Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Apostles » Called by » God
Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God,
And God hath set in the church, first, apostles, secondly, prophets, thirdly, teachers: afterward miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, different kinds of tongues.
Verse Concepts
ChurchAttending ChurchApostles, Function In Early ChurchAttitudes, to other peopleHealingHuman IgnoranceBeing OrganizedShepherds, As Church LeaderOrder In Pastoral CareSpiritual Gifts, Given To ChurchTeachersChristian TeachersAdministrationAnonymityPeople HelpingFirst OnesHealing Through DisciplesOther Miracles
Paul an apostle (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father,
But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with flesh and blood:
Body » The body of Christ
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh that which is behind of the sufferings of Christ for his body, which is the church:
For as in one body we are many members, and all members have not the same office, So we being many are one body in Christ, and every one members of each other. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given us, whether it be prophesy, let us prophesy according to the analogy of faith: read more.
Or ministry, let us wait on our ministring; or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation. He that imparteth, let him do it with simplicity; he that presideth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with chearfulness.
Or ministry, let us wait on our ministring; or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation. He that imparteth, let him do it with simplicity; he that presideth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with chearfulness.
Know ye not, that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. Know ye not, that he who is joined to an harlot is one body? For they two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined to the Lord is one Spirit.
The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we, being many, are one bread, and one body; for we are all partakers of the one bread.
For as the body is one, and yet hath many members, but all the members of the body, many as they are, are one body, so is Christ. For we are all baptized by one Spirit into one body, whether we are Jews or Gentiles, whether slaves or freemen; and we have all drank of one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot should say, read more.
Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body, is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body, is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members, every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if all were one member, where were the body? Whereas now there are indeed many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of thee; or again, the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Yea, the members of the body, which appear to be weaker, are much more necessary. And those which we think to be the less honourable parts of the body, these we surround with more abundant honour, and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need; but God hath tempered the body together, giving more abundant honour to that which lacked: That there might be no schism in the body, but that the members might have the same care for each other: And whether one member suffer, all the members might suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members might rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in part. And God hath set in the church, first, apostles, secondly, prophets, thirdly, teachers: afterward miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? have all miraculous powers? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts. And yet I shew unto you a more excellent way.
Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body, is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body, is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members, every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if all were one member, where were the body? Whereas now there are indeed many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of thee; or again, the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Yea, the members of the body, which appear to be weaker, are much more necessary. And those which we think to be the less honourable parts of the body, these we surround with more abundant honour, and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need; but God hath tempered the body together, giving more abundant honour to that which lacked: That there might be no schism in the body, but that the members might have the same care for each other: And whether one member suffer, all the members might suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members might rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in part. And God hath set in the church, first, apostles, secondly, prophets, thirdly, teachers: afterward miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? have all miraculous powers? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts. And yet I shew unto you a more excellent way.
And what the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the energy of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, raising him from the dead; and he hath made him sit at his own right-hand in heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. read more.
And he hath put all things under his feet, and hath given him to be head over all things to the church, Which is his body; who is the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
And he hath put all things under his feet, and hath given him to be head over all things to the church, Which is his body; who is the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
I therefore the prisoner of the Lord beseech you, to walk worthy of the calling wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love, Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit, by the bond of peace. read more.
There is one body and one Spirit, as ye are also called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism: One God, and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in all. But to every one of us is given grace, according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, Having ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men. (Now that he ascended, what is it, but that he also descended first to the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same that ascended also, far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, to the edifying the body of Christ; Till we all come to the unity of the faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we may be no longer children, fluctuating to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the slight of men, by cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive: But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, who is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted, by that which every joint supplieth according to the effectual working in the measure of every member, maketh increase of the body, to the edifying of itself in love.
There is one body and one Spirit, as ye are also called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism: One God, and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in all. But to every one of us is given grace, according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, Having ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men. (Now that he ascended, what is it, but that he also descended first to the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same that ascended also, far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, to the edifying the body of Christ; Till we all come to the unity of the faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we may be no longer children, fluctuating to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the slight of men, by cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive: But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, who is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted, by that which every joint supplieth according to the effectual working in the measure of every member, maketh increase of the body, to the edifying of itself in love.
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as unto the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as Christ also is head of the church: (and he is the Saviour of the body) Therefore as the church is subject to Christ, so also let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. read more.
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify it (having cleansed it by the washing of water) through the word: That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, that it may be holy and unblamable. Men ought so to love their wives as their own bodies: he that loveth his wife, loveth himself. Now no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourisheth and cherisheth it, as also the Lord the church. For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife; and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery; I mean, concerning Christ and the church. But let every one of you in particular so love his wife as himself: and let the wife reverence her husband.
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify it (having cleansed it by the washing of water) through the word: That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, that it may be holy and unblamable. Men ought so to love their wives as their own bodies: he that loveth his wife, loveth himself. Now no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourisheth and cherisheth it, as also the Lord the church. For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife; and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery; I mean, concerning Christ and the church. But let every one of you in particular so love his wife as himself: and let the wife reverence her husband.
And the peace of God shall rule in your hearts, to which also ye are called in one body: and be ye thankful.
Covetousness » What to covet
Follow after love: and desire spiritual gifts; but especially that ye may prophesy.
Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in part. And God hath set in the church, first, apostles, secondly, prophets, thirdly, teachers: afterward miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? have all miraculous powers? read more.
Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts. And yet I shew unto you a more excellent way.
Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts. And yet I shew unto you a more excellent way.
Desires » What to desire
Follow after love: and desire spiritual gifts; but especially that ye may prophesy.
Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in part. And God hath set in the church, first, apostles, secondly, prophets, thirdly, teachers: afterward miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? have all miraculous powers? read more.
Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts. And yet I shew unto you a more excellent way.
Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts. And yet I shew unto you a more excellent way.
and all evil-speakings, As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious:
Giving and gifts » Desiring spiritual gifts
Follow after love: and desire spiritual gifts; but especially that ye may prophesy.
Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in part. And God hath set in the church, first, apostles, secondly, prophets, thirdly, teachers: afterward miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? have all miraculous powers? read more.
Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts. And yet I shew unto you a more excellent way.
Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts. And yet I shew unto you a more excellent way.
Leaders » FALSE » Prophets in the Christian church
Now there were in the church that was at Antioch, certain prophets and teachers, Barnabas, and Simeon called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene and Manaen, who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
And God hath set in the church, first, apostles, secondly, prophets, thirdly, teachers: afterward miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, different kinds of tongues.
Verse Concepts
ChurchAttending ChurchApostles, Function In Early ChurchAttitudes, to other peopleHealingHuman IgnoranceBeing OrganizedShepherds, As Church LeaderOrder In Pastoral CareSpiritual Gifts, Given To ChurchTeachersChristian TeachersAdministrationAnonymityPeople HelpingFirst OnesHealing Through DisciplesOther Miracles
And he gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers;
In those days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them,
Let two or three of the prophets speak, and let the rest judge. But if any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by,
Miracles » Performed » Of the holy spirit
And God hath set in the church, first, apostles, secondly, prophets, thirdly, teachers: afterward miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, different kinds of tongues.
Verse Concepts
ChurchAttending ChurchApostles, Function In Early ChurchAttitudes, to other peopleHealingHuman IgnoranceBeing OrganizedShepherds, As Church LeaderOrder In Pastoral CareSpiritual Gifts, Given To ChurchTeachersChristian TeachersAdministrationAnonymityPeople HelpingFirst OnesHealing Through DisciplesOther Miracles
But if it be by the Spirit of God that I cast out devils, then the kingdom of God is come upon you.
by the power of the Spirit, so that I have fully preached the Gospel of Christ, from Jerusalem round about, as far as Illyricum.
Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts.
To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gift of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another the discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues.
Miracles » Miraculous gifts of the holy spirit » Enumerated
And God hath set in the church, first, apostles, secondly, prophets, thirdly, teachers: afterward miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, different kinds of tongues.
Verse Concepts
ChurchAttending ChurchApostles, Function In Early ChurchAttitudes, to other peopleHealingHuman IgnoranceBeing OrganizedShepherds, As Church LeaderOrder In Pastoral CareSpiritual Gifts, Given To ChurchTeachersChristian TeachersAdministrationAnonymityPeople HelpingFirst OnesHealing Through DisciplesOther Miracles
For to one is given by the Spirit, the word of wisdom; to another by the same Spirit, the word of knowledge; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gift of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another the discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues.
Prophets » Names of persons spoken of as » Prophets in the Christian church
Now there were in the church that was at Antioch, certain prophets and teachers, Barnabas, and Simeon called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene and Manaen, who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
And God hath set in the church, first, apostles, secondly, prophets, thirdly, teachers: afterward miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, different kinds of tongues.
Verse Concepts
ChurchAttending ChurchApostles, Function In Early ChurchAttitudes, to other peopleHealingHuman IgnoranceBeing OrganizedShepherds, As Church LeaderOrder In Pastoral CareSpiritual Gifts, Given To ChurchTeachersChristian TeachersAdministrationAnonymityPeople HelpingFirst OnesHealing Through DisciplesOther Miracles
And he gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers;
In those days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them,
Let two or three of the prophets speak, and let the rest judge. But if any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by,
Religious » FALSE » Prophets in the Christian church
Now there were in the church that was at Antioch, certain prophets and teachers, Barnabas, and Simeon called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene and Manaen, who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
And God hath set in the church, first, apostles, secondly, prophets, thirdly, teachers: afterward miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, different kinds of tongues.
Verse Concepts
ChurchAttending ChurchApostles, Function In Early ChurchAttitudes, to other peopleHealingHuman IgnoranceBeing OrganizedShepherds, As Church LeaderOrder In Pastoral CareSpiritual Gifts, Given To ChurchTeachersChristian TeachersAdministrationAnonymityPeople HelpingFirst OnesHealing Through DisciplesOther Miracles
And he gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers;
In those days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them,
Let two or three of the prophets speak, and let the rest judge. But if any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by,
Divine Teacher » Christian
And a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught a considerable multitude: and the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
Now there were in the church that was at Antioch, certain prophets and teachers, Barnabas, and Simeon called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene and Manaen, who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
And God hath set in the church, first, apostles, secondly, prophets, thirdly, teachers: afterward miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, different kinds of tongues.
Verse Concepts
ChurchAttending ChurchApostles, Function In Early ChurchAttitudes, to other peopleHealingHuman IgnoranceBeing OrganizedShepherds, As Church LeaderOrder In Pastoral CareSpiritual Gifts, Given To ChurchTeachersChristian TeachersAdministrationAnonymityPeople HelpingFirst OnesHealing Through DisciplesOther Miracles
And he gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers;
Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things that relate to the Lord Jesus Christ, with all freedom of speech, no man forbidding him.
This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and being fervent in spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of Jesus, knowing only the baptism of John.
Paul also and Barnabas abode in Antioch, teaching and preaching with many others also the word of the Lord.
And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
Tongue » Gift of
And God hath set in the church, first, apostles, secondly, prophets, thirdly, teachers: afterward miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, different kinds of tongues.
Verse Concepts
ChurchAttending ChurchApostles, Function In Early ChurchAttitudes, to other peopleHealingHuman IgnoranceBeing OrganizedShepherds, As Church LeaderOrder In Pastoral CareSpiritual Gifts, Given To ChurchTeachersChristian TeachersAdministrationAnonymityPeople HelpingFirst OnesHealing Through DisciplesOther Miracles
Being therefore exalted by the right-hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
And Paul laying his hands on them, the Holy Ghost came upon them, and they spake with tongues and prophesied.
to another the gift of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another the discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues.
Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts.
For they heard them speaking with tongues and magnifying God.
And when the day of Pentecost was come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there was a sound from heaven, as of a rushing, violent wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them distinct tongues, as of fire; and it sat upon each of them. read more.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. And when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together and were confounded, because every man heard them speaking in his own language. And they were amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how hear we every one, in our own native language? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and dwellers in Mesopotamia, and Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt, and the parts of Africk about Cyrene, and Roman sojourners, (Jews and Proselytes) Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our tongues the wonderful works of God? And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What can this mean? But others mocking, said, They are full of sweet wine. Then Peter standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said to them, Men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known to you, and hearken to my words. These are not drunken as ye suppose for it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel, And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophecy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And in those days I will pour out of my Spirit upon my servants and upon my handmaids, and they shall prophecy.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. And when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together and were confounded, because every man heard them speaking in his own language. And they were amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how hear we every one, in our own native language? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and dwellers in Mesopotamia, and Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt, and the parts of Africk about Cyrene, and Roman sojourners, (Jews and Proselytes) Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our tongues the wonderful works of God? And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What can this mean? But others mocking, said, They are full of sweet wine. Then Peter standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said to them, Men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known to you, and hearken to my words. These are not drunken as ye suppose for it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel, And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophecy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And in those days I will pour out of my Spirit upon my servants and upon my handmaids, and they shall prophecy.
Tongues (the gift) » The miraculous gift granted to some early Christians
And God hath set in the church, first, apostles, secondly, prophets, thirdly, teachers: afterward miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, different kinds of tongues.
Verse Concepts
ChurchAttending ChurchApostles, Function In Early ChurchAttitudes, to other peopleHealingHuman IgnoranceBeing OrganizedShepherds, As Church LeaderOrder In Pastoral CareSpiritual Gifts, Given To ChurchTeachersChristian TeachersAdministrationAnonymityPeople HelpingFirst OnesHealing Through DisciplesOther Miracles
Love never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
to another the gift of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another the discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues.
Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts.
For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue, speaketh not to men, but to God; for no one understandeth him, though by the Spirit he speaketh mysteries: Whereas he that prophesieth, speaketh to men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue, edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth, edifieth the church. read more.
I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied; for he that prophesieth, is greater than he that speaketh with tongues, unless he interpret, that the church may receive edification. Now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, unless I speak to you, either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophecy, or by doctrine? So inanimate things which give a sound, whether pipe or harp, unless they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? And if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who will prepare himself for the battle? So likewise unless ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? For ye will speak to the air. Let there be ever so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them without signification: Yet if I know not the meaning of the language, I shall be a barbarian to him that speaketh, and he that speaketh will be a barbarian to me. So ye also, seeing ye desire spiritual gifts, seek to abound in them, to the edifying of the church. Therefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue, pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my Spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What then is my duty? I will pray with the Spirit; but I will pray with the understanding also; I will sing with the Spirit; but I will sing with the understanding also. Otherwise if thou givest thanks with the Spirit, how shall he that filleth the place of a private person, say Amen to thy thanksgiving, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? For thou verily givest thanks well; yet the other is not edified. I thank God, that I speak with tongues more than you all. Yet in the congregation I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied; for he that prophesieth, is greater than he that speaketh with tongues, unless he interpret, that the church may receive edification. Now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, unless I speak to you, either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophecy, or by doctrine? So inanimate things which give a sound, whether pipe or harp, unless they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? And if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who will prepare himself for the battle? So likewise unless ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? For ye will speak to the air. Let there be ever so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them without signification: Yet if I know not the meaning of the language, I shall be a barbarian to him that speaketh, and he that speaketh will be a barbarian to me. So ye also, seeing ye desire spiritual gifts, seek to abound in them, to the edifying of the church. Therefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue, pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my Spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What then is my duty? I will pray with the Spirit; but I will pray with the understanding also; I will sing with the Spirit; but I will sing with the understanding also. Otherwise if thou givest thanks with the Spirit, how shall he that filleth the place of a private person, say Amen to thy thanksgiving, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? For thou verily givest thanks well; yet the other is not edified. I thank God, that I speak with tongues more than you all. Yet in the congregation I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
It is written in the law, In foreign tongues and with foreign lips will I speak to this people; and neither so will they hear me, saith the Lord. So that tongues are for a sign, not to believers, but to unbelievers; whereas prophecy is not for unbelievers, but for believers. Yet if the whole church be met together, and all speak with unknown tongues, and there come in ignorant persons or unbelievers, will they not say, that ye are mad? read more.
Whereas if all prophesy, and there come in an unbeliever, or an ignorant person, he is convicted by all, he is judged by all: The secrets of his heart are made manifest, and so falling down on his face, he will worship God, and declare that God is among you of a truth. What a thing is it, brethren, that when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation? Let all things be done to edification. If any one speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two or three at most, and that by course, and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him be silent in the church, and let him speak to himself and to God.
Whereas if all prophesy, and there come in an unbeliever, or an ignorant person, he is convicted by all, he is judged by all: The secrets of his heart are made manifest, and so falling down on his face, he will worship God, and declare that God is among you of a truth. What a thing is it, brethren, that when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation? Let all things be done to edification. If any one speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two or three at most, and that by course, and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him be silent in the church, and let him speak to himself and to God.
Therefore, brethren, covet to prophesy; yet forbid not to speak with tongues.