College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
1 Corinthians 14 - Introduction
Butler's Comments
Chapter Fourteen
THE PROBLEM OF EDIFICATION IN THE MIDST OF DIVERSITY
IDEAS TO INVESTIGATE:
1.
Who is supposed to earnestly desire the spiritual gifts? Are we, today, to desire them?
2.
In what way were the Corinthians apparently using speaking in tongues so that the tongues were unedifying?
3.
What is the significance of the Old Testament prophecy from Isaiah in this context?
4.
Why did Paul state, ... and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets?
5.
Is it really shameful for a woman to speak in church?
APPLICATIONS:
1.
The attitude of the Corinthians toward miraculous gifts shows conclusively that possession of miraculous powers, per se, does not produce holiness or Christian maturity.
2.
It is possible to have a miraculous gift and be carnally-minded.
3.
Teaching the word of God (in Corinth, by prophecy since there was as yet no completed New Testament scripture) in understandable human language is to be preferred above every other exercise in the church.
4.
Edification, maturation, is the goal of everything God does through members of the body of Christ.
5.
God wants Christians to be mature in their thinking and reasoning.
6.
Self-glorification is childish and forbidden in Christians.
7.
God demands order and planning in the corporate assembly of the Churchand in private worship, too, we might add.
8.
No personal experience, miraculous or non-miraculous, can be a substitute for obedience to the apostolic word.
9.
A thorough study of this chapter (using proper hermeneutical principles) shows conclusively that modern, pseudo-miraculous gifts, do not fit the apostolic revelation concerning miraculous gifts.
APPREHENSIONS:
1.
Is the word gifts in 1 Corinthians 14:1? What does its absence probably indicate?
2.
Why did Paul emphasize seeking the gift of prophecy?
3.
Does it not seem in 1 Corinthians 14:4 Paul is rebuking (mildly) some of the Corinthians for seeking to edify only themselves by using the gift of tongues without interpretation? Why would we reach that conclusion?
4.
Why would using a miraculous gift only for oneself be wrong?
5.
How do we know Paul is talking about human languages, knowable languages, when he says tongues? (1 Corinthians 14:10)
6.
Why were the gifts given to the Corinthians? (1 Corinthians 12:7; 1 Corinthians 14:5; 1 Corinthians 14:12; 1 Corinthians 14:19; 1 Corinthians 14:26)
7.
Did the possession of a miraculous gift mean the possessor's own abilities to think and reason were suspended in the exercise of the gift? (1 Corinthians 14:13-19)
8.
Are Christians supposed to think? Like mature adults? (1 Corinthians 14:20)
9.
Why does Paul quote from Isaiah 28:11-12 in this discussion of tongues?
10.
Who is the outsider? Who is the unbeliever in Corinth?
11.
Which was better for the outsider and unbeliever to experience in the congregation at Corinthtongues or prophecy? Why?
12.
Did Paul give rules for the use of miraculous gifts? Name the rules!
13.
Why did Paul address the subject of women speaking in the church here? What does he say about it in chapter 11?
14.
What is the Greek word which is translated decency?
15.
Is Paul's emphatic statement about the church's need to follow planned, regimented worship relevant for the church today? How? or why?
Applebury's Comments
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Analysis
A.
Paul indicates that he is not discouraging the use of the gifts, but that he is arguing for the necessity of correcting the misuse of the gift of tongues (1 Corinthians 14:1-19).
1.
In urging the church to follow after love, he says for them to earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:1-5).
a)
Follow after love, the most excellent way explained in chapter thirteen.
b)
In doing so, earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially prophecy.
c)
He explains what is accomplished in speaking in tongues without interpretation in contrast with what is accomplished for the church through prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:2-4).
(1)
He points out what is done by speaking in a tongue (1 Corinthians 14:2).
(a) One speaks not to men but to God.
(b)
No one understands.
(c)
In the Spirit he speaks mysteries.
(2)
He points out what is done by prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:3).
(a)
One speaks to men.
(b)
He speaks for the edification, exhortation, and consolation of the church.
(3)
He contrasts the effects of the two (1 Corinthians 14:4).
(a)
He that speaks in a tongue edifies himself.
(b)
He that prophesies edifies the church.
(4)
He tells why he would prefer to have them prophesy (1 Corinthians 14:5).
(a)
In so doing, he does not discourage the use of tongues. He says, I would have you all speak in tongues.
(b)
Through prophecy the church receives edification.
(c)
Greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks in a tongue except he interpret.
2.
He presents a three-fold argument for the necessity of using the spiritual gifts in such a manner that the church may receive edification (1 Corinthians 14:6-12).
a)
The first argument: His own use of the gift of tongues.
(1)
He assumes that he may be speaking to them in tongues.
(2)
He asks the question: What profit would it be to the church unless it is by way of revelation, or knowledge, or prophesying, or teaching?
b)
The second argument: Such instruments as the flute, harp, and bugle must be so used as to be understood. Note: Tongues had to be interpreted in order to edify the church.
c)
The third argument: The tongue (the human organ of speech) must be so used that what is spoken can be understood (1 Corinthians 14:10-11).
(1)
If what is spoken is not understood, it is like speaking into the air.
(2)
Languages (voices) of the world must be understood; otherwise, it would be like speaking to a foreigner.
d)
Conclusion: He says, Seek that ye may abound unto the edification of the church (1 Corinthians 14:12). Note: The argument that follows is for the necessity of translation so that the tongue may edify.
3.
In giving instruction to the one using the gift of tongues, he presents a three-fold argument for the necessity of translating the message spoken in a foreign language (1 Corinthians 14:13-19).
a)
He instructs the one using a tongue to pray that he may interpret (translate) (1 Corinthians 14:13).
b)
First argument: He assumes a case in which he might be praying in a tongue (1 Corinthians 14:14-15).
(1)
In this situation his spirit prays but his understanding is not benefitted.
(2)
He therefore determines to pray and sing with the understanding (this implies the necessity of translation as indicated in 1 Corinthians 14:5 and 1 Corinthians 14:13).
c)
Second argument: He assumes a situation in which the unlearned (the one without these gifts) is unable to understand and say Amen (1 Corinthians 14:16-17).
(1)
In this situation one is giving thanks by using the spiritual gifts.
(2)
But if he doesn-'t know what is said, how can he say Amen?
(3)
The result is that he is not edified. (This implies the necessity of translation).
d)
Third argument: Paul's own experience in using the gift of tongues (1 Corinthians 14:18-19).
(1)
He thanks God that he speaks in tongues more than all the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 14:18).
(2)
He tells why he prefers to speak in the church with his understanding, that is, he would rather speak five words to instruct than ten thousand in a tongue (1 Corinthians 14:19). (Implies necessity of translation).
B.
In appealing to the church to use the spiritual gifts as they were intended, Paul sets forth certain rules and regulations to be followed (1 Corinthians 14:20-40).
1.
He appeals to them to use the gifts as they were intended (1 Corinthians 14:20-25).
a)
He indicates that this implies the necessity of taking a mature view of gifts (1 Corinthians 14:20).
b)
He indicates the purpose of the gift of tongues by reference to a statement of the law (1 Corinthians 14:21-22).
(1)
The statement of the law (Isaiah 28:11-12).
(2)
Tongues are a sign for unbelievers; prophecy is for (the instruction) of the believer.
c)
His appeal for the proper use of the gifts (1 Corinthians 14:23-25).
(1)
He assumes a situation in which unlearned men (those without the gifts) and unbelievers may enter the assembly while all are speaking in foreign languages. The effect will be that they say, Ye are mad.
(2)
He assumes a similar situation when all are prophesying and points out the result since the unbeliever or the one without gifts understood.
(a)
He is approved by all.
(b)
He is judged by all.
(c)
The secrets of his heart are made manifest.
(d)
He will fall down and worship God.
(e)
He will declare that God is among you.
2.
He presents rules and regulations for the church to follow (1 Corinthians 14:26-40).
a)
He gives general rules to be followed for the edification of the church (1 Corinthians 14:26).
b)
He gives specific rules for the use of tongues (1 Corinthians 14:27-28).
(1)
Two or three, and that in turn.
(2)
One to interpret.
(3)
If no interpreter, keep silence. Speak to self and to God (implying that the speaker and God understood what was said).
c)
He gives rules for the prophets to follow (1 Corinthians 14:29-33).
(1)
Only two or three to speak; others to discern.
(2)
One at a time; prophets can control their use of the gift.
(3)
God is not a God of confusion, but of peace.
d)
He gives certain regulations for women to observe (1 Corinthians 14:34-36).
(1)
This is the same in all the churches of the saints.
(2)
The women are to keep silence in the churches.
(3)
The law indicates that they are not to speak but to be in subjection.
(4)
They are to ask their husbands at home.
(5)
It is a shame for a woman to speak in church.
(6)
The apostle, implying that there were objections to this instruction, asks: Was it from you the word of God went forth? Or did it come to you alone?
e)
He indicates that what he wrote is the commandment of God; ignorance of the fact does not change it (1 Corinthians 14:37-38).
f)
He gives a closing word of advice on the matter (1 Corinthians 14:39-40).
(1)
Desire earnestly to prophesy.
(2)
Do not forbid speaking in tongues.
(3)
Let all things be done decently and in order.
Questions
1.
What are the two principal phases of the subject of spiritual gifts which are discussed in this chapter?
2.
How is the discussion of this chapter related to what is said in the two preceding Chapter s?
3.
In what way is the subject of spiritual gifts related to the discussion of division?
4.
What are the three major abuses of the subject of tongues which Paul discussed in this section?
5.
What corrective measure does he suggest for each?
6.
What evidence is there that Paul was not discouraging the use of the gift of tongues?
7.
What was the essential purpose of the gifts when used in the church?
8.
Why did Paul indicate that the church should desire prophecy above the gift of tongues?
9.
What did he recommend in order to make tongues of equal value to the church?
10.
What was speaking in tongues?
11.
How does the gift which was used in the church at Corinth compare with the gift as used on Pentecost?
12.
In the light of Paul's teaching on the subject of spiritual gifts, what differences are evident between the gift of tongues and the present day utterance of speech-like sounds under emotional stress?
13.
What is the difference between the guidance which the Holy Spirit gave the apostles and the providence of God which the faithful Christian can observe by looking back over his experiences?
14.
How was the ability to speak in a foreign language distributed by the Holy Spirit?
15.
How is the modern missionary forced to meet the language barrier?
16.
How was it possible for the one who used the gift of tongues to speak to God and not to men?
17.
What is meant by speaking mysteries? By whom was it done?
18.
How was it possible for one who spoke in a tongue to edify himself?
19.
Why, then, was not the church also edified?
20.
Why was the one who prophesied greater?
21.
What bearing does this have on the problem of jealousy over the gifts?
22.
What is the issue in each of the two series of arguments for the correct use of tongues?
23.
What are the three arguments in the first series?
24.
What are the three arguments in the second series?
25.
In verse nine, what is meant by the tongue?
26.
What is meant by barbarian?
27.
Why would the use of the gift of tongues cause one to be like a foreigner?
28.
What did Paul mean by the expression, my spirit prays?
29.
What is meant by unlearned?
30.
What is Paul's point about saying Amen?
31.
Why did Paul thank God that he spoke in tongues more than all?
32.
Why, then, the comparison about five words with understanding and ten thousand words in a tongue?
33.
What did Paul mean by the remark, Be not children in mind?
34.
How explain the quotation from Isaiah about men of strange tongues?
35.
How does this show what was done by speaking in tongues?
36.
To what did Paul refer by law?
37.
What was the primary purpose of the gift of tongues?
38.
What was the purpose of prophecy?
39.
Why should we delete the italicized words, is for a sign in the English text?
40.
What is the difference between unlearned and unbeliever?
41.
Why would they say, Ye are mad?
42.
Why would the same ones say, God is in the midst of you?
43.
What rules were to be observed in determining who was to speak in the church?
44.
What proof is there that the prophets could exercise self-control in using the gift of prophecy?
45.
What bearing does this have on some instances of supposed speaking in tongues today?
46.
What is meant by churches of the saints?
47.
Why did Paul use it in this connection?
48.
Why did he say, let the women keep silence in the churches?
49.
What responsibility of the husband is implied by the apostle's instruction for the wife to ask her husband at home?
50.
Why did he say that what he was saying was the commandment of the Lord?
For Discussion
1.
What should our attitude be toward the Bible as the guide-book to heaven?
2.
Have you found anything lacking in it?
3.
Do you know of instances where attempts to speak in tongues have caused division in a local church?