21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. 23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? 24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: 25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. (1 Corinthians 14:21-25 KJV)
Tongues a Sign to Unbelievers
In this passage, the apostle continues his argument and reasons from other points.
I. Tongues, as the Corinthians used them, were more a sign of God’s judgment than of mercy (1 Corinthians 14:21). “In the Law it is written: ‘With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people, and yet for all this they will not hear Me,’ says the Lord” (Isaiah 28:11; compare Deuteronomy 28:46, 49). Both passages are given as threats, showing that it is a sign of divine displeasure when God gives people over to instruction in a language they do not understand. It is a sad indication that God has withdrawn His gracious presence when people are taught only by those speaking foreign tongues—they cannot be edified by such instruction.
Christians should not desire the signs of God’s displeasure or bring the church into such a condition. Yet this was what the Corinthians were doing when they insisted on speaking in unknown tongues in public worship.
II. Tongues were a sign for unbelievers rather than for believers (1 Corinthians 14:22). This spiritual gift was meant for the conviction and conversion of unbelievers, so that they might be brought into the church. Once converted, believers were to be built up through instruction in their own language. The gift of tongues was necessary for spreading Christianity and gathering churches. It was useful for convincing unbelievers of the truth of the gospel, but prophesying—interpreting Scripture and teaching in a known language—was meant for the edification of those who already believed. Therefore, speaking with tongues in Christian assemblies was entirely out of place.
Spiritual gifts must be used according to their intended purpose. The apostles needed tongues to reach unbelievers, but using them among those who already believed, and could not understand them, was pointless. Such display neither convinced unbelievers nor edified believers.
III. The reputation of their assemblies among unbelievers required them to prefer prophesying to speaking in tongues.
- If, during Christian worship, all spoke in unknown languages and unbelievers entered, they would think them mad—like a group of fanatics (1 Corinthians 14:23). What kind of religion excludes reason and understanding? Such behavior would make Christianity appear ridiculous. The Christian faith is rational and should never be made to look senseless. Those who act otherwise disgrace their religion and their calling.
- But if, instead of speaking in tongues, those who ministered interpreted Scripture or preached in plain and intelligible language, unbelievers or unlearned persons who entered might be convicted and converted (1 Corinthians 14:24–25). The truth would expose their hearts, awaken their consciences, and lead them to confess their guilt and acknowledge God’s presence among His people.
Plain, faithful teaching of Scripture has a remarkable power to reach the conscience and move the heart. This brings far more honor to Christianity than unintelligible displays that make ministers seem insane. Such confusion brings contempt on both ministers and their religion, while prophesying edifies the church, preserves its reputation, and may lead unbelievers to faith.
Religious exercises in Christian assemblies should be designed to edify believers and to convince and convert unbelievers. The purpose of ministry is not to display one’s gifts or talents, but to save souls.