Prophecy and Languages

Rev. Peter Ill, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Corinthians 14:1-25.

Keeping in mind the most excellent way that is love, St. Paul instructs the Corinthians concerning their use of prophecy and speaking in tongues. He holds up prophecy as the more helpful gift, because prophecy builds up the entire church, while speaking miraculously in a known foreign language benefits only the individual, unless someone translates. As the Corinthians seek to use the gifts bestowed by the Spirit within their public worship services, they should consider how they can benefit the whole congregation. If an outsider witnessed the foreign languages, the scene would appear only to be confusion and only add to his judgment. However, prophecy would serve to proclaim the Word of God that would bring the unbeliever to repentance and faith in Christ.

“Nothing But Christ Crucified” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistle of 1 Corinthians. In response to correspondence from the Christians in Corinth and reports about matters arising in the congregation, St. Paul writes to address various matters of Christian faith and life. Throughout it all, he directs our attention to the power and wisdom of God for our salvation: Christ crucified.