1 Corinthians 14:5

All spake with tongues. Lest he be accused of unduly belittling any gift of the Spirit, Paul expressed a desire that all the believers could speak with tongues. It was an important gift, and had a prominent part to play in the work of the church. However, this gift was not to overshadow the less spectacular but more important gift of prophecy.

Greater. The gift of prophecy was greater because of its value to the church. More were benefited by it than by the gift of tongues. The gifts of the Spirit should be evaluated according to their usefulness, rather than by their spectacular nature.

Except he interpret. Apparently the one who spoke with tongues was not always able to interpret the mysteries that had been revealed to him. Paul counsels him to pray “that he may interpret” (v. 13), but warns that “if there be no interpreter” he should “keep silence in the church” (vs. 27, 28).

Edifying. See on v. 4.

Speaking with tongues. Paul asserted that he spoke with tongues more than all the Corinthians (v. 18).

Revelation. Gr. apokalupsis, “an uncovering,” “an unveiling.” As used here it refers to an activity of God in revealing to men that which cannot be discovered by the natural powers of the mind.

By knowledge. Paul is here probably referring to the gift known as “the word of knowledge” (see on ch. 28:8).

By prophesying. It is difficult to distinguish between “prophecy” and “revelation,” for the prophet speaks by revelation. Paul is probably distinguishing between fresh revelations of truth and inspired utterances adapting known truths to specific applications. Or, the former may have reference to content, and the latter to means of delivery.

Doctrine. Gr. didache, “teaching.” Instruction was the work of those who were gifted as “teachers” (see ch. 12:29).