The Holy Spirit and the Southern Baptist Convention (XXXV): “Prophecy and Tongues (1 Cor. 14:1-25)”
April 8, 2008
Don’t worry! I’m not about to take on this entire lengthy passage in one post. In fact, all I’m going to do today is to take an introductory “nibble” of what is a much more important text for the continuationist-cessationist debate than is usually admitted. Hopefully, though, this post will be enough to help you grasp at least some of that significance, if you have not previously done so.
As you may already be aware, the way in which 1 Corinthians 14 begins has as much to do with the end of ch. 12 as it does ch. 13. What I mean by that is that ch. 13 functions as a kind of aside on the “more excellent way” to view and use the spiritual gifts spoken of in 12:31b. Right before that, however, is the specific wording that leads us to ch. 14: “But desire the greater gifts” (12:31a, HCSB).
What are “the greater gifts?” In that context, that phrase appears to be referring back to wording in 12:28: “first apostles, second prophets, third teachers…” (HCSB). Since prophecy is the superior gift discussed in 14:1-25, this understanding makes good sense.
Why are not the other two of the top three gifts Paul lists in 12:28 discussed in 14:1-25? It appears that there is a direct head-to-head comparison (i.e., competition) in the Corinthian church between prophecy and tongues, with tongues getting the better of the face-off at the time Paul received his report on the church from the people of Chloe (see 1:11). So, Paul decides to explain at some length why prophecy is instead superior to tongues, in order to try to restore the spiritual equilibrium in the congregation.
In fact, as he begins ch. 14, he makes this point even more specifically. After repeating the emphasis of ch. 13 (“Pursue love”) and one major thrust of ch. 12 (“desire spiritual gifts”), the Apostle homes in (“above all”) on the importance of prophecy.
Why was prophecy so critically important? It is because of its role in building up the church (see, e.g., 14:3, 4, 5, 12). Tongues, of course, also had the potential for edification, but only if interpreted (14:5).
However, the fact that tongues loses this comparison in the explanation of the Apostle Paul does not in any way imply that tongues have ceased today. If anything, this passage makes the opposite case. In fact, far beyond the careful reasoning of this passage is the incredible assertion that Paul spoke in tongues more than any of the Corinthian tongues enthusisiasts (14:15). In addition, as he closes ch. 14 and this wider section on spiritual gifts, Paul summarizes by saying: “Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophecy, and do not forbid to speak in other languages (i.e., tongues; 14:39, HCSB).
Now, imbedded in the midst of Paul’s discussion is the biblical basis for what is often called–at least in the SBC debate–”private prayer language.” We will get into that in the next installment.
In closing, notice this one thing in regard to the ongoing continuationist-cessationist controversy. For Paul to argue that tongues were being too highly regarded in the Corinthian church is not at all the same as saying–or implying in any sense–that tongues were to cease. Rather, he was simply explaining to the church how to have proper perspective on the gift of tongues… and the other spiritual gifts, for that matter.
Coming Thursday: “More on Prophecy and Tongues from 1 Cor. 14:1-25)”
Please forgive me for commenting off-topic, but I posted my motion idea (see March 31, 2008 comment thread) to Les Puryear’s blog and have had some favorable response, primarily supportive suggestions from Allan Blume.
My next step is to find someone to present the motion: I’ll prepare, vet, and double-check it and this person would only need to read it aloud on the Convention floor. Okay, so this sounds completely political, but I have taken a cue from William Wilberforce (and have just cited a rather obscure scene from “Amazing Grace”!) to accomplish my goal.
For various reasons, I cannot present this motion, though I will be at Indianapolis. Is anyone interested? And I am open to suggestions for formating and the like if you want to have more of a role in it.
Boyd,
I wonder if the connection between Chapter 12 and Chapter 14 is more profound than just resuming discussion after intervening Chapter 13. Paul lists gifts at the end of C-12 and says “eagerly desire the greater charismata.” That seems to be a conclusion based on what is said in Chapter 12. Is C-14 an application of C-12 to desired spiritual worship by the Church that does not assume any activity of the Holy Spirit ceases? C-12 ends with the imperative “desire the greater charismata.” Chapter 14 starts with a different word referring to Spirit prompted communication. C-14 starts with the imperative “desire pveumatika” or “utterances of the Holy Spirit,” then continues with a comparison of prophecy, which Paul seems to favor, to the happening of tongues in worship which requires more time and effort because of the need of interpretation. Both have the same result of edification, but different purposes.
Sam Creed
Andrew,
Let me look at Les’s blog and see what you have put together. At the moment, I’m not sure whether I will be in Indy. But, if anyone is interested/willing to do this, I will certainly let you know.
Blessings, Boyd
Sam,
I think you are right. As to what difference it makes in our interpretation, I need to think about that a tad more.
Blessings, Boyd
Boyd,
We have GOT to sit down and talk about this (read that in your best Will Smith / Independence Day voice). My view of the gift of tongues is so far off from what seems to be conventional kilter, that somebody just ain’t gettin’ something, and I fear it’s me.
Bob,
Since I don’t know exactly what your view of tongues is, I can’t respond. But, I would be very interested to hear it.
For whatever it’s worth, I’ve never read anything you said on the subject that seemed bizarre at all. But, I have only read snippets here and there… .
Sorry, Boyd