1 Corinthians 14:4-5

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 14:1-25

The gift of preaching superior to the gift tongues . read more

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 14:1-40

Grace and gifts. "Follow after charity," etc. There are many separate verses in this chapter implying or suggesting thoughts capable of being wrought out into sermonic sketches, but my purpose now is to take a homiletical glance at the whole. The following general propositions will bring all the parts into a logical connection:— I. THE GRACE OF CHARITY IS SUPERIOR TO ALL ENDOWMENTS . I say "charity," for I prefer the word to the word "love," which the New Version... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 14:4

Edifieth himself. When the "tongue" was genuine, and under due control ( 1 Corinthians 14:32 ); when it avoided the physical and orgiastic manifestations by which a sort of spiritual possession was indicated in the ancient oracular shrines; when the self consciousness was not wholly obliterated,—a sense of ennobling conviction would be produced by this spiritual outpouring. Those who have experienced the emotion describe this very result. They felt enlarged and elevated—their whole being... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 14:5

I would that ye all spake with tongues. The language of relative disparagement which St. Paul uses throughout these chapters may lead us to regard this with surprise. Yet it is perfectly intelligible. Montanus truly said that each human spirit is like a harp, which the Holy Spirit strikes as with a plectrum, and which yields itself to the mighty hand by which the chords are swept. We have seen all along—and history has in various ages confirmed the impression, on every occasion when... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 14:5

The Church's edification the object sought in the trust of Christian gifts. "That the Church may receive edifying." In classifying the Christian gifts, talents, and endowments, the first broad distinction to be made is between such as direct attention to the possessor, and such as give the possessor a gracious power of influence on others. Gifts which glorify the man who has them are not to be despised; but the apostle conceived that gifts which take men out of themselves, and only find... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Corinthians 14:4

Edifieth himself - That is, the truths which are communicated to him by the Spirit, and which he utters in an unknown language, may be valuable, and may be the means of strengthening his faith, and building him up in the hopes of the gospel, but they can he of no use to others. His own holy affections might be excited by the truths which he would deliver, and the consciousness of possessing miraculous powers might excite his gratitude. And yet, as Doddridge has well remarked, there might be... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Corinthians 14:5

I would that ye all spake with tongues - “It is an important endowment, and is not, in its place, to be undervalued. It maybe of great service in the cause of truth, and if properly regulated, and not abused, I would rejoice if these extraordinary endowments were conferred on all. I have no envy against anyone who possesses it; no opposition to the endowment; but I wish that it should not be overvalued; and would wish to exalt into proper estimation the more useful but humble gift of speaking... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Corinthians 14:1-4

1 Corinthians 14:1-4. Follow after love Namely, that love, the nature, necessity, and excellence of which are shown at large in the preceding chapter; pursue this, which far exceeds all extraordinary gifts, with zeal, vigour, courage, patience, otherwise you will neither attain nor keep it. And In their place, as subservient to this; desire spiritual gifts With moderation, and in submission to the divine will; but rather, or especially, that ye may prophecy The word here does not... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Corinthians 14:5

1 Corinthians 14:5. I would that ye all spake with tongues In as great a variety as God hath imparted that gift to any man living; but rather that ye prophesied For when we consider the different effects and tendencies of these different gifts, we must acknowledge that, with respect to the prospects of usefulness by which these things are to be estimated, greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues Which those who hear him cannot understand; except he interpret ... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 14:1-25

The gift of tongues (14:1-25)In the light of his teaching on the variety of spiritual gifts and the importance of love, Paul now considers the problem that had arisen in the Corinthian church concerning tongues. The gift is allowable, but prophecy is preferable. This is because those who speak in tongues speak to God, not to their fellow worshippers, and therefore are of spiritual help only to themselves (unless someone interprets for them). Prophets, however, speak to all and so build up the... read more

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