By Timothy W. Burnett
We continue with 1Corinthians 14:2-4, "For he that speaks in an unknown tongue, speaks not unto men, but unto God; for no man understands him, howbeit in the spirit he speaks mysteries. But he that speaks unto men [speaks] to edification, exhortation and comfort. He that speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself; but he that prophesies edifies the church." All references to "tongues" means languages that are foreign to the one speaking. Speaking in tongues is not meant to edify others in the church. It is for the edification of the person who is speaking. It is also speaking mysteries in the spirit.
A precise and more exhaustive study of the word "prophesy" will show two different functions. One use is to give revelation related to a specific situation. The other use is by inspiration and involves giving edification, exhortation and comfort for both the speaker and the others in the assembly. In the book of Acts a man named Agabus prophesied by revelation two times. In Acts 11:28 he prophesied of a great dearth throughout the land. Later in Acts 21:10-11 he prophesied of what would happen to Paul if he went to Jerusalem. How and when the words are given is God's prerogative. Inspirational prophesy can be found in Luke 1:41-55 where Elisabeth prophesied after she was filled with holy spirit. With revelation prophesy, the words must be given before they are spoken. Whereas with inspirational prophesy, the words are given as the person begins to speak.
According to verse 5 it is God's will for all members in the body to speak in tongues, "I would that you all spake with tongues, but rather that you prophesied. For greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks with tongues, except he interpret, that the church might receive edifying." The phrase "but rather that you prophesied" does not nullify the words, "I would that you all spake with tongues." The context is spiritual matters that are edifying for the self, versus edifying for the church. During a believers meeting if a person starts speaking in tongues he will not edify the assembly unless he believes to give the interpretation. The words "except he interpret" is referring to the previous pronoun "he that speaks with tongues." The one who does the speaking also gives the interpretation.
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