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1 Corinthians 14:2
Verse
Context
Prophecy and Tongues
1Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.2For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit.3But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.
Sermons
Kathryn Kuhlman
Jackie Pullinger
A.W. Tozer
Derek Prince
Mike BickleSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue - This chapter is crowded with difficulties. It is not likely that the Holy Spirit should, in the church, suddenly inspire a man with the knowledge of some foreign language, which none in the church understood but himself; and lead him to treat the mysteries of Christianity in that language, though none in the place could profit by his teaching. Dr. Lightfoot's mode of reconciling these difficulties is the most likely I have met with. He supposes that by the unknown tongue the Hebrew is meant, and that God restored the true knowledge of this language when he gave the apostles the gift of tongues. As the Scriptures of the Old Testament were contained in this language, and it has beauties, energies, and depths in it which no verbal translation can reach, it was necessary, for the proper elucidation of the prophecies concerning the Messiah, and the establishment of the Christian religion, that the full meaning of the words of this sacred language should be properly understood. And it is possible that the Hebrew Scriptures were sometimes read in the Christian congregations as they were in the Jewish synagogues; and if the person who read and understood them had not the power and faculty of explaining them to others, in vain did he read and understand them himself. And we know that it is possible for a man to understand a language, the force, phraseology, and idioms of which he is incapable of explaining even in his mother tongue. We shall see, in the course of these notes, how this view of the subject will apply to the illustration of the apostle's words throughout the chapter. Speaketh not unto men, but unto God - None present understanding the language, God alone knowing the truth and import of what he says: - In the spirit he speaketh mysteries - Though his own mind (for so πνευματι is understood here by many eminent critics) apprehends the mysteries contained in the words which he reads or utters; but if, by the spirit, we understand the Spirit of God, it only shows that it is by that Spirit that he is enabled to speak and apprehend these mysteries. See the note on Co1 14:19.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
speaketh . . . unto God--who alone understands all languages. no man understandeth--generally speaking; the few who have the gift of interpreting tongues are the exception. in the spirit--as opposed to "the understanding" (Co1 14:14). mysteries--unintelligible to the hearers, exciting their wonder, rather than instructing them. Corinth, being a mart resorted to by merchants from Asia, Africa, and Europe, would give scope amidst its mixed population for the exercise of the gift of tongues; but its legitimate use was in an audience understanding the tongue of the speaker, not, as the Corinthians abused it, in mere display.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue,.... Or with tongues, as some copies and the Ethiopic version read: Dr. Lightfoot thinks, that the Hebrew tongue, which was become a dead language, and understood but by few, is here meant, and that not without reason; seeing the public prayers, preaching, and singing of psalms among the Jews, were in this languages (x); in imitation of whom, such ministers, who had the gift of speaking this language, read the Scriptures, preached, prayed, and sung psalms in it, which were no ways to the edification of the people, who understood it not; upon which account the apostle recommends prophesying, praying, and singing, in a language that was understood: otherwise he speaketh not unto men; to the understanding, profit, and edification of men: but unto God: to his praise and glory, and he only knowing, who knows all languages, and every word in the tongue what is said; excepting himself, unless there should be any present capable of interpreting: for no man understandeth him: or "heareth him": that is, hears him, so as to understand him; he may hear a sound, but he cannot tell the meaning of it, and so it is of no use and advantage to him: howbeit in the Spirit he speaketh mysteries; though under the influence and by the extraordinary gift of the Spirit he has, and to his own Spirit and understanding, and with great affection and devotion within himself, he speaks of the deep things of God, and the mysteries of his grace, the most glorious truths of the Gospel, yet the meaning of his voice and words not being known, he is a barbarian to them that hear him; and though what he delivers are truths of the greatest importance, they are a mere jargon to others, being unintelligible. (x) Vid. Gloss. in T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 3. 1. & in Yoma, fol. 20. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
14:2-4 The problem with the gift of speaking in tongues is that hearers cannot readily understand the message; the gift of prophecy, however, is immediately intelligible and beneficial as a word from God that strengthens . . . encourages . . . and comforts those who hear.
1 Corinthians 14:2
Prophecy and Tongues
1Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.2For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit.3But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Baptism of the Holy Spirit - Part 2
By Kathryn Kuhlman21K44:15Holy Spirit BaptismMAT 6:33MRK 16:17ACT 1:8ACT 2:391CO 14:2GAL 5:24HEB 7:25In this sermon, the preacher discusses the limitations of our physical bodies in experiencing the power of God. He explains that no man can look upon the face of God and live because our bodies are not equipped to handle such power. The preacher also shares a personal story about his mother's experience of receiving the joy of the Lord, which transformed her life. He emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit and the evidence of this being the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. The preacher concludes by cautioning against mistaking noise for power and encourages the audience to seek the genuine power of the Holy Spirit.
Chasing the Dragon 2 of 2
By Jackie Pullinger6.6K41:59TestimonyMRK 16:17LUK 10:2JHN 4:35JHN 12:24ACT 3:61CO 14:22CO 4:17In this sermon, the speaker shares various stories and experiences related to the preaching of the word of God. One story is about Peter and John encountering a beggar who asks for money, but instead, they offer him healing in the name of Jesus. The speaker also mentions a procession where people walked and leapt in praise of God, causing businesses to stop and people to take notice. The sermon also touches on the impact of the word of God in prisons, where one young man's prayer led to his deliverance from drugs, prompting the speaker to visit other prisoners and share the message of Jesus. The sermon emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and the unfairness of ministry, as Jesus calls believers to reap where they did not sow.
Spiritual Axioms
By A.W. Tozer2.8K1:06:51Christian LifeMAT 6:33JHN 5:17ROM 8:281CO 14:2EPH 2:10PHP 2:13JAS 1:17In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing the story of David and Goliath, emphasizing how God used a young and unarmed David to defeat the giant Goliath. The preacher then moves on to discuss the passage in 1 Corinthians 12, which explains how God works in and through his people by the gift of the Holy Spirit. The preacher encourages the audience to trust in God's plan and not to be discouraged by their own ignorance or mistakes. The sermon concludes with the preacher announcing that he will be discussing spiritual actions and reading three verses from the Bible that highlight God's work in believers.
Vocal Gifts, Use and Abuse of Tongues
By Derek Prince13356:47Holy SpiritVocal GiftsMAT 12:34MRK 16:17JHN 16:13ACT 2:4ACT 10:46ACT 19:6ROM 6:131CO 12:101CO 14:2JAS 3:6Derek Prince discusses the vocal gifts of the Holy Spirit, specifically focusing on tongues, interpretation, and prophecy. He emphasizes that these gifts are supernatural and must be controlled by the believer, unlike the gifts of revelation and power which are solely initiated by God. Prince explains the significance of speaking in tongues as a vital aspect of the baptism in the Holy Spirit, asserting that it is an essential evidence of this experience. He also highlights the importance of understanding the proper use and purpose of these vocal gifts to avoid misuse and confusion within the church. Ultimately, he encourages believers to yield their tongues to the Holy Spirit for effective ministry.
Praying in the Spirit (1 Cor. 14)
By Mike Bickle221:08:56The 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.
Edition 8 - Los Angeles Campmeeting of the Apostolic Faith Mission
By William Seymour1MRK 16:17JHN 14:26ACT 2:41CO 14:2The Pentecostal movement in Los Angeles has brought about powerful testimonies of individuals receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost with speaking in tongues as evidence. Many have experienced divine trances, visions, and the manifestation of spiritual gifts. The testimonies shared reflect a deep hunger for God's power and a willingness to surrender all to Him. The movement has led to salvations, sanctifications, healings, and a strong desire to spread the Gospel to all nations.
(Knowing God's Way) 19. the Truth About Speaking in Tongues
By Zac Poonen0Speaking in TonguesSpiritual GiftsMRK 16:17ACT 1:8ACT 2:4ACT 10:461CO 12:71CO 12:301CO 13:11CO 14:21CO 14:39JAS 1:17Zac Poonen emphasizes the significance of the gift of speaking in tongues, asserting that it is a perfect gift from God, who never changes and knows the needs of the church. He addresses the controversies surrounding this gift, encouraging believers to adhere strictly to Scripture and understand that not all believers will possess this gift, as it is distributed by the Holy Spirit as He wills. Poonen highlights the importance of love in the exercise of spiritual gifts and warns against the misuse and misunderstanding of tongues in church settings. Ultimately, he calls for a focus on the power of the Holy Spirit and a deep devotion to Christ over the pursuit of specific gifts.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue - This chapter is crowded with difficulties. It is not likely that the Holy Spirit should, in the church, suddenly inspire a man with the knowledge of some foreign language, which none in the church understood but himself; and lead him to treat the mysteries of Christianity in that language, though none in the place could profit by his teaching. Dr. Lightfoot's mode of reconciling these difficulties is the most likely I have met with. He supposes that by the unknown tongue the Hebrew is meant, and that God restored the true knowledge of this language when he gave the apostles the gift of tongues. As the Scriptures of the Old Testament were contained in this language, and it has beauties, energies, and depths in it which no verbal translation can reach, it was necessary, for the proper elucidation of the prophecies concerning the Messiah, and the establishment of the Christian religion, that the full meaning of the words of this sacred language should be properly understood. And it is possible that the Hebrew Scriptures were sometimes read in the Christian congregations as they were in the Jewish synagogues; and if the person who read and understood them had not the power and faculty of explaining them to others, in vain did he read and understand them himself. And we know that it is possible for a man to understand a language, the force, phraseology, and idioms of which he is incapable of explaining even in his mother tongue. We shall see, in the course of these notes, how this view of the subject will apply to the illustration of the apostle's words throughout the chapter. Speaketh not unto men, but unto God - None present understanding the language, God alone knowing the truth and import of what he says: - In the spirit he speaketh mysteries - Though his own mind (for so πνευματι is understood here by many eminent critics) apprehends the mysteries contained in the words which he reads or utters; but if, by the spirit, we understand the Spirit of God, it only shows that it is by that Spirit that he is enabled to speak and apprehend these mysteries. See the note on Co1 14:19.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
speaketh . . . unto God--who alone understands all languages. no man understandeth--generally speaking; the few who have the gift of interpreting tongues are the exception. in the spirit--as opposed to "the understanding" (Co1 14:14). mysteries--unintelligible to the hearers, exciting their wonder, rather than instructing them. Corinth, being a mart resorted to by merchants from Asia, Africa, and Europe, would give scope amidst its mixed population for the exercise of the gift of tongues; but its legitimate use was in an audience understanding the tongue of the speaker, not, as the Corinthians abused it, in mere display.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue,.... Or with tongues, as some copies and the Ethiopic version read: Dr. Lightfoot thinks, that the Hebrew tongue, which was become a dead language, and understood but by few, is here meant, and that not without reason; seeing the public prayers, preaching, and singing of psalms among the Jews, were in this languages (x); in imitation of whom, such ministers, who had the gift of speaking this language, read the Scriptures, preached, prayed, and sung psalms in it, which were no ways to the edification of the people, who understood it not; upon which account the apostle recommends prophesying, praying, and singing, in a language that was understood: otherwise he speaketh not unto men; to the understanding, profit, and edification of men: but unto God: to his praise and glory, and he only knowing, who knows all languages, and every word in the tongue what is said; excepting himself, unless there should be any present capable of interpreting: for no man understandeth him: or "heareth him": that is, hears him, so as to understand him; he may hear a sound, but he cannot tell the meaning of it, and so it is of no use and advantage to him: howbeit in the Spirit he speaketh mysteries; though under the influence and by the extraordinary gift of the Spirit he has, and to his own Spirit and understanding, and with great affection and devotion within himself, he speaks of the deep things of God, and the mysteries of his grace, the most glorious truths of the Gospel, yet the meaning of his voice and words not being known, he is a barbarian to them that hear him; and though what he delivers are truths of the greatest importance, they are a mere jargon to others, being unintelligible. (x) Vid. Gloss. in T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 3. 1. & in Yoma, fol. 20. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
14:2-4 The problem with the gift of speaking in tongues is that hearers cannot readily understand the message; the gift of prophecy, however, is immediately intelligible and beneficial as a word from God that strengthens . . . encourages . . . and comforts those who hear.