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Daily Devotions

1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 
Day 
Day 171

A COMPARISON MADE

In this context, Paul sought to point out some significant differences between the gift of prophecy and the gift of tongues.

“For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak
to men but to God, but no one understands him;
however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.”
1 Corinthians 14:2

1. The context must be borne in mind

a) The gift of prophecy 1 Corinthians 14:1

b) The gift of tongues 1 Corinthians 14:2

c) The proximity of the two verses help us to understand the need to give attention to the context.

2. The exercise of the use of tongues (in the Corinthian church especially)

a) “He who speaks in a tongue”

i) This is an obvious gift of being able to speak a foreign language (Acts 2).

ii) The worshipper sought to exercise this gift in public worship.

b) “Does not speak to men”

i) This is often misinterpreted as approval to use the gift of tongues in this manner.

ii) This was not commendation but factual evaluation.

c) “But to God”

i) The use of tongues was not meant for the benefit of God.

ii) Every gift was meant to be used in such a way that it blesses the church.

iii) If only God understands, how would the church benefit?

d) “For no one understands him”

i) In ordinary circumstances, the use of a foreign language will not be fully appreciated.

ii) Not many people in those days would be able to speak foreign languages well.

iii) Again, this is not a statement of approval.

e) “In the spirit”

i) This is a reference to the realm of “the spirit”.

ii) If the individual is speaking the language that God has given him, the realm of the spirit is to be acknowledged.

f) “He speaks mysteries”

The word “mysteries” does not mean “mysterious things”. It is a reference to a word of revelation God gives to the individual. This word “mysteries” is used consistently in the Epistles to describe the revelations that God gives. Essentially, it is the Word of God revealed.