This discussion is about 1 Corinthians chapter 12 through chapter 14 in their proper context and specifically the “insane” abuse of the gift of tongues Paul writes about to the carnal babes in Christ, which is his most immature church, the church at Corinth. The context for Paul's discussion about the gift of tongues is in 1 Corinthians chapter 12-14, not just chapter 14, as so many misunderstand it to be.
Many go to chapter 14 first and focus on just a few verses there, totally out of context from the broader epistle and what Paul said prior to chapter 14 to build his case against the carnal babes in Christ at Corinth, before he lowers the hammer on them in chapter 14. To understand chapter 14, you must understand this and the entire context. We must not only understand the context of the text, but also who he is writing the text to and why. The entire epistle is written as a rebuke to his most immature church, which is at Corinth. He refers to them in the beginning of the epistle as carnal babes in Christ. That is a foundational statement for understanding the context of the book and Paul's purpose for writing the epistle.
The key verses in this discussion are: 1. “For the one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people, but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries. 1 Cor. 14:2 NASB
2. “The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but the one who prophesies edifies the church.” 1 Cor. 14:4 NASB
3. “But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” 1 Cor. 12:7 NASB
4. “but that the parts may have the same care for one another.” 1 Cor. 12:25 NASB 5. “does not seek its own benefit” 1 Cor. 13:4 NASB 6. “There are, perhaps, a great many kinds of languages in the world, and none is incapable of meaning.” 1 Cor. 14:10 NASB 7. “So if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be unintelligible to the one who speaks, and the one who speaks will be unintelligible to me.“ 1 Cor. 14:11 NASB
8. “…strive to excel for the edification of the church.” 1 Cor. 14:12 NASB
9. “…will they not say that you are insane?” 1 Cor. 14:23 NASB 10. “All things are to be done for edification.” 1 Cor. 14:27 NASB
The purpose statement for the context of 1 Corinthians chapter 12 through chapter 14 is 12:7 "But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." This then is the interpretive key for the entire context of chapters 12-14 and this interpretive key "for the common good", must be carried through to the end of chapter 14 and applied to all the verses there, especially the ones that seem to be the most difficult to understand, i.e. the most knotty. This interpretive key will unravel the knot. The only way to properly understand what Paul is saying in chapter 14 is to always remember the statement "But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.", that is the key, i.e. "for the common good" is the key to understanding the context and meaning of chapter 14. A complete verse by verse breakdown of applying the interpretive key to the verses in chapter 14 can be found at the end of this discussion.
The concept of the "common good" is repeated many times in statements like "love does not seek its own", which is a direct rebuke of them using the gift to "edify themselves", which he later states in chapter 14:4, as in the way they are using the gift "edifies themselves", which is the complete opposite of using the gift "for the common good"! So, to then conclude what he meant, is that we can use the gift for “self-edification”, is basically to say God just contradicted himself and is a liar. He is not! Read on!! Would Paul contradict himself in just a few verses later? Of course not. If we apply the interpretive key "for the common good" to "The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself" we see this is a rebuke to how the carnal babes in Christ were abusing the gift by using it in such a way as it only edifies themselves not "the common good". We will see the concept of the "common good" repeated several times in chapter 14 as "strive to excel for the edification of the church", this in the Greek is a present imperative active verb, so it is a command, which then is a rebuke/corrective statement as to how they should be using the gift! "I command you to edify the church, NOT edify yourselves" I just told you the gifts are for the common good and therefore it is not for self-edification!!!
The purpose statement is amplified in in 12:25 "that the members may have the same care for one another." So, we see the Holy Spirits purpose for the gifts to the body of Christ is always to be other focused. Paul will again amplify this purpose clause when he points out in chapter 13, the "love chapter", actually a corrective chapter for the abuse of the gifts, that love "seeks not its own". This is again a rebuke to the selfish minded carnal babes in Christ at Corinth that want to use the gifts for self-edification. It is also important to note that the gift of tongues is a gift of languages, which then is related to the tower of Babel and the "confusion" of people speaking in other languages. As such the gift of tongues is basically a communication gift, given to the body of Christ for communicating God's most important truth, the gospel of Christ, as in "when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Which is of course why the gift of languages/tongues is given, so that they can be witnesses to those in these different language groups.
So just like at the Tower of Babel, if this communication gift is abused, Paul indicates it can create the perception of insanity and great confusion, opposite of its intended use to communicate clearly, stated as "be my witnesses"!
Just as it says in chapter 14 "Therefore, if the whole church gathers together and all the people speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are insane?" Hence the title of this article.
This type of abuse was rampant in the church at Corinth and is what chapter 14 is about, i.e. correcting the many abuses of the carnal babes in Christ at Corinth.
The larger context is the entire epistle and who he is writing it too and why he is addressing them. “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.” “For ye are yet carnal” 1 Cor. 3:1
So, he is speaking to carnal babes in Christ and the whole book is a rebuke, including Ch. 12 – 14. And in the context of 12-14 he sets the foundation for his rebuke and corrections by making a clear purpose statement of the gifts, which is noted as “for the common good” of the body which he later refers to as that which “edifies the church” in Ch.14.
He even tells us, in the context of the epistle, in his opening statements, what the mystery is that he references in 14:2. “but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; but just as it is written, “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, And which have not entered the heart of man, All that God has prepared for those who love Him.” For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.”
1 Cor. 2 The mystery spoken of in 1 Cor. 2, is the mystery of the gospel, that they are to be communicating clearly to other language groups, just as they did as mentioned in Acts. “And how is it that we each hear them in our own language to which we were born?” He also indicates that the “mysteries” are that they will be “speaking into the air” “indistinct sound” “speech that is not clear”, instead of clearly articulating the gospel.
So, when they are speaking in the Spirit, these mysteries, in such a way that “no one understands” it is in clear opposition to the purpose of the gift to be “for the common good” that “edifies the church”. No understanding, no edification!!
This theme is hammered home in chapter 14 time and time again by contrasting what the Corinthians are doing by abusing the gift and the proper use of prophecy for edification. Prophecy, without the obfuscation of a language no-one understands, edifies the church! “But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking in tongues (that they do not understand), what will I profit you unless I speak to you either by way of revelation or of knowledge or of prophecy or of teaching?”
Remember this epistle is written to the Corinthians and that is Paul’s context for the epistle!
Also, the larger context is he is writing this to the carnal babes in Christ at Corinth not us! This is a fact! We can learn from the epistle, but Paul was writing directly to the Corinthians which context has to be kept in mind when he says things like “for no man understands him”, he is referring to “them: in the immediate context, which would then mean, "no man in the Corinthian church that hears you and no man understands you, in the way that you are abusing the gift.
When he says, "He that speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself;" This also is to be taken in context of the Corinthian church, the carnal babes in Christ he is writing to. This use, of the gift of tongues by them, he addresses as a clear violation of the earlier stated principle of gifts being "for the common good". He makes it clear by contrast, the carnal babes in Christ are abusing the purpose the Holy Spirit gave the gifts to the body. After all, isn't it just like immature babes, to focus on themselves, instead of others.
He then makes a summary statement in Ch.14 “Let all things be done for edification.” And edifying the body is repeated numerous times in Ch.14, carrying the purpose statement in 12:7 all the way through to the end of the context of chapters 12-14.
These are not interpretations, just plain and simple observations of fact plainly written!
So, the clear context is the common good aka edification of the church, this theme is never broken in the entire context, but it is this theme that the carnal babes in Christ are violating, and which Paul corrects them on. Anything in the context beginning in Chapter 12 and carried through to the end of chapter 14, must be taken in the context of the entire chapters and purpose statement pertaining to those chapters. So, any interpretation of any verse that comes up with something outside of the clear context and repeated theme of gifts being for “the common good” is therefore outside of the clear context of these chapters. Therefore, to imply that any statement by Paul that would violate this theme, by indicating the gift of tongues is for “self-edification” is itself violating the clear context of his overall intent for these 3 chapters. Any suggestion that he implies a gift is something that cannot be understood as plain and clear language for the edification of others is clearly outside of the context of his intent in these chapters and he clearly states this as we will see!
“For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries.” Why is it a mystery? Paul tells us why in the same passage and context. Paul makes it clear that clear communication is the purpose of the gift of tongues, “Yet even lifeless things, either flute or harp, in producing a sound, if they do not produce a distinction in the tones, how will it be known what is played on the flute or on the harp? For if the bugle produces an indistinct sound, who will prepare himself for battle? So, also you, unless you utter by the tongue speech that is clear, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.”
The reason it’s a mystery is because they will be “speaking into the air” “indistinct sound” “speech that is not clear”.
The principle of clear communication, to implement the purpose statement "for the common good" and theme of edification is amplified in the following verses,
“how will it be known what is played on the flute or on the harp”
“who will prepare himself for battle”
“unless you utter by the tongue speech that is clear”
“how will it be known what is spoken”
“utter by the tongue speech that is clear” It cannot get any clearer than that!What cannot be understood, can never edify!
Speaketh not unto men - Does not speak so that people can understand him. Their address is really not made to people, that is, to the church. Amplified here, “unless you utter by the tongue speech that is clear, how will it be known what is spoken”
But unto God - It is as if he spoke to God. No one could understand him but God.
"For no man understandeth him" - That is, no man in the church, since they all spoke the same language, and that language was different from what was spoken by him who was speaking with the gift of tongues. As God only could know the import of what he said, it would be lost upon the church, and would be useless.
All of this makes it abundantly clear that “speaking in mysteries” that cannot be understood by someone, is wrong and outside of the context of 12-14, not being for the common good, clear communication and edification of the church.
It would be inconceivable of Paul to say “unless you utter by the tongue speech that is clear” then also imply that they should be speaking in “mysteries” to the hearers, in a language that cannot be understood as a human language.
The gift is meant for clear communication not speaking mysteries that no one understands, which is an abuse and misuse of the gift! And an "insane" abuse of the gift of tongues/languages!!
If you would like to read further and see this articulated verse by verse, read on. Notice in the context of chapter 12 through 14, there is one recurring theme, which is edification, stated as
“for the common good” 12:7 This is the stated purpose for all gifts and therefore is the
interpretive key for the entire context in chapters 12 through 14! If any interpretation
violates this clearly stated purpose, it is wrong!! This is an example of using the Word
of God to interpret the Word of God.
“but that the parts may have the same care for one another.” 12:25 This is edification
“for the common good”!
“seeks not its own benefit” 13:4 This is edification “for the common good”!
“Pursue love” 14:1 This is edification “for the common good”!
“But the one who prophesies speaks to people for edification, exhortation, and consolation.” 14:3 This is edification “for the common good”!
“but the one who prophesies edifies the church” 14:4 This is edification “for the common good”!
“greater is the one who prophesies than the one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edification.” 14:5 This is edification “for the common good”!
“how will I benefit you unless I speak to you either by way of revelation, or of knowledge, or of prophecy, or of teaching” 14:6 This is edification “for the common good”!
“So, you too, unless you produce intelligible speech by the tongue, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will just be talking to the air.” 14:9 No understanding, no edification “for the common good”!
“There are, perhaps, a great many kinds of languages in the world, and none is incapable of meaning.” 14:10 No understanding, no edification “for the common good”!
“So, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be unintelligible to the one who speaks, and the one who speaks will be unintelligible to me.” 14:11 No understanding, no edification “for the common good”! “strive to excel for the edification of the church.” 14:12 This is edification “for the common good”!
“Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue is to pray that he may interpret.” 14:13 This is edification “for the common good”!
“For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unproductive.” 14:14 No understanding, no edification “for the common good”!
“What is the outcome then? I will pray with the spirit, but I will pray with the mind also; I will sing with the spirit, but I will sing with the mind also. For otherwise, if you bless God in the spirit only, how will the one who occupies the place of the outsider know to say the “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you are saying?” 14:15,16 This is about edification “for the common good”!
“For you are giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not edified.”
14:17 No understanding, no edification “for the common good”!
“…nevertheless, in church I prefer to speak five words with my mind so that I may
instruct others also (edification for the common good), rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.” 14:19 No understanding, no edification “for the common good”!
“Therefore if the whole church gathers together and all the people speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are insane?” 14:23 No understanding, no edification “for the common good”!
“But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all;” 14:24 This is about edification “for the common good”!
“the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you.” 14:25 This is about edification “for the common good”! “What is the outcome then, brothers and sisters? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. ALL THINGS are to be done for edification.” This is about edification “for the common good”! “For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted” 14:31 This is about edification “for the common good”!
Then of course we have the entire chapter 12 in the context that Paul is writing and the entire body concept is about members edifying other members and that we are dependent on others, and so it is in chapter 12 the purpose statemen is articulated as being the gifts are for “the common good”, not self-edification! The entire chapter!!!
Then with all of this preponderance of evidence in the context showing the gift is to be used for edification, i.e. “for the common good”, which is the clearly stated purpose for all gifts, someone wants to take one verse out of context and distort it to say tongues is for “self-edification”, is saying the Holy Spirit lied about the purpose of the gift of tongues and God contradicts himself. God is NOT a liar!!
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