1 Corinthians 14:1-40

The Use Of Spiritual Gifts in the Gatherings of God's People (14:1-40).

Having raised us up to heaven Paul now brings us abruptly back to earth as he continues to advise on the use of spiritual gifts. But before doing so he urges once more that in the light of what he has just said, all follow after love. Then, thinking very much of the church meeting, he concentrates on the gifts related to prophecy and tongues. The detail in which he goes into this demonstrates his great concern, and the concern that there was in the church at Corinth. This makes it seem probable that in Corinth there was an overemphasis on, and an overuse of, tongues.

So of the two he exalts prophecy delivered in love. This is not so much because it is greater in itself, but because it is greater because it is of most benefit for all. For it feeds the mind and the heart, whereas tongues by its very nature only feeds the persons themselves.