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14:20-21 Thinking Tongues is important is Childish!

20 Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.

Paul first establishes the purpose of tongues, then shows how to recognize a false tongue, now will give the rules for how to allow the practice tongues, which by themselves are useless. It is the gift of translation that is edifying (14:5), a distinct but complimentary gift (12:10,30)

Negative Present Imperative = “Stop being… childish.” Implies that they were acting as children, but must stop it now!

“Their loveless immaturity and carnality caused their theological, spiritual and moral problems, including their misuse and counterfeiting of gifts.” MacArthur

Jesus’ favorite question, “What do you think...?”

Prov 23:7, “For as he thinks within himself, so he is.”NAU

People mature by changing their THINKING, “…be transformed by renewing your mind (thinking)” (Rom 12:2)

Corinthians were advanced and mature in sin:

Most manifestations of flesh were common (Gal 5:19-23),

“I cannot speak to you as to spiritual men, but to men of flesh, as infants in Christ” (1 Cor 3:1),

“…children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming” (Eph 4:14).

Naive, innocent and ignorant with little or no knowledge of things teleios, “complete, full-grown” Translated

“perfect” in 1 Cor 13:10.

The goal of gifted leaders is to develop “a mature man…” (Eph 4:13) through teaching and “equipping” (4:12)

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A sign of Judgment:

15 yrs before Isaiah’s prophecy the Assyrians had destroyed Israel because of unbelief and apostasy. The prophet warns Judah of similar judgment. He spoke to them as children “just weaned from milk” using “line on line, a little here, a little there” (28:9-10). Now they would listen to foreign languages as a sign of impending judgment (Ac 2:7-11) –

Judgment came 14 years later in 70 AD where over 1 million Jews were slaughtered by Titus.

After the destruction of Jerusalem there was no more need of a sign!

14:22 Purpose of Tongues: a SIGN

21 In the Law it is written, "BY MEN OF STRANGE TONGUES AND BY THE LIPS OF STRANGERS I WILL SPEAK TO THIS PEOPLE, AND EVEN SO THEY WILL NOT LISTEN TO ME," says the Lord.

22 So then tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophecy is for a sign, not to unbelievers but to those who believe.

Free translation of Isa 28:11-12.

The Jews of Pentecost recognized the fulfillment of their prophecy of a language sign.

When driving to a town, the signs say 100 miles, a little later, 50 miles, then 10 miles. Once you arrive there is no more need of a mileage sign, because the objective has been reached.

Especially unbelieving Jews who would recognize the significance of the sign of coming judgment, which should motivate a change or repentance

Italics indicate it is not in the Greek, but implied by translator; however, it seems unwarranted: Prophecy is not seen as a sign, but a means of edification of believers.

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14:23 Tongues are Ineffective in Evangelism

23 Therefore if the whole church assembles together and all speak in tongues, and ungifted men or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are mad?

idiotes, common soldier rather than an officer; in the NT, an unlearned, illiterate or unskilled.

mainomai, “frenzied rage, beside oneself in anger”, would think it was just another wild and meaningless ritual like paganism, a congregation of lunatics.

A hypothetical hyperbole (exaggerated possibility), to illustrate the extreme attitude that the gift of tongues is suppose to be for everyone is ineffective in evangelism (previously seen ineffective in worship).

This did not occur in the Jewish context of Pentecost: they understood the sign and the literal languages spoken (16 mentioned in Acts 2:11)

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14:24-25 Reasons Prophecy is Superior to Tongues

24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an ungifted man enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all; 25 the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you.

A contrasting hypothetical hyperbole where everyone is receiving and proclaiming God’s revelations. Three results would occur:

1. elegcho, “to point away from sin to repentance” implying educative discipline. Rebuke is a part of the Jewish idea of brotherly love. It has the sense of “proof” with a view of “convincing”

Jesus asked, “Who of you convict me of sin?” (Jn 8:46)

Paul, “mightily convinced the Jews … showing by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ” (Acts 18:26 NET)

Sinners are “convicted by the law as transgressors” (James 2:9)

3. “Hidden” things are made phaneros, “visible, evident, well known.”

“For nothing is hidden that will not be revealed, and nothing concealed that will not be made known and brought to light” (Like 8:17 NET)

“And even if I am unskilled in speaking, yet I am certainly not so in knowledge. Indeed, we have made this plain to you in everything in every way” (2 Cor 11:6 NET)

Not a clairvoyant experience, but conviction of the Spirit in response to understanding the Word of God

2. anakrino, “examine or judge, enquire into, as a judge holding and investigation, showing someone that he has done something wrong.

“These Jews were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they eagerly received the message, examining the scriptures carefully every day to see if these things were so” Acts 17:11

Sounds like 2 Kings 22:10-13 when Hilkiah found the Scriptures and read them before King Josiah. He fell on his face, tore his clothes in an act of sorrow and repentance.

Note: It is the understanding of God’s attitude toward sin that the Spirit uses to generate repentance and transformation.

Three-fold response to conviction of the Spirit through understanding of the Word:

1. “Falling on his face”, pipto, “prostrate oneself, become inadequate, come to an end”

2. “Worshipping” proskuneo, “bowing down in reverence and obedience.”

3. “Declare”, apaggello, “publicly inform what is done or understood.”

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14:26 Priority of Meaningful Edification in the church

26 What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.

Paul has laid out the Doctrinal basis for Christian behavior 14:1-25), now will begin the Practical Practice of tongues and other gifts (14:26-40).A reading or singing of one of the OT Psalms probably memorized for the assemblydidache, “doctrine” probably a favorite

teaching or pet subject that they wanted everyone to believe

This is a description (not a command) of the condition in the church at Corinth.

They were not interested in serving, learning or edifying.

They were seeking self-expression, self-glory while competing for attention and preeminence.

apokalupsis, a God-given truth or concept from the gift of Prophecy or Knowledge.glossan, singular, “language”. Though

singular, it is presumed to be genuine in this context, since it is a reference to “each one”, that is individuals.

Necessarily associated with a translator or interpretation.

oikodome, lit. “house building” with the imperative present: “continually, habitually”

“Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another..” 1 Th 5:11

They did not ”pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another” (Ro 14:19)

The one thing for building up others is the revealed Word: “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness 2 Tim 3:16

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14:27-29 Rules of Order for Church Service

27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and one must interpret;

28 but if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God.

29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment.

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2

3

4

5

glossa, sing., “language”, normally refers to counterfeit tongue, but here is singular because subject is singular.

Rule #1: Number of persons speaking is limited to 2, or at the most 3 per reunion.Rule #2: Each must speak in

turn, never simultaneouslyRule #3: One must interpret. In Greek “one” is emphatic indicating a single person is to interpret all tongues.

diermeneuo, pres. Imp., “habitually translate.”To show impartiality, the same

rules apply to prophecy, with a additional rule.

Rule #5: Speakers were to be evaluated by other prophets according to known revelations.

diakrino, pres. Imp., “distinguish true and false, discern” continuously or habitually (1 Jn 4:1)

Rule #4: No tongue speaker permitted without an interpreter. Since tongues is meaningless without an interpreter, they were forbidden to speak until an interpreter with the gift or knowledge of the language was known to be present.

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14:30-33 Limitations apply to All Speaking Gifts

30 But if a revelation is made to another who is seated, the first one must keep silent.

31 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted;

32 and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets;

33 for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints

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8

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6Rule #6: If someone received a revelation as a prophet (or tongues speaker?) he was given preference to speak first.

If a new “part” of the revelation of God’s Word or Will was disclosed it was so important that everything took second place to its hearing.

Rule #7: The priority of order is to assure learning and exhorting can take place: the essence of edification

manthano, subj. pres., “appraised of, increase in knowledge”

parakaleo, subj.pres., “encouraged, appealed to, motivated, pleaded with, urged to specific action, pleaded with”

Rule #8: There is to be no uncontrolled speakers or manifestations.

hupotasso, indicative pres. pass. “be obedient to, submissive to, under authority of…” There is no such thing as “out-of-mind” experience. Fruit of Spirit is “self-control”, not ecstatic bizarre or trancelike experience as the pagans

Rule #9: All that comes from God produces peace in stead of confusionakatastasia, “disorder, disturbances, mob frenzy.” Where there is frenzy, self-glorying, disharmony, chaos, discord, the Spirit is not in control, but the flesh

NIV James 3:14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

The Last part of v. 33, probably belongs to v. 34. It does not make sense in v. 33, but does in vs. 34.

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14:34-36 Limitation on Women

34 The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says.

35 If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church.

36 Was it from you that the word of God first went forth? Or has it come to you only?

10 Rule #10: Women are not to speak (in tongues or prophecies or in evaluating prophets) in the churches

sigao, pres.imp., “be concealed, hold one’s peace continually.” Stronger than hesychia in 1 Ti 2:11-12 “woman should learn in quietness…” which means “quietness, absence of disorder.”

hupotasso, imp. pres. passive, “place yourself under the authority of another” A description of a married woman. This verb expresses a subordination, (but not inferior) relationship.

Paul permitted the participation of other women who were properly adorned (1 Cor 11:2-16)

Husbands are to respect the intellectual development of their wives and to progressively train them privately. He wants them to stop interrupting the public teachings

gynaikes, “women” in general (both single and married), distinguished only by the context.

This context appears to indicate “married women”: “…ask their own husbands…” (v.35), but all the passages dealing with women in the church, appear to be “women” in general

Women could not speak in the synagogues.

As a result of the fall the original design of submissive partnership was distorted.

Gen 3:16 NET, “To the woman he said, I will greatly increase your labor pains; with pain you will give birth to children. You will want to control your husband, but he will dominate you.”

epitrepetai, pres.pass., “to turn to, to entrust, give permission to.”

This is the rule in all the churches (v. 33)

1 Tim 2:12, “I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority (authenteo, “govern, domineer”) over a man; she must be silent” (hesuchia, “quiet, saying very little”).

aischros, “disgraceful, sordid, shameful,” socially unacceptable. Opposite of kalos, “good, beautiful”.

Was this just applied to “uncovered” women who would bring dishonor to her husband when they prayed or prophesied (11:5)?

Or when they evaluated a prophet (14:29)?

Or if they were curious, they should not ask questions in the meetings (v. 35)?

Or all of the above, restraining from any subtle attempt to be authoritative over the leadership in the assembly?

Driving his point home with sarcasm, Paul seeks to motivate submission to the Word: No believer has the right to overrule, ignore, alter or disobey the revealed Word.

Paul is asking if the women have taken the place of the Spirit or if they could make up a revelation as if from God.

laleo, pres., “to preach, proclaim, address, or tell a message”

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14:37 Sign of a Genuine Prophet or a Spirit-filled person

37 If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord's commandment.

38 But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.

dokeo, pres., “consider, imagine, have a reputation.”

The contrast in context is between the gifts of prophecy and tongues; thus, a parallel appears between tongues and “spiritual”, pneumatikos, “one who is spiritual” as opposed to one who is carnal.

1Cor 8:3, “But if someone loves God, he is know by God”

1 John 4:6, “We are from God; the person who knows God listens to us, but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of deceit.”

Matt 7:22, “On that day, many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophecy in your name, and in your name cast out demons and do many powerful deeds?” Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you. Go away from me, you lawbreakers!”

The authority of an apostle is identical to that of our Lord! They had received the revelation from the Lord and wrote it down under inspiration, thus their writings became infallible!

1 Thess 2:13, NAS “For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.”

epiginosko, “know accurately or well” with the prepositional prefix epi- = “really know”

agnoeo, pres. act., “to be ignorant of, disregard”

However you treat the Apostle’s writings, you will be treated equally! By Paul, the churches, and God?

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14:39-40 Speaking the Revealed Truth is Priority

39 Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues.

40 But all things must be done properly and in a fitting and orderly way.

zeloo, pres.imp.plural, “be jealous for, be deeply concerned about, make important.”

In the congregation prophecy should have been the most respected and revered gift

koluo, negative pres. act. imperative, “prevent, keep back, hinder.”

Naturally this is assuming that the Ten Rules of Spiritual Gifts were practiced; otherwise, they were commanded to keep silent.

taxsis, “arrangement for temple service, sequence, fixed succession, well-regulated conduct.” The order should not be interrupted by spontaneous outbursts

euschemonos, “orderly behavior, proper external appearance,

“In this way you will live a decent life before outsiders and not be in need” 1 Thes 4:12.