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"Let him keep silent in church..."

Text: 1 Corinthians 14:28

THE PRACTICE OF TONGUES IN THE WORSHIP SERVICE

Paul went on to address the matter of the use of tongues in the worship service.

“If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be
two or at the most three, each in turn,
and let one interpret. But if there is no
interpreter, let him keep silent in church
and let him speak to himself and to God.”
1 Corinthians 14:27-28

1. “If anyone speaks in a tongue”

a) This must be a reference to an actual language (Acts 2).

b) The word “tongue” cannot mean “gibberish”.

2. “Let there be two or at the most three”

a) If the individual can really speak in a foreign language (as a miraculous gift from God)

b) There must be order maintained.

i) Perhaps two may share their gift.

ii) Or even three.

iii) Certainly not everyone in the church should be attempting to “speak in tongues” simultaneously.

3. “And let one interpret”

a) This was an important point that Paul raised up.

b) The ministry of interpretation is important.

i) It will validate the use of the tongues.

ii) What is spoken in another tongue would then be understood by all.

iii) This in turn will lead to the edification of the church.

4. “But if there is no interpreter”

a) This may be possible.

b) The language spoken is unknown.

c) Therefore, interpretation is not possible.

5. “Let him keep silent in church”

a) This was not a suggestion.

b) This was an apostolic command.

6. “And let him speak to himself and to God”

The individual is well advised to “keep silent!” If he really wishes to use his gift of being able to speak in a foreign language, he could speak to himself and to God… but not to the congregation who will not understand him!