S. 1 Corinthians 14:22-23 (NIV) 22 Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is not for unbelievers but for believers. 23 So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind?
O. Paul is teaching about order and following the way of love (1 Cor. 13 - how we express the gifts of the spirit). Paul does not forbid tongues - however he indicates that in the church service it is better to not speak in tongues but rather to give clear, understandable instruction (v.19).
He states that if unbelievers or uninformed are present, they won’t understand and will think that the people speaking in tongues are “out of their mind” (v.23). He states that tongues are a sign for unbelievers. What does he mean by this? He quotes from Isaiah 28:11-12. He’s referring to unbelieving Israel who would not listen to foreign languages of invading countries. They would “scoff” at them - as was also the case in Acts 2 when people came to Jerusalem and witnessed the disciples speaking in tongues, thinking they had been drunk (Acts 2:13).
Paul equates this OT passage and event as also true now in the church of unbelievers or the uninformed. Paul’s appeal is for love and order in the expression of these gifts. He is thinking of the unbeliever and the uninformed. He promotes speaking in ways that build people up (another description of prophecy).
A. I will continue to teach on this as to provide such gift expressions in love and with order (Saturday prayer, small groups and a First Wednesday service which would be mostly for believers or at times at the conclusion of a morning worship service). We (my church) do not forbid speaking in tongues but like Paul, we are careful to such expressions of this gift with love and in order.
P. Thank you Father that you give us such a wonderful gift to build up our faith. May I and those I lead, use these gifts in orderly and loving ways to lead people to Jesus and into greater spiritual growth. In Jesus’ name.
