By Timothy W. Burnett
So far we have seen in 1Corinthians chapter 14 that it's available for all Christians to speak in tongues. Moreover, it is God's will that all Christians speak in tongues. We learned that speaking in tongues edifies the spirit of God in each Christian who starts speaking. God taught us that when we speak in tongues, it is the spirit that prays and is not intended to edify all Christians according to their own mental understanding. The interpretation of tongues is for the edification of other believers during an orderly assembly. The one who does the speaking must also pray or believe to give the interpretation. The interpretation of tongues is basically prophesy in that the words given are understood by all in the assembly, and they are for edification, exhortation and comfort.
Verses 16-26 continues to emphasize the distinction between speaking in tongues and the interpretation of tongues. But a brief examination of verses 16-19 and 26 is warranted. "Else if you shall bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupies the room of the unlearned say "Amen" at your giving of thanks, seeing he understands not what you say. For you verily give thanks well, but the other is not edified. I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all. Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue" (verses 16-19). Our readers will be astounded to learn that the interpretation of tongues can also be utilized to give thanks during an assembly of believers at the dinner table. It doesn't actually say "at the dinner table." But isn't that a time most Christians give thanks? When we speak in tongues we are giving thanks well. That's what it says. How can it be giving thanks well, if we just learned that it is not edifying to speak in tongues without giving the interpretation? Every one of us at some time has spoken things under our breath or without making any sounds. Our lips slighty move. Our jaw may move a little. Our tongue is popping through the consonants. Yet we never made any significant sound. Well, this can also be done while speaking in tongues.
Verse 26 reemphasizes for the third time, "...let all things be done unto edifying." When God emphasizes something three times, He completely establishes it. There are no ifs...ands...or...buts about it. When it it comes to spiritual matters, let all things be done unto edifying. Guess what? This is true for all interactions with others. When Christians walk by the spirit of God and love others with His love, you can bet your bottom dollar their decisions and actions will be unto edifying. What a great and loving God we have, that He would make it available to not only go to him with our own understanding, but that we can truly pray with the spirit that He gave us freely. Praise God for His matchless love!
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