Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Corinthians 14:20

"Brethren, be not children in mind: yet in malice be ye babes, but in mind be men." — 1 Corinthians 14:20 (ASV)

In this section Paul first calls on the Corinthians to think maturely, as “adults” (GK 5455) in Christ, rather than be controlled by evil motives in their appraisal of tongues. He then implies that prophecy is superior to speaking in tongues because though tongues, as in Ac 2, can be impressive to the unbelievers in showing that God is present and can lead them to face the claims of Christ, yet prophecy can be more effective in bringing the unbeliever to conviction of sin. This was true of Peter’s sermon following the speaking in tongues at Pentecost (Acts 2:14–37). To illustrate his point that there is no special mark of divine blessing to have people in the congregation who can speak in a language not understood, Paul cites Isa 28:11–12, his point being that if Israel would not hear the Lord through the prophets, they certainly would not hear when he spoke in foreign languages to them through foreign people. So, Paul is saying, why put so much stress on tongues? Paul concludes (v.22) that tongues can be and are a sign of something miraculous, an indication of God’s presence to unbelievers (cf. Acts 2). Believers do not need that sign, for they already have the indwelling Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9– 11; 1 Corinthians 6:19). But this is not all. Too much emphasis should not be placed on tongues even for unbelievers, for excessive use of this gift will have an adverse effect on them, and they will think that the Christians are out of their minds (v.23). Furthermore, everyone needs the blessing of prophecy that can bring unbelievers visiting the church under conviction of sin (vv.24–25). Those who “do not understand” seem to be unbelievers who have begun to show interest in the Gospel—inquirers. The effect of Christian prophecy on such people is threefold: They will be convicted of sin (cf. Jn 16:8); they will be called to take account of their sins and examine their sinful condition; and they will have their sinful heart and past laid open to inspection (cf. Jn 4:16-19). The entire church through its prophetic message has, in God’s providence, a part in bringing unbelievers to this place of conviction. They will then recognize that God really is present and is dealing with them.