1 Corinthians 14

Saturday, 24 January 2015

There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance. 1 Corinthians 14:10

Paul continues with his dialogue concerning the speaking of tongues with a thought that looks back on what he has said and forward to a continued discussion about tongues in the church. In verses 7 and 8, he mentioned instruments and the sounds they make – literally, “their voice.” Then he compared those things to tongues, or languages by saying, “So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.”

Just as a trumpet that isn’t given a specific tune will fail to assemble the army, so a language spoken that no one understands will fail to edify the people. But this is the purpose of languages. They are given to instruct, warn, comfort, etc. All languages have purpose and no word in a language can be without meaning. Rather, there must be a thought connected to it or it is a useless sound; not a part of the language. In other words, thoughts are connected to words which are invented in order to convey those thoughts.

Understanding this, Paul says, “There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world.” The word translated here as “languages” is literally “voice.” It is the same word used to describe the sounds of the instruments in the previous verses. It is used to describe the words of the prophets (the voice of the prophets) in Acts 13:27; the outcry of an assembled crowd (the voice of the crowd) in Acts 19:34; the voice of the Lord in Acts 22:9 (which was only understandable to Paul and not those around him; it being the Hebrew language); the blast of the trumpet (the voice of the trumpet) in Revelation 8:1; and even the sound of the wings of the locusts (the voice of the wings) in Revelation 9:9. All of these, and many other examples, show that translating the word here as “language” is a general idea, not what was specifically on Paul’s mind.

He has shown that there are many “voices” in the world such as trumpets, flutes, languages, etc. And so he is tying this word “voice” to all of those things. The intent of his words is “anything that makes an understandable sound.” This is certain because he finishes the verse with, “and none of them is without significance.” Whether it is the voice of the trumpet, or whether it is the spoken Hebrew language, the voice is what conveys the meaning. This is why earlier he used a variety of words to describe sounds (see the analysis of verse 7).

The idea is conveyed by the voice. If there is no understanding of the voice, then there is no grasping of the intent behind the voice. His words in this verse almost make a playful sound. Vincent’s Word Studies translates the idea as, “So many kinds of voices, and no kind is voiceless.” There is intent in Paul’s words and there is a “voice” behind the intent of them. They are specific and they are calling out for reason.

Why then the minute parsing of his thoughts? Because his thoughts are what drive proper theology, and they are what are intended to drive proper conduct in the church. Unfortunately, it has become the standard to ignore such exacting analysis and to make stuff up which is completely unbiblical. Thus congregations and church meetings devolve into anything but sound theology and proper conduct.

Life application: Paul expects every word uttered in a church to be a word which is understandable and which will edify the congregation. If they don’t meet these requirements, then they are not in accord with the Bible which was given by the Spirit of God, and thus they are not of the Spirit of God.

Heavenly Father, help me to guide my conduct in the church in accord with Your word. If Your word was given by the Spirit, and my conduct isn’t in harmony with Your word, then my conduct isn’t in agreement with Your Spirit. I can see that it is all or nothing, and so I pray that pleasing You will be my sole aim and goal. Yes Lord, help me to glorify You in the congregation by having me apply Your word to my actions. Thank You for hearing my prayer. Amen.

Friday, 23 January 2015

So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air. 1 Corinthians 14:9

Paul continues to argue against the use of tongues in church, and instead for the use of a logical, sensible set of utterances which will edify others. With this entire chapter almost exclusively being devoted to the issue of tongues, it is appropriate to contemplate why it is so. It is apparent that the use of tongues was abused in the church at Corinth, this is certain. But if we can put ourselves into that church, it may help us to understand why such meticulous care is being given to this subject.

Corinth was a large and notable city and there were certainly a variety of languages spoken there. The more languages a person spoke, the more valuable they would be in trading, marketing, and maybe even in politics. Such power is normally an intoxicant, and so to speak in other languages in front of others would be like flashing a wallet full of money or pulling up in a new Corvette.

With the church now established, knowing Hebrew would be an even greater source of pride. If one could read the Scriptures in Hebrew as well as Greek, he would have a leg up on others. It is no different today. Pastors and teachers who know the biblical languages are always held in a sort of special esteem, even if they are really crummy at proper biblical interpretation. The flash of knowing the language immediately places them in the spotlights, whether they are handling the use of that language properly or not. Understanding this, we can continue with the evaluation of this chapter from a reasonable perspective of what Paul is trying to tell the Corinthians (and thus us!) about the gift of tongues.

In the past couple of verses, he has shown that instruments are only effective if they are played properly. If they aren’t, then only noise will result. Further, actual harm can come about from an improperly played instrument. The war-trumpet can cause chaos on the battlefield if the wrong signal is played. Because of this, there must be intelligible sounds which emanate from those instruments or there will only be worthless noise. In comparison to that is the use of tongues. In this verse, Paul begins with, “So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken?”

If someone comes into a church and starts speaking in a language that nobody else understands, the result will be chaos. The air will be filled with nonsensical noise, even if it is a known language (which the term “words easy to understand” implies; a known but not understood language). Why would anyone walk into a Greek-speaking church and start speaking in French? It makes no sense. This is what Paul is trying to tell them.

The congregants probably thought they were being impressive, maybe even cool, by speaking in other languages. But in reality, they were only making unintelligible noises. Remember from the fifth verse of this chapter Paul said, “he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.”

Paul is tying to get the Corinthians to wake up and be mature in their conduct. For those who thought they were doing something nifty by speaking in another language, they weren’t. He next tells them that by doing so, they were merely “speaking into the air.” Sounds were floating around the church, but they were only unintelligible noise.

Life application: Don’t speak meaningless words into the air just to look cool.

Lord, I wish every day was a day filled with fun and prosperity, but then I wouldn’t learn from such days, would I? After a while I’d take them for granted and it would all seem mundane. But when I wake up with a really bad cold, I can know that I want my health once again. And when I get over that cold, I can say, “Gee, it sure is swell to feel well.” If I have to struggle to pay my bills, then I will certainly be more satisfied when the bills are paid. Thank you for the trials and the down-times. They help keep the good times in proper perspective. And they also make me realize how wonderful it will be when I spent eternity in Your presence. Thank You. Amen.

Thursday, 22 January 2015

For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle? 1 Corinthians 14:8

The words today continue with the thought of the previous verse. There, Paul noted the flute and the harp which need to be played properly in order to make a distinction in the sounds. Likewise, the same is true with the trumpet. The word for “trumpet” here is salpigx, which is properly denoted as a war-trumpet. It was comparable to another Hebrew trumpet which was played before battle and which jubilantly would announce the Lord’s victory over His enemies.

In the Old Testament, which is where Paul’s mind would be referring to, there were different trumpets which were used for different occasions. The trumpet that he was most probably thinking about would be the chatsotsĕrah or “battle trumpet” which is first referred to in Numbers 10:1-10. In that description, this is found –

“When you go to war in your land against the enemy who oppresses you, then you shall sound an alarm with the trumpets, and you will be remembered before the Lord your God, and you will be saved from your enemies.” Numbers 10:9

In the surrounding instructions for this trumpet, the Lord noted it would be used for various purposes; and when it was used, different signals would be given to distinguish what was occurring. Without varying the tunes, one wouldn’t know whether the congregation was being gathered for a meeting or for going to war. As Paul says, “if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle?”

The same is true with military units throughout history. There have always been different signals for different purposes. Those signals have been used to call the troops to battle, engage in various types of maneuvers, to sound retreat, or even to surrender. If the trumpeter blew the same note all the time, only chaos would result.

The first time that the battle trumpet was used in the Bible came later in the book of Numbers when Israel took vengeance on the Midianites. Here is that record –

“Then Moses sent them to the war, one thousand from each tribe; he sent them to the war with Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, with the holy articles and the signal trumpets in his hand. ⁷ And they warred against the Midianites, just as the Lord commanded Moses, and they killed all the males.” Numbers 31:6, 7

In the Psalms, this same trumpet is mentioned, not for going into battle, but for a joyous praise to the Lord at His victory –

“Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth;
Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.
⁵ Sing to the Lord with the harp,
With the harp and the sound of a psalm,
⁶ With trumpets and the sound of a horn;
Shout joyfully before the Lord, the King.” Psalm 98:4-6

Someday, the final battle trumpet will be sounded when the Lord’s victory is complete and all of His enemies have been made His footstool. The sounding of that trumpet is seen in Revelation 11:15 –

“Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!'”

Paul’s use of the trumpet is given to again demonstrate the need for coherence and understanding within the congregation. He is doing his best to ensure that the Corinthians (and thus us!) see the importance of using words that can be comprehended by all when speaking in the church. As he progresses through this chapter, this needs to be kept in mind. There should never be anything spoken within the church that is not perfectly clear and understood by all, unless it is properly translated.

To ensure this will be the case, he will give definite instructions which are expected to be adhered to. How sad it is that they are all but neglected by so many in the church today. There is flash at the expense of edification. There is an attempt to draw attention to self rather than a desire for exhortation. May we take to heed Paul’s words and sound out notes of clarity and purpose!

Life application: When in the congregation, let the voice which proceeds from your mouth always be a voice of clarity for instruction or edification.

Lord, I would rather speak 10 words of edification to others than one hundred long-winded speeches that tickle the ears of those who hear, but which fail to teach them anything useful about Your word. My life is nothing but a breath in the passing of time, and I pray that each thing that I impart to others will be for them to understand You better. A sermon without instruction is a wasted sermon. A note of counsel which doesn’t return to Your word is a note which has failed to direct the reader to You. Help me to keep You and Your word as the center of my focus always. Amen.

Wednesday, 21 January 2015

Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played? 1 Corinthians 14:7

In the previous verse, Paul intimated that there is no profit in speaking in a tongue if it contains nothing to edify those who hear the tongue spoken. To bolster this, he now shows that “even things without life” have the same effect on us. If this is so, then how much more living beings who need to be articulate in their utterances in order to benefit others!

And so he says, “whether flute or harp, when they make a sound…” The flute and the harp are inanimate objects. They need something external to produce sounds. If there is nothing external applied to them, then no sound will be made. Such is the case with the vocal chords too. They need to have the body initiate an action in order for them to resonate.

Continuing on he says, “unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played?” Again, the image he is making is obvious. When one plays a flute, they vary the amount of wind entering it. They also cover or uncover various holes in order to obtain differing notes, etc. The harp requires fingers or a hand utensil to be applied to it in varying amounts of pressure and at varying intervals. Different strings on the harp are also employed for differing sounds.

There must be a “distinction in the sounds” in order for there to be any type of music to be produced. In the Greek, three different words are used to describe the process – phóné, diastolé, phthoggos, or literally “voice,” “distinction,” and “sound.” And so we see that there is the “sound” which is like the voice. There are distinctions in that voice which provide proper modulation. And then there are the resulting sounds as they are modulated.

All of these combine to form that which is coherent and which results in something useful, be it a sweet song, a request for dinner, or a cry for help. Whatever the intent of the sounds is, they must go through a certain process which includes all three steps in order for others to hopefully comprehend what is being relayed.

Understanding these different words which Paul uses to describe what he intends, will lead us to a simple revelation concerning the false tongues which are so often used in churches. To assume that God would make a secret “prayer language” that we didn’t understand, or to assume that He would give an incoherent “tongue” that wasn’t a known language, is utterly ridiculous. God can’t produce a language which is unknown to Him, and He would not have us produce a language which is unknown to us that we would speak to Him for His benefit. That makes no sense at all. There would simply be no purpose in it.

Life application: If you have the ability to speak, why would you waste that ability on a showy demonstration of meaningless words rather than words which edify and build others up? Be wise; speak with purpose and sense!

Lord God, You have designed me with a brain that should engage when preparing to speak. You have given me vocal chords which can then make sounds. And You have given me experiences which I can relate to others. Having these things available still needs something else to make them work in a good way. Give me a heart, O Lord, which will use these things to help others and to build them up. Please assist me in keeping this heart from evil intent. Instead, let it be soft and receptive to those around me so that my other body parts will be used in a pleasing and helpful way. Thank You for this Lord. Amen.

Tuesday, 20 January 2015

But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching? 1 Corinthians 14:6

Continuing to explain why speaking in foreign languages (tongues) is considered a lesser gift and a gift which only serves the individual, not the whole body, Paul contrasts the words of the preceding verse with “but now.” His words were, “he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.” From this, he gives his “but now.” And as a sign of warmth and fellowship, as well as instruction, he adds in the word “brethren.”

He is speaking to the whole body and wants the whole body to grasp his meaning, which is “if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching?” The answer to his question is obvious – “There will be no profit to them.” When someone speaks in a foreign language which is unknown to its hearers, there is no profit at all to them. They are not edified in any way, and they have simply sat through a word of unintelligible sounds which have no meaning to the hearers.

Rather than such a self-centered display, Paul recommends that the greater gifts of revelation, knowledge, prophesying, and teaching be used to build up the congregants. It is a much better use of the precious time we have been given because we can assimilate the instruction and grow in our knowledge of spiritual matters. Paul doesn’t say that there is no place for speaking in tongues, but that there is a much better use of time and gifts than following this avenue. For those who do speak in tongues, Paul will eventually give very specific guidelines to follow.

Life application: If there are two teams playing football and one of the teams has a player who is determined to play baseball during the game, there will be dysfunction on the field. Be a team player and work with your team, using the gifts you have for the benefit of the whole.

Lord, there are books piled high which write about the various disciplines within the Bible. There are commentaries, charts, graphs, and maps of biblical events which fill our time as we read them and study them. There are sermons and studies that we can watch about the Bible. But how often do we allow these things to keep us away from actually reading the Bible? Have I put as much effort into reading Your word as I have reading ABOUT Your word? If not, then I have certainly failed to set my priorities right. Forgive me for this and give me a heart to simply pick up and read this beautiful treasure from You. Amen.