S. 1 Corinthians 14:22 “So you see that speaking in tongues is a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers.”
O. Paul is teaching that tongues are a sign for unbelievers. How so? Some might add to this notion that elsewhere in scripture the Bible says, “The Jews demand a sign.”(1 Cor.1:22) I remember growing up with this teaching. Further expanded from this 1 Corinthians 14 text are Paul’s words in verse 21 and then he quotes Isaiah the prophet, “It is written in the Scriptures, ‘I will speak to my own people through strange languages and through the lips of foreigners. But even then, they will not listen to me,” says the Lord. (Paul in 1 Corinthians 14:21 quoting Isaiah 28:11-12) The correlation was tongues was a sign gift for unbelieving Israel and not for the church age.
However when I read the context of 1 Corinthians 14 and see the larger picture, Paul is talking about the usefulness of praying in tongues in a private setting as opposed to a public place of worship. He further encourages the use of prophecy (speaking God’s word in a way that builds people up) as more beneficial to those listening. He adds that if people are not believers or they are not familiar with tongues, when they walk into your assembly and you are speaking in tongues they will think you’re crazy (1 Cor. 14:23).
The reference to Isaiah, in light of this overall context, is helpful. Isaiah shares that God spoke to unbelieving Israel by way of judgment using foreign nations to discipline Israel. Israel scoffed at this and rejected the idea. In the same way, unbelievers or those not familiar with tongues in the church will reject it thinking those that are practicing it are crazy.
Paul then goes on to encourage the private practice of tongues while exhorting the use of prophecy (speaking understandable words) as useful and edifying in public worship.
A. Tongues has a great value in private worship or if an interpreter is available, it can have some benefit in a public service. Speaking God’s word in understandable ways in public (prophecy) has a greater opportunity of reaching and encouraging people to Christ.
P. Thank you Father for these gifts that you give. May all be wise in how they deploy the gifts you have given and may they be used in such a way to reach and benefit the most people possible. In Jesus’ name!
