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Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I speak with tongues more than ye all - He understood more languages than any of them did: and this was indispensably necessary, as he was the apostle of the Gentiles in general, and had to preach to different provinces where different dialects, if not languages, were used. In the Hebrew, Syriac, Greek, and Latin, he was undoubtedly well skilled from his education; and how many he might understand by miraculous gift we cannot tell. But, even literally understood, it is very probable that he knew more languages than any man in the Church of Corinth.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
tongues--The oldest manuscripts have the singular, "in a tongue [foreign]."
John Gill Bible Commentary
I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than you all. This the apostle says, to observe to them that he did not despise speaking with tongues: nor did he endeavour to beat them off, and dissuade them from desiring them, or envied their having them, because he was destitute of them himself; for he had this gift in a very eminent manner, and oftentimes made use of it, and was frequently under a necessity of so doing; he could speak with more tongues than any of those that had them, and spoke them oftener than they did; having occasion for them through his travelling into different countries, and preaching the Gospel to people of divers languages; and this he mentions also not in a boasting manner, but in great humility, giving thanks to God, and acknowledging him to be the author of this gift. I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than you all. This the apostle says, to observe to them that he did not despise speaking with tongues: nor did he endeavour to beat them off, and dissuade them from desiring them, or envied their having them, because he was destitute of them himself; for he had this gift in a very eminent manner, and oftentimes made use of it, and was frequently under a necessity of so doing; he could speak with more tongues than any of those that had them, and spoke them oftener than they did; having occasion for them through his travelling into different countries, and preaching the Gospel to people of divers languages; and this he mentions also not in a boasting manner, but in great humility, giving thanks to God, and acknowledging him to be the author of this gift. 1 Corinthians 14:19 co1 14:19 co1 14:19 co1 14:19Yet in the church I had rather speak five words,.... Referring not to the five books of Moses, as Jerom suggests, and much less, as the Papists say, to the five words, "for this is my body"; by the muttering of which they suppose the bread in the Lord's supper to be transubtantiated into the body of Christ; but meaning a very few words, which he chose to speak in the church before the congregation, when and where saints were met together for public worship, for their edification and comfort, and the glory of God; for though at other times, and to other people, he might think fit to make use of his gift in speaking with divers tongues, yet at such a time and place he thought it much more eligible to say ever so few words with understanding: so as to be understood by others, as well as himself: that by my voice I might teach others also; the doctrines of the Gospel, the mysteries of grace, the duty of men towards God and men, and one another: than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue; than to deliver ever so long an oration in a language not understood by them, which could be of no use unto them; for though they might hear his voice, the sound of his words, yet thereby he could not teach and instruct them to their profit, unless they understood the language which he spoke; and therefore five words understood were more likely to be of use than ten thousand spoken in a strange language.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
14:18-19 Paul affirmed the personal value of speaking in tongues, but speaking in a church meeting should help others, not only the speaker.
Prophecy and Tongues
17You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other one is not edified.18I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.19But in the church, I would rather speak five coherent words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Praying in the Spirit (1 Cor. 14)
By Mike Bickle251:08:56The Gift of TonguesPraying in the SpiritMRK 16:171CO 12:71CO 14:21CO 14:41CO 14:181CO 14:28EPH 5:19COL 3:16JUD 1:20Mike Bickle discusses the significance of praying in the Spirit as outlined in 1 Corinthians 14, sharing his personal journey from skepticism to understanding the value of the gift of tongues. He emphasizes that there are two distinct types of tongues: one for personal edification and another for corporate worship, clarifying that all believers can benefit from the personal prayer language. Bickle highlights the benefits of speaking in tongues, including speaking mysteries, self-edification, and giving thanks to God, while also encouraging believers to engage in this practice for spiritual growth. He concludes by inviting those who wish to receive the gift of tongues to come forward for prayer, emphasizing that it is accessible to all believers.
Harold Horton (1881-1969)
By Keith Malcomson4ACT 1:8ACT 2:41CO 2:41CO 14:18JUD 1:3Keith Malcomson shares the inspiring journey of Harold Horton, a Methodist preacher who surrendered his life to Christ at a young age and later experienced a powerful transformation after encountering the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit through preacher Smith Wigglesworth. Horton's ministry was marked by simplicity, power, and a deep commitment to the Pentecostal movement, leading him to write influential works on the Gifts of the Spirit and defend key Pentecostal doctrines. Despite facing opposition, Horton remained steadfast in his beliefs, emphasizing scriptural clarity and a forward movement in the Assembly of God churches.
Endued From on High
By Stanley H. Frodsham0MRK 16:17JHN 4:24ACT 1:8ACT 2:4ACT 10:44ACT 19:6ROM 12:11CO 14:18EPH 5:18Stanley H. Frodsham shares his journey of being trained for the ministry by his wife, who believed in his potential to preach. Through their dedication to open-air services and a deep burden for lost souls, they experienced a transformation in their ministry, embracing scriptural holiness and the Baptism in the Spirit. Despite initial skepticism, Stanley witnessed miraculous healings and eventually sought the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, leading to a powerful encounter with God's presence and the manifestation of speaking in tongues.
Heart Purity
By David Shelby Corlett0PSA 51:10MAT 5:8JHN 14:26ACT 15:8ROM 8:91CO 14:18GAL 5:16EPH 5:181TH 4:71JN 3:3David Shelby Corlett preaches on the connection between heart purity and the baptism with the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that true evidence of this baptism is the purification of the heart by faith. He highlights how the Holy Spirit guards against counterfeits, showing that speaking in tongues is not the ultimate evidence, but rather the purity of the heart. Corlett explains that heart purity, synonymous with entire sanctification, is achieved through the filling of the Holy Spirit, who dispels all that is carnal and fleshly, bringing unity and a central desire to do God's will.
Day 37, Acts 9
By David Servant0MAT 25:31ACT 8:11CO 14:18GAL 1:131TI 1:131TI 1:15David Servant preaches about the transformation of Paul, from being the world's foremost sinner to a forgiven vessel of God's grace. Despite Paul's violent past of persecuting Christians, God showed him mercy and used him as an example of His perfect patience and forgiveness. Through Paul's testimony, we see that no one is beyond God's redemption and that His grace is available to all, no matter how sinful they may have been.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I speak with tongues more than ye all - He understood more languages than any of them did: and this was indispensably necessary, as he was the apostle of the Gentiles in general, and had to preach to different provinces where different dialects, if not languages, were used. In the Hebrew, Syriac, Greek, and Latin, he was undoubtedly well skilled from his education; and how many he might understand by miraculous gift we cannot tell. But, even literally understood, it is very probable that he knew more languages than any man in the Church of Corinth.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
tongues--The oldest manuscripts have the singular, "in a tongue [foreign]."
John Gill Bible Commentary
I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than you all. This the apostle says, to observe to them that he did not despise speaking with tongues: nor did he endeavour to beat them off, and dissuade them from desiring them, or envied their having them, because he was destitute of them himself; for he had this gift in a very eminent manner, and oftentimes made use of it, and was frequently under a necessity of so doing; he could speak with more tongues than any of those that had them, and spoke them oftener than they did; having occasion for them through his travelling into different countries, and preaching the Gospel to people of divers languages; and this he mentions also not in a boasting manner, but in great humility, giving thanks to God, and acknowledging him to be the author of this gift. I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than you all. This the apostle says, to observe to them that he did not despise speaking with tongues: nor did he endeavour to beat them off, and dissuade them from desiring them, or envied their having them, because he was destitute of them himself; for he had this gift in a very eminent manner, and oftentimes made use of it, and was frequently under a necessity of so doing; he could speak with more tongues than any of those that had them, and spoke them oftener than they did; having occasion for them through his travelling into different countries, and preaching the Gospel to people of divers languages; and this he mentions also not in a boasting manner, but in great humility, giving thanks to God, and acknowledging him to be the author of this gift. 1 Corinthians 14:19 co1 14:19 co1 14:19 co1 14:19Yet in the church I had rather speak five words,.... Referring not to the five books of Moses, as Jerom suggests, and much less, as the Papists say, to the five words, "for this is my body"; by the muttering of which they suppose the bread in the Lord's supper to be transubtantiated into the body of Christ; but meaning a very few words, which he chose to speak in the church before the congregation, when and where saints were met together for public worship, for their edification and comfort, and the glory of God; for though at other times, and to other people, he might think fit to make use of his gift in speaking with divers tongues, yet at such a time and place he thought it much more eligible to say ever so few words with understanding: so as to be understood by others, as well as himself: that by my voice I might teach others also; the doctrines of the Gospel, the mysteries of grace, the duty of men towards God and men, and one another: than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue; than to deliver ever so long an oration in a language not understood by them, which could be of no use unto them; for though they might hear his voice, the sound of his words, yet thereby he could not teach and instruct them to their profit, unless they understood the language which he spoke; and therefore five words understood were more likely to be of use than ten thousand spoken in a strange language.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
14:18-19 Paul affirmed the personal value of speaking in tongues, but speaking in a church meeting should help others, not only the speaker.