14:23
So Paul makes a very obvious point. If the whole church is speaking in tongues, then using the Corinthian’s logic that would be a mega sign of God’s presence. Paul points out that if an outsider drops in on the meeting the only reaction he will have, and very reasonably so, is that everyone is out of their mind. The outsider would in no way be attracted to the gospel. Paul’s teaching could be summed up as “use a bit of common sense!”
14:24,25
While everyone speaking in tongues would just convince an unbeliever that everyone is mad, if everyone prophecies then he would be convicted by God. Now, Paul is not suggesting that everyone should prophesy at once (see later instructions!), he is just using rhetorical language, but he is making an important point about the difference between prophecy and tongues. Prophecy will have an effect on unbelievers. A prophecy is given in the common language, is intelligible to all, and will convict people for it will be declaring God’s truth. The words will convict the man and lead him to worship the Lord. Again, Paul is not saying that every time anyone prophecies every single unbeliever will be convicted, he is just making a general point and using rhetoric to emphasise the point. And the point is that instead of seeing who can pray the most in tongues in a meeting, the Corinthians should be seeking God for the gift of prophecy, for the exercise of that gift in public meetings will be beneficial to all. It will build up the church, and it will convict the unbeliever. And that has not changed, today we should ask God all the more for the gift of prophecy.
No comments:
Post a Comment