1 Corinthians 14:27

The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 14:27, provides specific instructions regarding the exercise of the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues within the public assembly of believers. This verse is part of a larger discourse (1 Corinthians 12-14) where Paul addresses the proper use and regulation of spiritual gifts, particularly tongues and prophecy, in the Corinthian church.

Context

The church in Corinth was charismatic and vibrant, but also somewhat chaotic, especially concerning the display of spiritual gifts. Members were eager to exercise their gifts, sometimes simultaneously or without consideration for the edification of others. Paul's overarching concern throughout this chapter is that all things be done "decently and in order" and primarily for the building up of the body of Christ, as he states in 1 Corinthians 14:26. This verse specifically tackles the manifestation of tongues in a congregational setting, aiming to bring structure to what might have been a disorderly practice.

Key Themes

• Order in Worship: Paul mandates a limit on the number of people who can speak in tongues during a service ("by two, or at the most by three") and emphasizes that they must do so "by course," meaning one at a time. This prevents confusion and ensures an orderly flow of worship.
• Edification of the Church: The primary purpose of spiritual gifts in public is to build up the entire congregation. Without interpretation, speaking in tongues would be unintelligible to most, thus failing to edify. This aligns with Paul's consistent emphasis on love being the greatest gift, which seeks the good of others (1 Corinthians 13:1-13).
• The Necessity of Interpretation: Crucially, the verse states, "and let one interpret." This highlights that for a tongue spoken in public to be beneficial, it must be translated into the common language of the assembly. Without interpretation, the message is lost, and the gift becomes ineffective for communal understanding, making the speaker's words sound like "barbarian" sounds to the unlearned, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 14:11.

Linguistic Insights

The word "[unknown]" in "unknown tongue" is supplied by the King James Version translators and is not present in the original Greek text. The Greek word for "tongue" is glossa (γλῶσσα), which simply means "language." In this context, it refers to a language not naturally understood by the hearers, whether it be a human language (xenolalia) or a divinely inspired utterance (glossolalia). The emphasis is not on the 'unknowability' of the language itself, but on its lack of immediate comprehension by the audience, underscoring the need for interpretation.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless principles for conducting church services and exercising spiritual gifts today. It underscores the importance of clarity, understanding, and order in all aspects of corporate worship. While the specific manifestation of tongues may vary or be debated among denominations, the underlying principle remains: any spiritual expression in public should contribute to the collective spiritual growth and understanding of the congregation. It teaches that the pursuit of personal spiritual experience should not supersede the spiritual well-being and understanding of the community. Therefore, whether through preaching, teaching, or other gifts, the message should always be intelligible and edifying to all present, reflecting that God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.