1 Corinthians 14:1-25. The superiority of the gift of prophecy to that of tongues

1. desire Literally, be zealous for, envious of. See note on ch. 1 Corinthians 12:31. The best gifts (see note there) were those that were within the reach of all. Still there was no reason why a Christian should not seek other special gifts from God by prayer. See 1 Corinthians 14:13, and St James 1:5.

but rather that ye may prophesy The gift of prophecy, as is abundantly evident from the whole of this section, was not confined to the prediction of future events. As Kingsley remarks, the prophet was "not only a fore-teller but a forth-teller," one who communicates the moral and spiritual truths which he has received by direct revelation from God.

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