1 Corinthians 14:23

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Corinthians 14:21-25

In this passage the apostle pursues the argument, and reasons from other topics; as, I. Tongues, as the Corinthians used them, were rather a token of judgment from God than mercy to any people (1 Cor. 14:21): In the law (that is, the Old Testament) it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak to this people; and yet for all this they will not hear me, saith the Lord, Isa. 28:11. Compare Deut. 28:46, 49. To both these passages, it is thought, the apostle refers. Both are... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Corinthians 14:20-25

14:20-25 Brothers, don't be childish in your judgment. True, you must be innocent babes as far as evil goes, but in your judgments you must be mature men. In the law it stands written, "With people of a foreign tongue and with the lips of aliens I will speak to this people, and not even so will they listen to me, says the Lord." So you see tongues are meant for a sign not to believers but to unbelievers. Suppose, then, the whole Christian congregation meets together, and suppose all... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 14:23

If therefore the whole church ,.... The whole congregation of believers incorporated together in a Gospel church state, consisting of its officers and private members; the church at Corinth is particularly designed: be come together in one place ; to worship God, to pray unto him, sing his praise, preach and hear the word, as were usually done. Hence may be observed the custom of the primitive churches to meet together, in some certain place, for divine worship; nor did the members of... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 14:23

Will they not say that ye are mad? - So they well might, finding a whole assembly of people talking languages which those who had most need of instruction could not understand. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 14:23

Verse 23 23.If therefore the whole Church come together As they did not see their fault, in consequence of having their minds pre-occupied with a foolish and depraved desire, he tells them that they will be exposed to the scorn of the wicked or the unlearned, if any, on coming into their assembly, should hear them uttering a sound, but not speaking. For what unlearned person will not reckon those to be out of their right mind, who, in place of speech, utter empty sound, and are taken up with... 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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 14:23

All speak with tongues. He does not necessarily mean that all are speaking at once; though, amid these strange scenes of self-asserting enthusiasm, even that was not wholly impossible; but he means, "if there be nothing, going on except glossolaly." Will they not say that ye are mad? This has often been the actual impression produced by these phenomena upon those who stand aloof from the spiritual influences which cause them. On the day of Pentecost the exaltation of the disciples caused... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 14:23-25

Conversion prepared for. I. CONVERSION EFFECTED BY MEANS . 1. The door of the sanctuary should be an open one ( 1 Corinthians 14:23 ). Restrictions and hindrances to attendance should be swept away. Non churchgoers are often such through the action of churchgoers. 2. Means should constantly be employed in the sanctuary. The gospel should be preached. The presence of "unbelievers" should constantly be borne in mind, and of those altogether "unlearned" in the truth. Casual... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 14:23-32

How a spectator would regard the tongues; the gracious effects of prophesying; interpretation or silence. Suppose that the whole Church were to assemble in one place (argues the apostle), and all "speak with tongues;" the unchecked energy pouring itself forth in many and discordant volumes, each speaker borne away on the mighty tide of his own transport; no one considerate of another; the car scarcely cognizant of the sound issuing from the lips, the eye insensible to the impression made... read more

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