Tag: Corinthians

An Unknown Tongue

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1Corinthians 14:9-19 So likewise you, except you utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for you shall speak into the air. There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaks a barbarian, and he that speaks shall be a barbarian unto me. Even so you, forasmuch as you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that you may excel to the edifying of the church. Wherefore let him that speaks in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 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. Else when thou shall bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupies the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understands not what thou say? For thou verily give thanks well, but the other is not edified. 

‘Easy to be understood’ [Greek: eusemos] intelligible.

‘Kinds of voices’ – kinds of languages. All of them are intelligible to those who speak them.

‘Let him that speaks in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret’ – a command to those who speak in tongues.

‘For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.’ This is Paul’s reason for praying for the interpretation. The understanding is unfruitful unless the tongues are interpreted. Edification of a broken spirit take place when an individual speaks in an unknown language – God can then speak words of healing and restoration without our interference.

‘I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also’ – I will pray in tongues or by the Spirit (as in 1Corinthians 14:14) and I will pray with the interpretation of my prayer also (14:14-16).

‘Else when thou shall bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupies the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understands not what thou say?’ When you say the blessing in tongues or in the Spirit, how can it be understood? You give thanks in tongues well, but your host is not edified. He does not know whether you curse or bless the food. You must learn to use your gifts rightly and in the proper place.

Prophecy and Tongues

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1Corinthians 14:1-8 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that you may prophesy. For he that speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not unto men, but unto God: for no man understands him; howbeit in the spirit he speaks mysteries. But he that prophesies speaks unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself; but he that prophesies edifies the church. I would that you all spake with tongues, but rather that you prophesied: for greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. 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? 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? For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? 

There are sixteen contrasts between tongues and prophecy: Tongues are spoken to God; prophecy is spoken to edify people (14:2-3). Mysteries or things not understood are spoken in tongues; all things spoken in prophecy are clear (14:3-4). Tongues edify the speaker; prophecy edifies the speaker and others (14:3-4). Tongues enable one to commune with God; prophecy speaks to people to edification, exhortation, and comfort (14:2-4). The one who prophecies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues unless the tongues are interpreted and understood (14:5). Tongues are no profit to the public unless interpreted; all prophecy is profitable to the public (14:5-13, 27-28). The speaker in tongues must pray for the interpretation; the one who prophecies need not, for his message is in his own tongue (14:3-13). Tongues make one a barbarian to others; prophecy does not (14:3, 11). In all gifts, the main purpose is to excel in edifying fellow Christians (14:12). In this, prophecy is greater than tongues (14:1-6, 27-28). The human spirit of the speaker is the thing edified by tongues; prophecy benefits all people (14:1-5, 14-15, 24-25). Tongues are a great personal blessing, but 5 words of prophecy are more important in public gatherings than 10,000 words in tongues (14:17-19). Tongues are a sign to unbelievers; prophecy to believers (14:21-22). All speaking in tongues at once causes mockery by the unsaved whereas with prophesying the unsaved are convicted of sin (14:23-25). Every gift must be used to edify Christians (14:26). Prophecies do this better (14:1-5, 23-25). Only one message is allowed at a Christian gathering if not interpreted; three messages in prophecy are allowed (14:3, 27-31). Three messages in tongues are allowed at a Christian gathering if they are interpreted. This many messages in prophecy are always allowed (14:27-32).

‘He that speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not unto men, but unto God: for no man understands him; howbeit in the spirit he speaks mysteries.’ It is clear in Scripture that men have spoken in tongues by the Holy Spirit. It was predicted by Isaiah (Isa. 28:11-12; 1Cor. 14:21); Joel (Joel 2:28-32 with Acts 2:16); and Jesus (Mark 16:17; John 15:26; 16:13-15). It was fulfilled in Acts 2:4; 10:44-48; 19:1-7; 1Corinthians 12:8-10, 28-31; 13:1-3; 14:1-40.

Perfect is Come

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1Corinthians 13:9-13 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abides faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. 

‘Perfect’ [Greek: teleios] that which has reached an end. Prophecies that have been fulfilled have reached an end. Tongues and knowledge will be superseded by a more complete knowledge and means of communication.

‘I put away childish things’ – Three things that a man puts away: Speaking like a child; understanding like a child and thinking like a child.

The Greek for “put away” is katargeo and means the things that cease are to be superseded by a more complete life along the same lines, in the same way, that adulthood is so far advanced beyond childhood as to be on another plane entirely. There will be no need of prophecies when we shall know as we are known (13:12). There will be no need for the gift of tongues when we shall know all languages of the universe. There will be no need of stumbling around in ignorance with our partial knowledge when we shall have super-knowledge and complete and perfect insight into eternal things.

‘Glass’ [Greek: esoptron] mirror (13:12; Jas. 1:23).

‘Darkly’ [Greek: ainigma] a dark saying, riddle, enigma. Life is like a riddle. The future state, although somewhat clear from the many revelations about it, is still like a dream. It is hard to realize how wonderful it will be, due to our present lack of experience.

‘Then shall I know even as also I am known.’ We shall know each other in heaven and on earth forever (15:35-58).

‘Abideth faith, hope, charity’ – Three things that eternally abide: faith, hope, and divine love.

They Shall Fail

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1Corinthians 13:8 Charity never fails: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 

‘Charity never faileth …’ This is the 11th New Testament prophecy in 1 Corinthians (13:8-13).

‘But whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.’ Three things that will fail or be superseded: prophecies, tongues, and knowledge.

‘Fail’ [Greek: katargeo] to make useless or void; abolish; leave unemployed (Rom. 3:3; 4:14; Gal. 3:17; 5:4). It is translated “fail,” “vanish away,” “done away” and “put away” (13:8, 10, 11). Here it literally means that when the completeness of communication and knowledge comes, tongues will be no barrier and partial knowledge will be superseded by the perfect or complete (13:9-10). People in eternity will be able to speak all the languages – or just one language – of all others in the universe, thus doing away with present-day language barriers. The partial knowledge will be superseded by perfect knowledge. It is only that which is in part that will be done away or come to an end (13:9-10).

In 1Corinthians 13:11-12 Paul further makes clear his meaning, when he compares the next life to something as far advanced over this one as adulthood over childhood; and when he declares that we now see darkly into the future, knowing only a few things, whereas then, face to face with God, we shall know other persons and things as now known by God. Don’t use this Scripture as an excuse of not knowing the Bible (2Tim. 3:16).

Members in Particular Part 2

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1Corinthians 12:27-31 Now you are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God has set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way. 

‘Governments’ [Greek: kubernesis] steering; piloting; guiding. Used only here and refers to all the means of guidance God has set for Christians. It has no reference to the power to rule, but to men of extraordinary wisdom, knowledge, and discernment to guide individuals in all their problems, when they chose to turn to God. The gifts of wisdom, knowledge, and discernment of spirits are all involved in this ability of guidance.

‘Diversities of tongues’ This is simply the supernatural ability to interpret in the native tongue what is uttered in other languages not known by the one who interprets by the Spirit (12:10; 14:5, 13-15, 27-28). Be aware for those who try and teach you to speak in another language or teaches you a specific phrase that you must repeat over and over – it must come to the individual through the Holy Spirit; other canals are human interference that is not from God.

‘Do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?’ These questions reveal that all believers are not apostles (they were the New Testament writers and preachers of Christ’s gospel; chosen by Christ in person, Luke 6:13; 1Corinthians 15:9; 2Corinthians 11:13; Ephesians 2:20; 3:5), prophets (Old Testament writers and preachers of prophecy; called by the Father in person, Hebrew 1:1; Matthew 11:13 and Luke 16:16), teachers, and all do not have all the gifts of 1Corinthians 12:8-10. This does not mean that believers cannot attain to any and all these if they desire to glorify God in all areas.

‘But covet earnestly the best gifts’ – Here is a command for all believers to covet earnestly the gifts (14:1).

‘Covet’ [Greek: zeloo] eager rivalry; strong passion for a thing.

‘Best’ [Greek: kreitton] stronger; better; greater; superior. All the gifts are necessary for the proper and complete operation of the body of Christ (12:12-28).

Members in Particular Part 1

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1Corinthians 12:27-31 Now you are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God has set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way. 

‘You are the body of Christ, and members in particular.’ You and all in Christ as you make up the true Congregation or the body of Christ (1Cor. 12:13; Eph. 2:19-22; 4:1-6; Col. 1:18, 24).

‘First apostles’ [Greek: apostolos] a delegate, one sent with full power of attorney to act in the place of another, the sender remaining behind to back up the one sent. In the case of Christians it means God sends them to do what He, Himself would do if He went. It is found 81 times and translated apostle 78 times; messenger twice (2Cor. 8:23; Php. 2:25); and once he that is sent (John 13:16). The apostles were sent as representatives of Jesus Christ and His ministry to complete the writing of the New Testament. The last apostle chosen by Christ was Paul and the apostle that wrote the last books were John who wrote the gospel John, 1, 2 and 3 John (90 A.D.) and Revelation (96 A.D.).

‘Prophets’ – The Old Testament was written by prophets (Heb. 1:1) and the last writing prophet was John the Baptist (Matt. 11:12-13; Luke 16:16).

‘Miracles’ [Greek: semeion] a sign or token by which something is known; a token of confirmation of a divine work or call. It is translated sign 50 times; miracle 23 times; wonder 3 times; and token once. Generally used of miracles and wonders done by people to confirm their call and mission from God (Matt. 12:38; 16:1-4; Mark 8:11; 16:17-20; Luke 11:16, 29; 23:8; John 2:11, 18, 23; 3:2; 4:54; 6:2, 14, 26, 30; 7:31; 9:16; 10:41; 11:47; 12:18, 37; 20:30; Acts 2:22, 43; 8:6; 1Cor. 1:22; Rom. 15:19). It is also used of the power by which false teachers seek to confirm their fallacies to be of God (Matt. 24:24; Mark 13:22; 2Thess. 2:8-12; Rev. 13:13-18; 16:14; 19:20). The last scriptures above refer to the satanic powers in these last days to cause men to accept false teaching and be lost. Christians were promised power over all satanic forces (Matt. 17:20; 18:18; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; 16:15-20; Luke 10:19; John 14:12; Acts 1:8).

‘Gifts of healings’ This is supernatural power to heal all manner of sickness without human aid or medicine (12:9; Mark 16:18; John 14:12).

‘Helps’ [Greek: antilempsis] a support; help; succourer; an aid. Only in 1Corinthians 12:28 and refers to every kind of help God sets for Christians. It does not refer to persons only, but to the various spiritual gifts which fill people with power to help. It is mentioned in the midst of references to certain gifts. Gifts will always be something through which God is glorified and never to put individuals in the spotlight or bring us any form of glory or followers. To be continued…

One Member

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1Corinthians 12:18-26 But now has God set the members every one of them in the body, as it has pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God has tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. 

‘But now has God set the members every one of them in the body’ – The first of two times here (12:18, 28).

‘Pleased him’ – If Christians would seek to please God in whatever part they are to have in the congregation or body of Christ there would be no confusion or strife about any office.

‘Those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary.’ The apostle no doubt refers to the inward parts, as the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, stomach, and other ungraceful parts of the body, which seem to us to be more delicate and feeble. Hence, these parts are not only covered, but are surrounded and protected by the outward parts upon which we openly bestow much honour. Upon the proper performance of these inward parts life itself depends.

‘We think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour.’ Those members of the body which we think are not so honourable, we bestow special care upon, and those members of the body that are unpresentable we treat with greater care and attention than we do our features which do not require as much attention.

‘Uncomely’ [Greek: aschemon] shapeless; unseemly; shameful. Upon these parts of the body we bestow more abundant elegance and grace.

‘Comely’ [Greek: euschemon] members of good bearing; the graceful ones; the beautiful parts that have no special need of honour or attention.

‘But God has tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.’ God has mingled and compounded the body together, giving more special dignity to the inferior parts; that there should be no independent and unnecessary part to the body, and that every part should function perfectly for the good of the whole (1Cor. 12:24-26).

Many Members

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1Corinthians 12:12-17 For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? 

‘So also is Christ’ – Here the congregation is called “Christ” and is compared to a human body with its many members (12:12-28).

‘By one Spirit are we all baptized into one body.’ This shows how the body of Christ is constituted. The Spirit is the agent that brings one into the body of Christ by the new birth. This is not a baptism into the Spirit, but into the body of Christ. The body here is the element one is baptized into. The Spirit is the agent that does the baptizing into the body. The believer is the candidate. If it were the Spirit baptism, Christ would be the agent and the Holy Spirit would be the element baptized into.

‘Jews or Gentiles’ Jews and Gentiles are in the same body, the congregation (Eph. 2:11-18; 3:1-6; Col. 1:18, 24).

‘Drink into one Spirit’ – Drinking of the Spirit is the same as partaking of His power. One can partake of Him in sonship without being baptized in the Spirit (Rom. 8:15). Different measures of the Spirit: The Mosaic portion (Num. 11:17, 25); the Mosaic portion divided into 71 portions (Num. 11:16-17, 25-29); Elijah’s portion (2Kin. 2:9); double portion (2Kin. 2:9-10); Elijah’s portion on John the Baptist (Luke 1:15-17); earnest of the Spirit (2Cor. 1:22; 5:5; 1Jn. 4:13; Php. 1:19) and the Spirit “without measure” (John 3:34; Isa. 11:2; 42:1; 61:1; Luke 4:16-21; Acts 10:38); Spirit baptism or baptismal measure (Matt. 3:11; 20:22-23; Luke 3:16; John 1:31-34; Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-21; 8:15-24; 10:44-48; 11:14-18; 15:7-11; 19:1-7; Gal. 3:14); the fullness of God (Eph. 3:19; Rom. 15:29); the rivers of living water (John 7:37-39); and the full anointing of the Spirit and enduement of power from on high (Luke 24:49; John 14:12-15)

‘If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? … And if they were all one member, where were the body?’ ‘ All these questions are self-answered. All of 1Corinthians 12:14-26 illustrates the fact that as the human body is one and has many members who have been born again and who live godly consecrated lives (12:27-28; Rom. 12:3-5; Gal. 3:28; Eph. 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:1-6; 4:1-13; Col. 1:18, 24). Our lives must be living doctrines that produce life upon obedience to the Word.

Diversities of Gifts

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1Corinthians 12:1-6 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. You know that you were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as you were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which work all in all. 

‘Spiritual’ [Greek: pneumatikos] Literally, things of the Spirit.

‘You know that you were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as you were led.’ Previous to conversion they were carried away with passions into senseless worship of dumb idols designed to excite and gratify their animal appetites, just like most religious people of today.

‘Accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.’ It was a practice among the Jews to call Jesus anathema, accursed – one so abominable as not fit to live on earth. It was an early practice among heathen persecutors to force believers to call Jesus accursed. No man speaking by the Holy Spirit will ever do so, and no man can call Jesus Lord but by the Spirit.

‘Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.’ Work of the Divine Trinity (12:4-6): Spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit; administrations by Jesus Christ; operations by God the Father.

‘Same Spirit’ – Ten ministries of the Holy Spirit: He glorifies Jesus (12:3; John 16:13-14); He inspires manifestations (12:7, 11); He forms the body of Christ (12:13); He energizes believers (12:13); He imparts love (13:1-13; Rom. 5:5); He speaks mysteries in tongues (12:10; 14:2, 13-19, 21-23, 26-28); He interprets mysteries of tongues (12:10; 15:5, 13, 26-28); He edifies by prophecy (14:3-31); He edifies believers in tongues (12:4); He gives gifts to believers (12:8-10; Rom. 12:6).

‘Administrations’ [Greek: diakonia] services; ministries; offices. They are all by the same Lord Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:22; 4:11).

‘Operations’ [Greek: energema] workings or operations. Only used in 1Corinthians 12:6 and 10. All of these are under the control of the same God who is head of all (12:5; 11:3; 15:28; Heb. 1:1).

Let a Man Examine Himself

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1Corinthians 11:28-34 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. Wherefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, tarry one for another. And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that you come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come. 

‘But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.’ Each person should examine himself to see if he is in the faith and decide his fitness to partake of the Lord’s Supper before he does so. It is better not to partake if one is not fit, and yet one should not feel that he is unfit if he knows he is born again and is walking as he should be in the gospel (1Jn. 1:7; Col. 2:6-7; 3:5-10; Rom. 6:14-23; 8:1-13; Gal. 5:16-26).

‘Discerning the Lord’s body’ [Greek: diakrino] distinguish; come to decision; separate to holy purposes. Translated “make to differ” (Acts 15:9; 1Cor. 4:7; Jude 1:22); “judge” (1Cor. 6:5; 11:31; 14:29); “contend” (Acts 11:2; Jude 1:9); “be partial” (Jas. 2:4); “doubt” (Matt. 21:21; Mark 11:23; Acts 10:20; 11:12; Rom. 14:23); “waver” (Jas. 1:6); “stagger” (Rom. 4:20); and “discern” (1Cor. 11:29; Matt. 16:3). The idea here is really to decide one has faith in the death of Christ and lay hold of the benefits provided by it not turning to one side or the other.

‘For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.’ It is the Lord’s body one must discern (11:29). It is by His stripes we were and are healed (Isa. 53:4-5; Matt. 8:17; 1Pet. 2:24). If one does not want to be sickly and die prematurely, and then let him have faith in the healing which was provided by Christ as well as forgiveness and other blessings. Nothing will be impossible with such faith (Matt. 17:20; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16; 16:23-26).

‘For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged’ – If we will thus judge ourselves and have faith in the work of Christ on the cross, we shall not have to suffer or go without the benefits provided for us. If we will not do this, then we shall have to reap that what we have sown. If we judge any sin committed, ask forgiveness, and put it away, then we are not chastened by God. If we refuse to judge ourselves, then He judges by chastening (11:31-32). ‘Wherefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, tarry one for another.’ Let us have order at the Lord’s Supper and in the house of God. Satisfy hunger at home, and do not come together in disorder and condemnation (11:33-34).