"THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS"
Chapter Fourteen
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To understand the proper use of tongues, especially their use in the
assembly
2) To understand the principles which are to govern the assembly of the
church
SUMMARY
In this chapter Paul concludes his discussion of spiritual gifts. In
comparing the gift of prophesying with that of speaking in tongues, he
points out that prophesying excels when it comes to the edification of
the church (1-5). In fact, unless the speaking of tongues is properly
interpreted, it does little good (6-19). Designed to convince
unbelievers, improper use of speaking in tongues in the assembly can
even bring reproach on the church (20-25). Therefore Paul regulates
the proper use of spiritual gifts in the assembly with a series of
instructions, including commandments from the Lord about the place of
women (26-40).
OUTLINE
I. SPIRITUAL GIFTS: PROPHESYING AND SPEAKING IN TONGUES (1-25)
A. PROPHESYING VERSUS SPEAKING IN TONGUES (1-5)
1. A call to love, but also spiritual gifts, especially the gift
of prophecy (1)
2. Speaking in tongues (as done at Corinth) is speaking to God
and is speaking mysteries (2)
3. Whereas prophesying edifies, exhorts, and comforts others (3)
4. Speaking in tongues (as done at Corinth) was not edifying the
church, thus the desire that they had the gift of prophecy
more than the gift of tongues (4-5)
B. USING TONGUES IN A PROFITABLE WAY (6-19)
1. Even Paul would not benefit them if he came and spoke to them
in tongues uninterpreted (6)
2. Like playing an instrument without giving any distinction in
the sounds (7-9)
3. Without interpretation, it is no better than a foreigner
speaking to you (10-11)
4. Therefore the admonitions:
a. To excel in the area of edifying the church (12)
b. For those who speak in tongues to pray that they may be
able to interpret (13)
c. To be able to pray and sing with both the spirit and the
understanding, that all might be edified (14-19)
C. ANOTHER COMPARISON BETWEEN TONGUES AND PROPHESYING (20-25)
1. Tongues are a sign for unbelievers, while prophesying is for
believers (20-22)
2. Tongues in the assembly (without interpreters) will give
people the wrong impression (23)
3. But prophesying in the assembly can bless even the unbeliever
and uninformed person (24-25)
II. SPIRITUAL GIFTS: REGULATING THEIR USE (26-40)
A. LET ALL THINGS BE DONE FOR EDIFICATION (26)
B. REGULATING THE USE OF TONGUES (27-28)
1. Two or three may speak, in turn, and let one interpret (27)
2. If there is no interpreter, keep silent in church (28)
C. REGULATING THE USE OF PROPHESYING (29-33)
1. Two or three prophets may speak, and others may discern (29)
2. To be done in turn, that all may learn, for the spirits of the
prophets are subject to the prophets (30-32)
3. God is not the author of confusion but of peace, in all the
churches (33)
D. REGULATING THE PLACE OF WOMEN IN THE ASSEMBLY (34-38)
1. They are to keep silent in the assemblies (34)
2. Let them ask husbands at home if they have questions (35a)
3. For it is shameful for women to speak in church (35b)
4. These are commandments of the Lord which must be recognized as
such (36-38)
E. FINAL COMMENTS (39-40)
1. Desire to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues
(39)
2. Let all things be done decently and in order (40)
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
Move your mouse pointer underneath each question to see the answer.
1) List the main points of this chapter.
2) As being practiced at Corinth, what did speaking in tongues
accomplish? (2,4)
3) What is the value of prophesying? (3)
4) What is necessary for speaking in tongues to be of value in the
assembly? (13)
5) What is the purpose of speaking in tongues? (22)
6) What restrictions does Paul place on speaking in tongues in the
assembly? (27-28)
7) What restriction does Paul place on women in the assemblies?
(34-35)
8) What two basic principles are to govern the assembly of the church?
(26,40)
9) What principles in this chapter does Sunday School violate?
