What is the meaning of scripture 1Corinthians14?

Answer 1

In this chapter the Apostle Paul provides practical advice about life and worship for the Church at Corinth. Specifically, tongues regarding use and abuse of their spiritual gifts, preferring those that are best and fitted to do the greatest good. I.) He begins with advising them of all spiritual gifts to prefer prophesying; shows that this is much better than speaking with tongues, 1 Corinthians 14:1-5. II.) He goes on to show them how unprofitable the speaking of foreign languages are useless to the church; it is like piping in one tone, like sounding a Trumpet without any certain note, like talking gibberish; whereas gifts should be used for the edification of the church, 1 Corinthians 14:6-14. III.) He advises that worship should be celebrated so that the most untaught might understand, and join in prayer and praise, and presses the advice by his own example, 1 Corinthians 14:15-20. IV.) He informs them that tongues were a sign for unbelievers rather than those that believe; and represents the advantage of prophecy above speaking with tongues, from the different suggestions they would give to the mind of an unbeliever coming into their assemblies, 1 Corinthians 14:21-25. V.) He blames them for the disorder and confusion they had brought into the assembly, by their vanity and ostentation of their gifts; and directs them in using the gifts both of tongues and prophecy, 1 Corinthians 14:26-33. VI.) He forbids women speaking in the church; and closes this subject by requiring them to perform everything in the public worship with order and decency,

Prophesying, that is, explaining Scripture is compared with speaking with tongues. This drew attention, more than the plain interpretation of Scripture; it gratified pride more, but promoted the purposes of Christian charity less; it would not equally do well to the souls of men. What cannot be understood, never can edify. No advantage can be reaped from the most excellent discourses, if delivered in language such as the hearers cannot speak or understand. Every ability or possession is valuable in proportion to its usefulness. Even fervent, spiritual affection must be governed by the exercise of the understanding, otherwise men will disgrace the truths they profess to promote