The fourteenth Chapter of 1 Corinthians deals with edification—how to help build up the spiritual lives of other believers. There was a party in Corinth that reveled in their spiritual gifts—especially in the gift of being able to speak in other languages without having to study them. It was a remarkable gift, well-suited to the early church before there was a complete canon of New Testament books spread throughout the church (for data on the relationship of spiritual gifts to the formation of the New Testament see my book, Signs and Wonders in the Last Days). Those who possessed the gift of tongues (the Greek word for “languages”) were zealous to use them. But, the trouble is, tongues were given for reaching unbelievers, and they were using them in the church instead (v.22). Others, who could not interpret were not being edified by what is said. And disorder prevailed (v, 40).
So, Paul says, “since you are zealous for spiritual gifts; be zealous for what builds up the church.” He then sets prophecy over against tongues as more profitable for the congregation. It could be understood because it was in Greek. Throughout the chapter, he compares the two and opts for
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