivate love and spiritual gifts in your life that build up others.
• Memorize 1 Corinthians 14:12 to remind yourself to seek gifts that edify the church.
• Reflect on how your words and actions either encourage or confuse others in your church community.
• Attend a church service and observe how spiritual gifts are exercised with order and clarity.
• Journal about ways you can contribute to building up your local church through your gifts and service.
• Practice praying and singing with both spirit and understanding, asking God to deepen your worship.
• Discuss with a trusted believer how to balance spiritual gifts and order in your church setting.

1 Corinthians 14 teaches that spiritual gifts, especially prophecy and tongues, are given to build up the church through love, clear communication, and order. Paul emphasizes that gifts should benefit the whole body, not just the individual, and provides practical instructions to maintain peace and understanding in worship. This chapter challenges believers to pursue maturity and use their gifts responsibly, ensuring that the church grows in faith, unity, and encouragement.

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