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Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14 verses 15–20
The apostle here sums up the argument hitherto, and,
I. Directs them how they should sing and pray in public (Co1 14:15): What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also. I will sing with the spirit, etc. He does not forbid their praying or singing under a divine afflatus, or when they were inspired for this purpose, or had such a spiritual gift communicated to them; but he would have them perform both so as to be understood by others, that others might join with them. Note, Public worship should be performed so as to be understood.
II. He enforces the argument with several reasons.
1.That otherwise the unlearned could not say Amen to their prayers or thanksgivings, could not join in the worship, for they did not understand it, Co1 14:16. He who fills up or occupies the place of the unlearned, that is, as the ancients interpret it, the body of the people, who, in most Christian assemblies, are illiterate; how should they say Amen to prayers in an unknown tongue? How should they declare their consent and concurrence? This is saying Amen, So be it. God grant the thing we have requested; or, We join in the confession that has been made of sin, and in the acknowledgment that has been made of divine mercies and favours. This is the import of saying Amen. All should say Amen inwardly; and it is not improper to testify this inward concurrence in public prayers and devotions, by an audible Amen. The ancient Christians said Amen aloud. Vide Just. Mart. apol. 2. prop fin. Now, how should the people say Amen to what they did not understand? Note, There can be no concurrence in those prayers that are not understood. The intention of public devotions is therefore entirely destroyed if they are performed in an unknown tongue. He who performs may pray well, and give thanks well, but not in that time and place, because others are not, cannot be, edified (Co1 14:17) by what they understand not.
2.He alleges his own example, to make the greater impression, concerning which observe, (1.) That he did not come behind any of them in this spiritual gift: "I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than you all (Co1 14:18); not only more than any single person among you, but more than all together." It was not envy at their better furniture that made Paul depreciate what they so highly valued and so much vaunted of; he surpassed them all in this very gift of tongues, and did not vilify their gift because he had it not. This spirit of envy is too common in the world. But the apostle took care to guard against this misconstruction of his purpose, by letting them know there was more ground for them to envy him upon this head than for him to envy them. Note, When we beat down men's unreasonable value for themselves, or any of their possessions or attainments, we should let them see, if possible, that this does not proceed from an envious and grudging spirit. We miss our aim if they can fairly give our conduct this invidious turn. Paul could not be justly censured, nor suspected for any such principle in this whole argument. He spoke more language than they all. Yet, (2.) He had rather speak five words with understanding, that is, so as to be understood, and instruct and edify others, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue, Co1 14:19. He was so far from valuing himself upon talking languages, or making ostentation of his talents of this kind, that he had rather speak five intelligible words, to benefit others, than make a thousand, ten thousand fine discourses, that would do no one else any good, because they did not understand them. Note, A truly Christian minister will value himself much more upon doing the least spiritual good to men's souls than upon procuring the greatest applause and commendation to himself. This is true grandeur and nobleness of spirit; it is acting up to his character; it is approving himself the servant of Christ, and not a vassal to his own pride and vanity.
3.He adds a plain intimation that the fondness then discovered for this gift was but too plain an indication of the immaturity of their judgment: Brethren, be not children in understanding; in malice be you children, but in understanding be men, Co1 14:20. Children are apt to be struck with novelty and strange appearances. They are taken with an outward show, without enquiring into the true nature and worth of things. Do not you act like them, and prefer noise and show to worth and substance; show a greater ripeness of judgment, and act a more manly part; be like children in nothing but an innocent and inoffensive disposition. A double rebuke is couched in this passage, both of their pride upon account of their gifts, and their arrogance and haughtiness towards each other, and the contests and quarrels proceeding from them. Note, Christians should be harmless and inoffensive as children, void of all guile and malice; but should have wisdom and knowledge that are ripe and mature. They should not be unskilful in the word of righteousness (Heb 5:13), though they should be unskilful in all the arts of mischief.
, which we pronounce in concert.
The confirmation of the prayer comes about when people say “Amen” to it. The words spoken are confirmed in the minds of the hearers by the confession of truth.
"Else," saith he, "if thou bless with the spirit, how shall he that filleth the place of the unlearned say the Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he knoweth not what thou sayest?"
"For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified."
Observe how again here he brings his stone to the plumb-line every where seeking the edification of the Church. Now by the "unlearned" he means the laymen, and signifies that he also suffers no little loss when he is unable to say the Amen. And what he saith is this: "if thou shalt bless in a barbarian tongue, not knowing what thou sayest, nor able to interpret, the layman cannot respond the Amen. For not hearing the words, 'forever and ever,' which are at the end, he doth not say the Amen." Then again, comforting him concerning this, that he might not seem to hold the gift too cheap; the same kind of remark as he made above, that "he speaketh mysteries," and "speaketh unto God," and "edifieth himself," and "prayeth with the spirit," intending no little comfort from these things, this also he utters here, saying, "for thou indeed givest thanks well," since thou speakest being moved by the Spirit: but the other hearing nothing nor knowing what is said, stands there, receiving no great advantage by it.
Paul is thinking here of laypeople, who do not hold office in the church.
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SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 14:16 underscores the critical importance of intelligibility in corporate worship, particularly when spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues are exercised. Paul argues that if a believer blesses or gives thanks "with the spirit" (i.e., in an unknown tongue without interpretation), an "unlearned" person or outsider present cannot genuinely affirm the prayer by saying "Amen" because they do not comprehend what is being communicated. This verse highlights Paul's consistent emphasis throughout the chapter on the necessity of edification for the entire assembly, ensuring that all spiritual manifestations contribute to the understanding and spiritual growth of every participant.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is situated within Paul's comprehensive discourse on spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12-14. Following his foundational teaching on the unity and diversity of the body of Christ in chapter 12, and his profound exposition on the supremacy of love in chapter 13, Paul dedicates chapter 14 to regulating the use of spiritual gifts, especially prophecy and tongues, in public worship. His primary concern is the edification of the church. He contrasts the private benefit of speaking in tongues with the communal benefit of prophecy, which is understandable. Verse 16 specifically addresses the practical consequence of unintelligible speech on the participation of the congregation, particularly those who are uninitiated or unlearned.
Historical & Cultural Context: The Corinthian church was a vibrant but problematic community, characterized by spiritual enthusiasm, yet also by divisions, moral laxity, and disorder in worship. It appears that the gift of tongues (glossolalia) was highly prized and perhaps overemphasized, leading to chaotic public gatherings where multiple individuals might speak in unknown languages simultaneously without interpretation. This practice, while perhaps personally edifying for the speaker, created confusion and excluded others from meaningful participation. The concept of "Amen" was deeply rooted in Jewish synagogue practice and early Christian worship, signifying communal affirmation and agreement with prayers, blessings, or declarations. For an outsider or an "unlearned" person, the inability to say "Amen" due to incomprehension would have been a significant barrier to engagement and understanding, potentially leading to the perception that the church was "mad" (1 Corinthians 14:23).
Key Themes: The overarching theme in 1 Corinthians 14 is the edification of the church (e.g., 1 Corinthians 14:5). Paul consistently argues that all spiritual gifts must be exercised in a way that builds up the entire body of believers. Closely related is the theme of intelligibility in worship, emphasizing that communication must be clear and understandable for it to be beneficial (as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:9). This leads to the theme of communal participation, where the "Amen" serves as a vital expression of corporate agreement and engagement in worship. The inclusion of the "unlearned" highlights the church's responsibility for evangelistic outreach and hospitality, ensuring that worship is accessible and inviting to those who are new or not yet believers. The passage also implicitly addresses the theme of order and decency in public gatherings, contrasting chaotic displays with worship that promotes understanding and spiritual growth for all (1 Corinthians 14:40).
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Paul employs a Rhetorical Question ("how shall he... say Amen?") to powerfully highlight the absurdity and impracticality of speaking in tongues without interpretation in a public setting. This question is not seeking information but is designed to lead the audience to an obvious conclusion: it is impossible. The term "unlearned" (Greek, idiōtēs) functions as a Synecdoche or Metonymy, representing not just an individual lacking specific knowledge, but the broader group of those who are not initiated into or do not comprehend the particular spiritual language being used, including potential unbelievers. The "Amen" itself is a Symbol of communal assent, understanding, and participation in worship, and Paul uses its absence to underscore the failure of unintelligible speech to foster true corporate engagement.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly impacts our understanding of corporate worship, emphasizing that divine revelation and spiritual expression within the church must be intelligible to be truly beneficial. The principle is that God's desire is for His people to understand and respond to His truth, not merely to experience ecstatic phenomena. This aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on truth, understanding, and communal participation in the covenant. The "Amen" is more than a mere word; it is an act of faith and agreement, rooted in comprehension. Therefore, any practice that hinders this understanding, even if divinely inspired, must be regulated for the sake of the body.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 14:16 serves as a timeless principle for the conduct of public worship, urging us to prioritize clarity and edification above all else. It challenges churches to consider how accessible their services are to everyone present, from seasoned believers to curious visitors. If our worship practices, preaching, or prayers are not understood, we risk alienating those who need to hear and respond to the gospel, and we hinder the full participation of the congregation. This verse calls us to intentionality in communication, ensuring that the message of Christ is always presented in a way that can be grasped, affirmed, and lived out. It reminds us that true spiritual power is not found in obscurity, but in the clear, life-transforming truth of God's Word, which invites and enables a heartfelt "Amen" from all who hear.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "bless with the spirit" mean in this context?
Answer: In this context, "bless with the spirit" refers to speaking or praying in tongues (glossolalia), which is a spiritual gift involving utterances in an unknown language. Paul clarifies in 1 Corinthians 14:14 that when one prays "in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful." So, to "bless with the spirit" means to offer a blessing or prayer that is spiritually inspired but not intellectually comprehensible to the speaker or the listeners without interpretation.
Who is the "unlearned" person mentioned in this verse?
Answer: The "unlearned" person (Greek, idiōtēs) is not necessarily someone uneducated or unintelligent. In this context, it refers to a "layman" or an "outsider" – someone who does not understand the specific language being spoken in tongues. This could be a new convert, a visitor, or an unbeliever who is not familiar with or gifted in understanding such spiritual manifestations. Paul's concern is that the church's worship should be accessible and beneficial even to these individuals, not just to those who understand or possess specific spiritual gifts, as he emphasizes in 1 Corinthians 14:23-25.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 14:16 deals with the practicalities of spiritual gifts in the early church, its underlying principle of intelligible communication for the sake of edification finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. Jesus Christ is the Logos, the Word of God made flesh (John 1:1-14), the perfectly clear and understandable revelation of God to humanity. Unlike the unintelligible tongues without interpretation, Christ's life, teachings, death, and resurrection are the ultimate, comprehensible message of salvation. He spoke in parables and plain language, always seeking to make the mysteries of the kingdom accessible to those with "ears to hear" (Mark 4:9). The Holy Spirit, whom Christ promised (John 14:26), was given at Pentecost enabling the apostles to speak in various known languages so that all present could understand the "wonderful works of God" (Acts 2:11). This event directly contrasts with the Corinthian misuse of tongues, demonstrating God's desire for His message to be universally understood. Thus, the call for intelligibility in worship points to Christ as the clarity of divine truth, enabling all who hear to genuinely confess Him as Lord (Romans 10:9-10) and offer a resounding "Amen" to His finished work on the cross.