Paul had just thanked God that he spoke in his prayer language more than any of the Corinthian believers, “Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understand, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue” (1 Corinthians 14:19).

So, Paul wasn’t teaching that speaking in tongues was wrong or bad, because he did it more than they. He is talking about Agape love expressed in the church setting, with many others around. Five words that give hope and life are more valuable to others than ten thousand words that no one understands.

Now, he makes it clear here that he is referring to “in the church“, meaning not the building, but in the assembly of the saints. When the saints assemble together, its got to be about others, not ourselves. By yourself, ten thousand words in tongues will release many bondages as we speak to God in the spirit. But, in the group setting, we constantly work to inspire each other. So, we pray that we may interpret our prayers, to the benefit of others.

Note also that he says, “that…I might teach others also“. Here is the key to Paul’s understanding of spiritual gifts. He wants to teach others about God. So, we all have a similar responsibility when it comes to spiritual gifts, a spiritual responsibility.

Tags: spiritual gifts