Bible study online

1 Corinthians 14:22

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

1 Corinthians 14:22

Verse 22 of 40

Scripture focus

Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying [serveth] not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

1 Corinthians 14:22 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:22

Theological / Devotional

Wherefore. This word connects the following clause closely with the preceding observation. As God anciently used the Assyrians and Babylonians to convince the unbelieving Israelites, so now He uses the gift of tongues to convince the incredulous and the slow of faith that the gospel message bears the signet of Heaven. An example may be that of the Holy Ghost falling upon those assembled in the house of Cornelius (Acts 10:24, 44-47).

Sign. It was a sign to them that believe not. This does not mean that the moment faith is established the gift no longer performs a useful function. It ceases to be a “sign” but may continue to edify the believer (see on v. 4).

For them which believe. Prophecy edifies the church and is designed to build up the body of believers (vs. 2-4). It is a sign of the continued presence of God in the church.

By SdaBc