1 Corinthians 14:23-25 If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds?24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, 25 the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you.
Now Paul applies to the church the principles he has been arguing for and illustrating. First, he asks a rhetorical question with a condition. The question revolves around the topic of those outside the church or who have yet come to believe who need to hear the gospel clearly so they can respond to it. Understanding the message is critical. Without understanding, there can be no belief. If the Corinthians speak in tongues, unbelievers will think they are crazy. Their speech will all be gibberish and meaningless. Speaking in tongues will only scandalize unbelievers and push them away from hearing the gospel. This is a serious charge against the Corinthians because they will be at fault for keeping people from Jesus and the hope of eternal life.
Prophecy, however, brings people to Jesus. When the Corinthians prophesy and speak forth the gospel in clear ways that are understandable, unbelievers will be convicted of their sins. They will see their need for the gospel. Prophecy, therefore, is clear communication of the gospel in ways that convict people and lead them to repentance and faith. A number of things are listed in vv. 24-25 that result from the clear communication of prophecy: conviction, judgement, revelation of secrets, worship, and testimony. When a person clearly speaks forth a word from God, these things happen in people’s lives. If the message is not from God or is not communicated clearly, people will not respond. This prophecy is a gift from the Holy Spirit who is working in people’s lives before and during this speaking event. Lives are changed when people hear the gospel in ways they understand. Speaking in tongues is counter-productive. Paul’s ministry was all about calling people to faith in Jesus Christ, not in emotional, self-focused sensationalism.
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