1 FOLLOW after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
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, and I will sing with the understanding also.
16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?
37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

1Follow after charitie, and desire spirituall giftes, but rather that yee may prophesie.

2For he that speaketh in an vnknowen tongue, speaketh not vnto men, but vnto God: for no man vnderstandeth him: howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

3But he that prophesieth, speaketh vnto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

4He that speaketh in an vnknowen tongue, edifieth himselfe: but hee that prophesieth, edifieth the Church.

5I would that yee all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is hee that prophesieth, then hee that speaketh with tongues, except hee interprete, that the Church may receiue edifying.

6Now brethren, if I come vnto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speake to you either by reuelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

7And euen things without life giuing sound, whether pipe or harpe, except they giue a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be knowen what is piped or harped?

8For if the trumpet giue an vncertaine sound, who shall prepare himselfe to the battell?

9So likewise you, except ye vtter by the tongue words easie to be vnderstood, how shall it be knowen what is spoken? for ye shall speake into the aire.

10There are, it may bee, so many kindes of voices in the world, and none of them are without signification.

11Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voyce, I shall bee vnto him that speaketh, a Barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a Barbarian vnto mee.

12Euen so ye, forasmuch as yee are zealous of spirituall gifts, seeke that yee may excell to the edifying of the Church.

13Wherefore let him that speaketh in an vnknowen tongue, pray that he may interprete.

14For if I pray in an vnknowen tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my vnderstanding is vnfruitfull.

15What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and wil pray with vnderstanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the vnderstanding also.

16Else, when thou shalt blesse with the spirit, how shall hee that occupieth the roome of the vnlearned, say Amen at thy giuing of thankes, seeing he vnderstandeth not what thou sayest?

17For thou verily giuest thankes well: but the other is not edified.

18I thanke my God, I speake with tongues more then you all.

19Yet in the Church I had rather speake fiue words with my vnderstanding, that by my voyce I might teach others also, then ten thousand words in an vnknowen tongue.

20Brethren, bee not children in vnderstanding: how be it, in malice be yee children, but in vnderstanding be men.

21In the Law it is written, With men of other tongues, and other lippes will I speake vnto this people: and yet for all that will they not heare me, saith the Lord.

22Wherfore tongues are for a signe, not to them that beleeue, but to them that beleeue not: But prophesying serueth not for them that beleeue not, but for them which beleeue.

23If therefore the whole Church be come together into some place, and all speake with tongues, & there come in those that are vnlearned, or vnbeleeuers, will they not say that ye are mad?

24But if all prophesie, and there come in one that beleeueth not, or one vnlearned: he is conuinced of all, he is iudged of all.

25And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest, and so falling downe on his face, hee will worship God, and report that God is in you of a trueth.

26How is it then brethren? when ye come together, euery one of you hath a Psalme, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a reuelatiō, hath an interpretatiō: Let all things be done vnto edifying.

27If any man speake in an vnknowen tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course, and let one interprete.

28But if there be no interpreter, let him keepe silence in the Church, and let him speake to himselfe, and to God.

29Let the Prophets speake two or three, and let the other iudge.

30If any thing be reueiled to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

31For yee may all prophesie one by one, that all may learne, and all may be comforted.

32And the spirits of the Prophets are subiect to the Prophets.

33For God is not the authour of confusion, but of peace, as in all Churches of the Saints.

34Let your women keepe silence in the Churches, for it is not permitted vnto them to speake; but they are commanded to bee vnder obedience: as also saith the Law.

35And if they will learne any thing, let them aske their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speake in the Church.

36What? came the word of God out from you? or came it vnto you onely?

37If any man thinke himselfe to be a Prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge, that the things that I write vnto you, are the commandements of the Lord.

38But if any man bee ignorant, let him be ignorant.

39Wherefore brethren, couet to prophesie, and forbid not to speake with tongues.

40Let all things be done decently, and in order.

I == Num 11:25 , 29 ; 1st Cor 12:31

II == Acts 2:4 ; 10:46 ; 22:9

VI 1st Cor 14:26

XV == Ps 47:7 ; Eph 5:19 ; Col 3:16

XVI == 1st Chron 16:36 ; Ps 106:48 ; Matt 15:36 ; 1st Cor 11:24

XX == Ps 131:2 ; Matt 11:25 ; 18:3 ; 19:14 ; Rom 16:19 ; Eph 4:14

XXI == Isa 28:11-12 ; John 10:34

XXIII == Acts 2:13

XXV == Isa 45:14 ; Zech 8:23

XXVI == 2nd Cor 12:10 ; Eph 4:12 ; 5:19

XXIX == 1st Cor 12:10

XXX == 1st Thess 5:19-20

XXXII == 1st John 4:1

XXXIII == 1st Cor 11:16

XXXIV == 1st Cor 11:3 ; Eph 5:22 ; 1st Tim 2:11-12 ; 1st Peter 3:1

XXXVII == 2nd Cor 10:7 ; 1st John 4:6

XXXIX == 1st Cor 12:31 ; 1st Thess 5:20

XL == Rom 5:2 ; 1st Cor 14:33 ; Gal 1:11

 

1 Follow after charity, be zealous for spiritual gifts: but rather that you may prohesy 2 For he that speaks in a tonque speaks not unto men, but unto God: for no man hears. Yet by the Spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he that prophesies speaks to men unto edification and exhortation and comfort. 4 He that speaks in a tongue edifies himself: but he that prophesies, edifies the church. 5 And I would have you all to speak with tonques, but rather to prophesy. For greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks with tonques: unless perhaps he interpret, that the church may receive edification. 6 But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tonques, what shall I profit you, unless I speak to you either in revelation or in knowledge or in prophecy or in doctrin? 7 Even things without life that give sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction of sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? 8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? 9 So likewise you, except you utter by the tongue plain speech, how shall it be known what is said? For you shall be speaking into the air. 10 There are, for example, so many kinds of tongues in this world: and none is without voice. 11 If then I know not the power of the voice, I shall be to him to whom I speak a barbarian: and he that speaks a barbarian to me.12 So you also, forasmuch as you are zealous of spirits, seek to abound unto the edifying of the church.13 And therefore he that speaks by a tonque, let him pray that he may interpret.14 For if I pray in a tonque, my spirit prays: but my understanding is without fruit. 15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, I will pray also with the understanding, I will sing with the spirit, I will sing also with the understanding. 16 Else, if you shall bless with the spirit, how shall he that holds the place of the unlearned say, Amen, to your blessing? Because he knows not what you say. 17 For you indeed give thanks well: but the other is not edified. 18 I thank my God I speak with all your tonques. 19 But in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may instruct others also: than ten thousand words in a tonque. 20 Brethren, do not become children in sense. But in malice be children: and in sense be perfect. 21 In the law it is written: In other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people: and neither so will they hear me, says the Lord. 22 Wherefore tonques are for a sign, not to believers but to unbelievers: but prophecies, not to unbelievers but to believers. 23 If therefore the whole church come together into one place, and all speak with tonques, and there come in unlearned persons or infidels, will they not say that you are mad? 24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believes not or an unlearned person, he is convinced of all: he is judged of all. 25 The secrets of his heart are made manifest. And so, falling down on his face, he will adore God, affirming that God is among you indeed. 26 How is it then, brethren? When you come together, every one of you has a psalm, has a doctrin, has a revelation, has a tonque, has an interpretation: let all things be done to edification. 27 If any speak with a tonque, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and in course: and let one interpret. 28 But if there be no interpreter, let him hold his peace in the church and speak to himself and to God. 29 And let the prophets speak, two or three: and let the rest judge. 30 But if anything be revealed to another sitting, let the first hold his peace. 31 For you may all prophesy, one by one, that all may learn and all may be exhorted. 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not the God of dissension, but of peace: as also I teach in all the churches of the saints. 34 Let women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted them to speak but to be subject, as also the lawsays. 35 But if they would learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is a shame for a woman to speak in the church. 36 Or did the word of God come out from you? Or came it only unto you? 37 If any seem to be a prophet or spiritual, let him know the things that I write to you, that they are the commandments of the Lord. 38 But if any man know not, he shall not be known. 39 Wherefore, brethren, be zealous to prophesy: and forbid not to speak with tonques. 40 But let all things be done decently and according to order.

v1. Gifts is supplied and should be omitted here. Love should be our main concern in seeking spirituality, pneumatica , from the Holy Spirit. Prophesy is the important thing because by it the Word was given to others. At this time some prophesy was still inspired.

v2. Unknown  in each case is supplied. The tongue is a real dialect spoken some where. As a gift to edify the church, a tongue must be spoken to men, not God.

v3. Values of prophecy: edification, exhortation and comfort. (Not mysteries)

v4-6. Compared to prophesy, speaking in tongues edifies only the speaker, not the church, unless one interprets. To be profitable it must contain the instructions,

V 7 Unless heard and distinctly understood tongues is like a off key mususal instrument is useless

v7-11.  Neither musical instruments or the voice have meaning if we do not understand them. [Even instrumental specials in church are appreciated, but it is the words clearly sung that present the message of salvation or growth]. 

v12-14 Speaking in tongues is not condemned, but the emphasis is on speaking in such a way that everyone in the church can understand and be blessed by it.  THE PURPOSE OF TONGUES. NEGATIVE....: Not for church edification (1st Cor 14:4 , 19) Not to demonstrate Spirit baptism. They are totatly refuted in 1st Cor 12:13 Rom 6:3 , 4 Col 12:9-12 Eph 4:5 Gal 3:27 , 28 POSITIVE.....:Validate the authority of the apostles and early Christians, demonstrate God's judgment upon unbelieving Israel, To serve as a sign to seeking (lost) individual Jews, Prior to the completion of the Canon to impaced new truths.

V 14 REGULATION OF TONGUES.....: 1st Cor 14:3-4 Speaking in Tongues helps no Christian in the Church. 1st Cor 14:3-4 Speaking in a known tongues helps all.

v15. It is possible to pray or sing just as spiritually in a known tongue.

V 18 Paul spoke in tongues, however he never spoke for it or against in his missionary trips (1st Cor 12:30 , 14:39) Paul taught that he prefered foretelling about 2000 times over tongues, (14:19) Others in leadership position forbidden the use of tongues. Paul believed that preaching, not tongues was God's way to the lost People. (14:24-25) Many leaders and Churches limited in number of people and for each to speak in turn (14:27, 34 ) 1st Cor 11:3-10 Paul allowed a women to speak in her native tongues, but he forbidden women to speak in tongues.

v19. Paul stresses numerically the more important value of being understood. When I was lost in Tokyo it did me more good to be able to say the two words “Tokyo post office” in Japanese to the conductor, than thousands of words I might have said in English.

v21,22.   This quotes from Isa. 28:11,12. As warned by God, Deut. 28:49, because of unbelief, Israel was over  run by Assyrians whose language they could not understand. The sign of tongues was of judgment on unbelieving Israel and at the same time confirmation of the Church to take their place. Believers, even unsaved who are receptive, are not to be instructed through tongues, but the words of prophesy.

V 23-25. Unlearned - Jews who have not understood the sign of tongues or a babe in Christ would think them mad. The unbelievers are not those definite rejectors, but those open to the Word. It is only through forth telling prophesy that they can profit. VERSES 26-40. REGULATIONS REGARDING WORSHIP IN THE CHURCH AND PARTICULARLY TONQUES.

v26. Church was not formal as today but was of participation. Everyone was scrambling to show off their gift, so the goal should be to edify, see also v. 40.

v27,28. Tongues rules:  1, No more than 2 or 3 during one service.

2, Only one at a time.

3, There must be an interpreter, otherwise be still in the church.

v29-33. Prophesy rules: 

1, Only 2 or 3, understood not talking at once but may have the floor together.

2, Others to evaluate if they are speaking the truth (perhaps by one with gift of discernment).

3. All led of the Spirit may speak, but one at a time. There could be spontaneity, but not confusion.

v34,36.  Women’s rules.

1, Not allowed to cause disturbance in church by chattering in their emancipated role, in fact showed shame of insubordination for women to speak in the church.

2, They were to ask their husbands at home, not speaking across to them to the other side of the room. It is noteworthy that several cults have had women at the root, & Miriam, Ex. 15; Num. 12.

v37-40.  They were to not be proud and assertive, neither were they to be forbidden to prophesy or speak in tongues, at least in that day. the Important thing,

v40 was to do all things with decency and order. Paul believed that in God's house everything was to be done decently and in order