1 Corinthians 14:15-16 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Corinthians 14:15-20

The apostle here sums up the argument hitherto, and, I. Directs them how they should sing and pray in public (1 Cor. 14:15): What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also. I will sing with the spirit, etc. He does not forbid their praying or singing under a divine afflatus, or when they were inspired for this purpose, or had such a spiritual gift communicated to them; but he would have them perform both so as to be understood by others, that others... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Corinthians 14:1-19

14:1-19 Pursue this love. Covet the spiritual things, especially the gift of forthtelling the truth to others. For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one can understand. By the Spirit he speaks things which only the initiated can understand. But he who forthtells the truth to men speaks something which builds them up and encourages them and comforts them. He who speaks in a tongue builds up his own spiritual life, but he who forthtells the truth builds up the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 14:15

What is it then ?.... A Talmudic way of speaking, and answers to מהו , often used when a difficulty arises in any case, then the question is, "what is it then?" what is to be done? what is most prudent, advisable, and eligible? what is proper to be determined and resolved on in such a case? the same with τι ουν λεκτεον , "what then is to be said?" used by Philo the Jew F2 Leg. Alleg. l. 1. p. 48. : as here, shall I not pray with the Spirit at all, because my understanding, or... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 14:16

Else when thou shall bless with the spirit ,.... Which must be understood of giving thanks to God, not in a private way, in the family and at meals, but in a public manner before the whole congregation, for mercies temporal and spiritual, especially the latter; and that not with the breath, or voice only; nor with the affections of the heart, with the soul, and all that is within it, though that is what should be; nor with the common assistance of the Spirit, and under the influence of his... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 14:16

He that occupieth the room of the unlearned - One who is not acquainted with the language in which you speak, sing, or pray. Say Amen - Give his assent and ratification to what he does not understand. It was very frequent in primitive times to express their approbation in the public assemblies by Amen. This practice, soberly and piously conducted, might still be of great use in the Church of Christ. This response was of the highest authority and merit among the Jews; they even promised... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 14:15

Verse 15 15.I will pray with the spirit Lest any one should ask, by way of objection, “Will the spirit then be useless in prayer?” he teaches, that it is lawful, indeed, to pray with the spirit, provided the mind be at the same time employed, that is, the understanding He allows, therefore, and sanctions the use of a spiritual gift in prayer, but requires, what is the main thing, that the mind be not unemployed. (834) When he says, I will sing Psalms, or, I will sing, he makes use of a... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 14:16

Verse 16 16Else, if thou wilt bless with the spirit. Hitherto he has been showing, that the prayers of every one of us will be vain and unfruitful, if the understanding does not go along with the voice. He now comes to speak of public prayers also. “If he that frames or utters forth prayers in the name of the people is not understood by the assembly, how will the common people add an expression of their desires in the close, so as to take part in them? For there is no fellowship in prayer,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 14:1-19

Usefulness. I. THE DESIRE FOR SPIRITUAL GIFTS IS LEGITIMATE AND PRAISEWORTHY . 1. We must not rest content even with the possession of love. We must seek qualification for making that love effective. Inactive love is both suspicious and useless. If we have a true love for men, we shall seek to be helpful to them, especially in their spiritual life, and to this end we shall seek all possible means for conveying to them the knowledge of the love of God and. the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 14:1-25

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Corinthians 14:15-20

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Corinthians 14:1-19

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 14:15

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 14:16

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 14:16

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 14:15

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 14:16

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 14:1-19

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 14:1-25

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 14:1-40

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