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Daily Devotions

1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 
Day 
Day 180

"I speak with tongues more than you all."

Text: 1 Corinthians 14:18

SPEAKING FROM EXPERIENCE

Many of the Corinthian believers seem to prize “experience” more than “just knowledge”. What Paul wrote to them was rich and deep knowledge that should not be disdained. But realising that he needed to reach them he reminded them that he was given the gift of tongues!

“I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all;
yet in the church I would rather speak five words
with my understanding, that I may teach others also,
than ten thousand words in a tongue.”
1 Corinthians 14:18-19

1. “I thank my God”

a) Personal giving of thanks.
b) This was something that Paul says frequently (Philippians 1:3).

2. “I speak with tongues more than you all”

a) The gift of being able to speak in different foreign languages was given to Paul.
b) He could personally testify of this reality.
c) No one needed to doubt that Paul was writing from personal experience of this gift of tongues.

3. “Yet in the church”

a) This is with reference to ministry in the church.
b) The actual context is that of a church worship service.

4. “I would rather speak five words with my understanding”

a) If Paul were to be given an opportunity to speak.
b) He would choose to speak five words with his understanding.
i) The focus is obvious.
ii) The word “understanding” (in Greek) comes from the word “mind”.
iii) Paul would speak only words that would be intelligible to the hearers.

5. “That I may teach others also”

a) The word “teach” may be translated “catechise”.
b) Instruction is foremost in the mind of Paul.

6. “Than ten thousand words in a tongue”

a) Five words of understanding compared to ten thousand words in a tongue.
b) The ratio is one to two thousand.
c) The meaning is clear and obvious! Clarity and edification must be foremost in the mind.