Thematic Bible: Sometimes abused
Thematic Bible
Language » Power of speaking different » Sometimes abused
If, then, the whole church come together into the same place, and all speak in tongues, and there come in unlearned men, or unbelievers, will they not say that you are mad?
For he that speaks in an unknown tongue, speaks not to men, but to God; for no one understands him: but yet in spirit he speaks mysteries. But he that prophesies speaks to men so as to build them up, to exhort and comfort them. He that speaks in an unknown tongue, edifies himself; but he that prophesies, edifies the church. read more.
I am willing, indeed, that you should all speak in tongues, but rather that you should prophesy; for greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, in order that the church may receive instruction. Now, brethren, if I come to you speaking in tongues, in what will I profit you, unless I speak to you by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophecy, or by teaching? And even lifeless instruments, which produce sound, whether pipe or harp, unless they give a distinction in the notes, how shall that which is piped or harped be known? For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who will prepare himself for battle? So, also, unless you, with the tongue, utter words that are intelligible, how shall that which is spoken be known? for you will speak into the air. There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without meaning. If, then, I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be to him that speaks a barbarian; and he that speaks will be a barbarian to me. So, also, do you, since you greatly desire spiritual gifts, seek to excel to the building up of the church.
I am willing, indeed, that you should all speak in tongues, but rather that you should prophesy; for greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, in order that the church may receive instruction. Now, brethren, if I come to you speaking in tongues, in what will I profit you, unless I speak to you by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophecy, or by teaching? And even lifeless instruments, which produce sound, whether pipe or harp, unless they give a distinction in the notes, how shall that which is piped or harped be known? For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who will prepare himself for battle? So, also, unless you, with the tongue, utter words that are intelligible, how shall that which is spoken be known? for you will speak into the air. There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without meaning. If, then, I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be to him that speaks a barbarian; and he that speaks will be a barbarian to me. So, also, do you, since you greatly desire spiritual gifts, seek to excel to the building up of the church.