I Corinthians 14

“Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy” (1). For Paul, “prophecy” covered a wide range of meanings, but the main point was clearly declaring God’s truth through the Spirit’s leading. The Corinthians were apparently so fascinated by the gift of tongues that they had forgotten the importance of encouraging one another in plain speech (1-5). Paul affirmed their desire for all spiritual gifts, including tongues, but he urged them “to excel in those that build up the church” (12).

Paul encouraged all believers to use their gifts, so that the Body receives what we need. When we “come together” in Jesus’ name for mutual encouragement and blessing, the church is “built up” (26).