Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Corinthians 14

In making his transition from the beautiful thirteenth chapter (14:1a), Paul uses a strong verb—“pursue” (“follow the way of” in NIV; GK 1503; cf. Php 3:12, 14)—as he charges the Corinthians to seek love. This verb is stronger than the following one (“eagerly desire”; GK 2420), which he applies to seeking spiritual gifts. So love must have the priority; after that the gift of prophecy must particularly be sought.

Paul now begins to show why tongues are not to be preferred. In speaking in tongues, the speaker is talking only to God (cf. Romans 8:26) in a language unknown to other people. “Mysteries” (GK 3696) refers to the deep truths of God’s salvation (cf. Acts 2:11). “By [or, with] the spirit” does not refer to the Holy Spirit, who is not mentioned in the context, but to the person’s own spirit (vv.14–15).

Paul describes the advantages of prophesying (GK 4736). Prophecy edifies the church, whereas by speaking in tongues, one builds oneself up in seeking spiritual fellowship with God. There is no mention here that the speaker understands the tongues; not until later does Paul discuss the problem of understanding and insist that the gift of interpretation should be sought by speakers in tongues (vv.13–15). “Encouragement” and “comfort” are aspects of the edifying or strengthening that comes from prophesying.

Paul describes the advantages of prophesying (GK 4736). Prophecy edifies the church, whereas by speaking in tongues, one builds oneself up in seeking spiritual fellowship with God. There is no mention here that the speaker understands the tongues; not until later does Paul discuss the problem of understanding and insist that the gift of interpretation should be sought by speakers in tongues (vv.13–15). “Encouragement” and “comfort” are aspects of the edifying or strengthening that comes from prophesying.

Paul emphatically restates v.1b: Speak in tongues, you Corinthians, yes; but more than that, I want you to prophesy, because this gift brings understanding and strengthening to the church. However, if there is an interpretation of the tongue, then speaking in tongues can strengthen the church.