Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Apostles » Called by » God
Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes, our brother,
And God did set certain ones in the congregation : first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that faculties, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities 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, apostle (not from men neither through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead)
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, immediately I did not confer with flesh and blood,
Body » The body of Christ
who now rejoice in my sufferings for you and fulfill in my flesh that which is lacking of the tribulations of the Christ for his body's sake, which is the congregation ,
For in the manner that we have many members in one body, nevertheless all the members do not have the same operation; likewise many of us are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. So that having different gifts according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, according to the measure of faith; read more.
or ministry, in serving; or he that teaches, in doctrine; he that exhorts, in exhortation; he that gives, let him do it in simplicity; he that presides, in earnest care; he that shows mercy, in cheerfulness.
or ministry, in serving; or he that teaches, in doctrine; he that exhorts, in exhortation; he that gives, let him do it in simplicity; he that presides, in earnest care; he that shows mercy, in cheerfulness.
Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them the members of a harlot? In no wise. What? know ye not that he who is joined to the harlot is one body with her? For they shall be, saith he, two in one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the fellowship of the blood of the Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the fellowship of the body of the Christ? For one loaf of bread means that many are one body, for we are all partakers of that one loaf.
For as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also the Christ. For by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body, whether we are Jews or Greeks, whether we are slaves or free, and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. read more.
If the foot shall say, Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body, is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body, is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the smelling be? But now God has set the members each one of them in the body, as it has pleased him. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? But now they are indeed many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee; nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. For those members of the body, which seem to be weaker, are much more necessary; and those members of the body which we think to be more vile, these we dress with more abundant honour; and those in us who are more indecent have more honesty. For those in us who are more honest need nothing, but God has ordered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that one which lacked, that there should be no contradiction in the body, but that the members should have the same care one for another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer together; or if one member is honoured, all the members rejoice together. Now ye are the body of Christ and members in particular. And God did set certain ones in the congregation : first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that faculties, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? do all have faculties? Do all have gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But earnestly pursue the best gifts, and yet I show unto you a more excellent way.
If the foot shall say, Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body, is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body, is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the smelling be? But now God has set the members each one of them in the body, as it has pleased him. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? But now they are indeed many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee; nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. For those members of the body, which seem to be weaker, are much more necessary; and those members of the body which we think to be more vile, these we dress with more abundant honour; and those in us who are more indecent have more honesty. For those in us who are more honest need nothing, but God has ordered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that one which lacked, that there should be no contradiction in the body, but that the members should have the same care one for another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer together; or if one member is honoured, all the members rejoice together. Now ye are the body of Christ and members in particular. And God did set certain ones in the congregation : first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that faculties, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? do all have faculties? Do all have gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But earnestly pursue the best gifts, and yet I show unto you a more excellent way.
and what is the exceeding greatness of his power in us who believe, by the operation of the power of his strength, which operated in the Christ, raising him from the dead and setting him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in that which is to come, read more.
And has put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the congregation , which is his body, and he is the fullness of her: who fills all things in everyone.
And has put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the congregation , which is his body, and he is the fullness of her: who fills all things in everyone.
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation with which ye are called, with all humility and meekness, with tolerance, forbearing one another in love, being diligent to guard the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. read more.
There is one body and one Spirit, even as ye are 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 you all. But unto each one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of the Christ. Therefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all the heavens, that he might fulfill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints in the work of the ministry, unto the edifying of the body of the Christ until we all come forth in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the coming of age of the Christ: That we no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men and cunning craftiness, by which they lie in wait to deceive, but following the truth in charity, let us grow up into him in all things, who is the head, the Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and well tied together among itself by the nourishment that every connecting bond supplies, by the operation of each member according to measure they have received, making increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in charity.
There is one body and one Spirit, even as ye are 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 you all. But unto each one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of the Christ. Therefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all the heavens, that he might fulfill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints in the work of the ministry, unto the edifying of the body of the Christ until we all come forth in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the coming of age of the Christ: That we no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men and cunning craftiness, by which they lie in wait to deceive, but following the truth in charity, let us grow up into him in all things, who is the head, the Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and well tied together among itself by the nourishment that every connecting bond supplies, by the operation of each member according to measure they have received, making increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in charity.
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husband, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as the Christ is head of the congregation , and it is he who gives saving health to the body. Therefore, as the congregation is subject unto the Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. read more.
Husbands, love your wives even as the Christ also loved the congregation and gave himself for her, that he might sanctify and cleanse her in the washing of water by the word, that he might present her glorious for himself, a congregation , not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. So ought husbands to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it even as the Lord with his congregation : 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 unto his wife, and they shall be two in one flesh. This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the congregation . Nevertheless, let each one of you do likewise, let each one so love his wife even as himself, and let the wife see that she reverences her husband.
Husbands, love your wives even as the Christ also loved the congregation and gave himself for her, that he might sanctify and cleanse her in the washing of water by the word, that he might present her glorious for himself, a congregation , not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. So ought husbands to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it even as the Lord with his congregation : 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 unto his wife, and they shall be two in one flesh. This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the congregation . Nevertheless, let each one of you do likewise, let each one so love his wife even as himself, and let the wife see that she reverences her husband.
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, into which likewise ye are called into one body, and be ye thankful.
Covetousness » What to covet
Follow after charity and earnestly pursue spiritual gifts, but above all, that ye may prophesy.
Now ye are the body of Christ and members in particular. And God did set certain ones in the congregation : first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that faculties, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? do all have faculties? read more.
Do all have gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But earnestly pursue the best gifts, and yet I show unto you a more excellent way.
Do all have gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But earnestly pursue the best gifts, and yet I show unto you a more excellent way.
Desires » What to desire
Follow after charity and earnestly pursue spiritual gifts, but above all, that ye may prophesy.
Now ye are the body of Christ and members in particular. And God did set certain ones in the congregation : first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that faculties, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? do all have faculties? read more.
Do all have gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But earnestly pursue the best gifts, and yet I show unto you a more excellent way.
Do all have gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But earnestly pursue the best gifts, and yet I show unto you a more excellent way.
as newborn babes, desire the rational milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby in health; if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is benevolent;
Giving and gifts » Desiring spiritual gifts
Follow after charity and earnestly pursue spiritual gifts, but above all, that ye may prophesy.
Now ye are the body of Christ and members in particular. And God did set certain ones in the congregation : first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that faculties, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? do all have faculties? read more.
Do all have gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But earnestly pursue the best gifts, and yet I show unto you a more excellent way.
Do all have gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But earnestly pursue the best gifts, and yet I show unto you a more excellent way.
Leaders » FALSE » Prophets in the Christian church
Now there were in the congregation that was at Antioch prophets and teachers: Barnabas and Simeon that was called Niger and Lucius of Cyrene and Manaen, who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
And God did set certain ones in the congregation : first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that faculties, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities 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,
Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the others judge.
Miracles » Performed » Of the holy spirit
And God did set certain ones in the congregation : first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that faculties, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities 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 I cast out the demons by the Spirit of God, then certainly the kingdom of God is come unto you.
with power of signs and wonders, in virtue of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem and round about unto Illyricum, I have filled the entire area with the gospel of the Christ.
Do all have gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
to another, faith by the same Spirit; to another, gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another, the operation of miracles; to another, prophecy; to another, discerning of spirits; to another, different kinds of tongues; to another, the interpretation of tongues:
Miracles » Miraculous gifts of the holy spirit » Enumerated
And God did set certain ones in the congregation : first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that faculties, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities 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 a word of wisdom; to another, a word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another, faith by the same Spirit; to another, gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another, the operation of miracles; to another, prophecy; to another, discerning of spirits; to another, different 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 congregation that was at Antioch prophets and teachers: Barnabas and Simeon that was called Niger and Lucius of Cyrene and Manaen, who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
And God did set certain ones in the congregation : first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that faculties, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities 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,
Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the others judge.
Religious » FALSE » Prophets in the Christian church
Now there were in the congregation that was at Antioch prophets and teachers: Barnabas and Simeon that was called Niger and Lucius of Cyrene and Manaen, who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
And God did set certain ones in the congregation : first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that faculties, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities 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,
Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the others judge.
Divine Teacher » Christian
And it came to pass that for a whole year they gathered themselves together with the congregation and taught many people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Now there were in the congregation that was at Antioch prophets and teachers: Barnabas and Simeon that was called Niger and Lucius of Cyrene and Manaen, who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
And God did set certain ones in the congregation : first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that faculties, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities 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 those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all liberty, without hindrance.
This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spoke and taught diligently the things of the Lord, teaching only in the baptism of John.
Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching the word of the Lord and announcing the gospel, with many others also.
And he continued there a year and six months, teaching them the word of God.
Tongue » Gift of
And God did set certain ones in the congregation : first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that faculties, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities 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
Therefore being raised up by the right hand of God and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this which ye now see and hear.
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
to another, the operation of miracles; to another, prophecy; to another, discerning of spirits; to another, different kinds of tongues; to another, the interpretation of tongues:
Do all have gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered,
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. read more.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.) Now at this sound, the multitude came together and were confounded because each one heard them speak in his own tongue. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these who speak Galilaeans? And how do we hear each one speak in our own tongue, with which we were brought up? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and the dwellers in Mesopotamia and in Judaea and Cappadocia, in Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, in Egypt and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed and were in doubt, saying one to another, What does this mean? Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. Then Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea and all ye that dwell in Jerusalem, be this known unto you and hearken to my words; for these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing 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 prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; and for certain on my slaves and on my handmaids I will pour out in those days of my Spirit, and they shall prophesy;
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.) Now at this sound, the multitude came together and were confounded because each one heard them speak in his own tongue. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these who speak Galilaeans? And how do we hear each one speak in our own tongue, with which we were brought up? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and the dwellers in Mesopotamia and in Judaea and Cappadocia, in Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, in Egypt and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed and were in doubt, saying one to another, What does this mean? Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. Then Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea and all ye that dwell in Jerusalem, be this known unto you and hearken to my words; for these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing 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 prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; and for certain on my slaves and on my handmaids I will pour out in those days of my Spirit, and they shall prophesy;
Tongues (the gift) » The miraculous gift granted to some early Christians
And God did set certain ones in the congregation : first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that faculties, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities 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
Charity is never lost, but prophecies shall come to an end, tongues shall cease, and knowledge shall come to an end.
to another, the operation of miracles; to another, prophecy; to another, discerning of spirits; to another, different kinds of tongues; to another, the interpretation of tongues:
Do all have gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
For he that speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not unto men, but unto God, for no one understands him, even though by the Spirit he speaks mysteries. But he that prophesies speaks unto men for edification and exhortation and comfort. He that speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself, but he that prophesies edifies the congregation . read more.
I would that ye all spoke with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied, for greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks with tongues, unless he interprets, that the congregation may receive edifying. Now, brothers, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either with revelation or with knowledge or with prophecy or with doctrine? And even things without life giving sound, whether flute or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is played or harped? For if the trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue a clear and definite word, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. There are many kinds of distinct voices in the world, and nothing is dumb. Therefore, if I ignore the virtue of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaks as a barbarian, and he that speaks shall be a barbarian unto me. Even so ye, forasmuch as ye desire the things of the Spirit, earnestly pursue excellence unto the edification of the congregation . Therefore, let him that speaks in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also; I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupies the place of the ignorant say, Amen, at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understands not what thou sayest? For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all; yet in the congregation I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
I would that ye all spoke with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied, for greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks with tongues, unless he interprets, that the congregation may receive edifying. Now, brothers, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either with revelation or with knowledge or with prophecy or with doctrine? And even things without life giving sound, whether flute or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is played or harped? For if the trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue a clear and definite word, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. There are many kinds of distinct voices in the world, and nothing is dumb. Therefore, if I ignore the virtue of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaks as a barbarian, and he that speaks shall be a barbarian unto me. Even so ye, forasmuch as ye desire the things of the Spirit, earnestly pursue excellence unto the edification of the congregation . Therefore, let him that speaks in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also; I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupies the place of the ignorant say, Amen, at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understands not what thou sayest? For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all; yet in the congregation I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
In the law it is written, In other tongues and with other lips I will speak unto this people; and yet for all that, they will not hear me, saith the Lord. Therefore, tongues are for a sign, not to those that believe, but to those that do not believe; but prophecy is not for those that do not believe, but for those who believe. If, therefore, the whole congregation is come together into one place and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? read more.
But if all prophesy, and there come in one that does not believe or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all; for the secrets of his heart are made manifest; and so falling down on his face, he will worship God, declaring that God is indeed in you. How is it then, brothers? when ye come together, each one of you has a psalm, has doctrine, has tongues, has revelation, has interpretation. Let all things be done unto edification. If anyone speaks in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silence in the congregation , and let him speak to himself and to God.
But if all prophesy, and there come in one that does not believe or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all; for the secrets of his heart are made manifest; and so falling down on his face, he will worship God, declaring that God is indeed in you. How is it then, brothers? when ye come together, each one of you has a psalm, has doctrine, has tongues, has revelation, has interpretation. Let all things be done unto edification. If anyone speaks in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silence in the congregation , and let him speak to himself and to God.
Therefore, brothers, earnestly pursue prophecy and do not forbid to speak with tongues.