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1 corinthians 14:3-5

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1 Corinthians 14:3-5

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

Scripture focus

3. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men [to] edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4. He that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5. I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater [is] he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

1 Corinthians 14:3-5 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:3

Theological / Devotional

He that prophesieth. That is, he who speaks under the influence of inspiration. The prophet spoke in a language known to those who heard him. His services brought blessing and instruction to the church, whereas he who spoke in a tongue edified only himself (v. 4).

Unto men. The prophet is one who is called by God to be the agent through whom divine mysteries are revealed to others (see Isa. 6:9; Jer. 1:5-7; Joel 1:1, 2; etc.)

Edification. Literally, “building up.” The messages of the prophets would serve to build up the experience of the Christian in progressive stages.

Exhortation. Gr. paraklesis, “admonition,” “comfort,” “encouragement.” The related word parakletos is the name given to the Holy Spirit in John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7. For the significance of the name see on John 14:16.

Comfort. Gr. paramuthia, in meaning almost identical with paraklesis (exhortation).

By SdaBc