14:23
How was tongues a sign for unbelievers? It would demonstrate two things to them. One, they would think the folk in the church were mad! Secondly it would show that the gospel was not for them, for they could not understand it. Today we still need to beware of treating tongues as though it was some sort of magic.
14:24,25
How is prophecy a sign for believers? It is intelligible speech, and shows that God is interested in us, wishing to communicate with us. It is interesting then that Paul goes on to show its effect on unbelievers. They will hear words that they understand, and will be convicted of sin. In response they will repent and worship the Lord. If it is a sign for the church, why does Paul talk about its effect on unbelievers? It is because a key part of the purpose of the church is to influence the world, to take the gospel to the world. Tongues does not help the church take the gospel to the world, prophecy does.
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