1 Corinthians: Not in VainSample

Having just laid out for us the ultimate and eternal value of love, the apostle Paul now gets practical, giving us an example of what love-inaction looks like in a church setting. 

This chapter has been the subject of endless debates about the role and place of so-called ‘spiritual gifts’ in church life, and yet the overall point is simple: as those pursuing love, Christians will seek to do what builds others up in the faith. The contrast between ‘tongues’ and ‘prophecy’ is simply one way of illustrating how we ‘follow the way of love’ (v. 1). 

Whilst there’s debate about exactly what these two particular phrases mean, this is our brief explanation: 

First, ‘speaking in a tongue’ seems to be making sounds directly to God (v. 2) in a language that cannot be understood by those listening. Though it may spiritually encourage the speaker, it doesn’t encourage others because it means nothing to them without interpretation. Therefore it will normally be kept for private use (vv. 13, 28), unless there is interpretation. 

Second, ‘prophecy’ here is different to the activity of Old Testament prophets, because it doesn’t appear to carry the same authority as if it were directly from God – otherwise it wouldn’t need to be ‘weighed’ (14:29). Yet crucially, unlike ‘tongues’, prophecy is understandable to others, and so it can encourage, comfort or instruct (vv. 3, 19). Another way of describing it might be ‘meaningful, personal application of God’s truth’. 

This contrast between tongues and prophecy is then brought to a head in verses 18–20. Though Paul is thankful for his own personal use of tongues, he prioritises speaking what is intelligible when he is with others. His decisions are shaped by what will be beneficial for other people; both what builds up Christians, but also what helps unbelievers to be convicted of sin (vv. 21–25). 

Reflection

It can be easy to slip into seeing church as something to benefit us, or even as a stage for us to step into the spotlight. How does this passage’s example of pursuing love change your perspective this week? 

Pray that your attitude and words will be part of your church maturing.