December 24, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – 1 Corinthians Chapter 14
1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
5 I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
19 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.
20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
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.
26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law.
35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?
37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 14 of the First Corinthians letter provides a detailed guide from the Apostle Paul on the appropriate use of spiritual gifts within the Christian community. The focus is on the contrast between speaking in tongues and prophetic speech. Paul emphasizes that spiritual gifts are primarily meant for the edification and order of the church. His words aim to establish a balance between personal spirituality and communal usefulness. In doing so, he stresses that love and intelligibility are central values in Christian worship.
Commentary
The Superiority of Prophecy (Verses 1–5):
Paul explains that prophecy (prophetic speech) should be preferred over speaking in tongues because it directly edifies, exhorts, and comforts the church. In contrast, speaking in tongues is a personal communication with God that only benefits others through interpretation.
The Role of Intelligibility (Verses 6–19):
Paul argues that spiritual communication must be understandable to the church in order to be fruitful. He compares incomprehensible speaking in tongues to unclear sounds of an instrument that provide no direction. The goal is to build up the community, not to create confusion.
Speaking in Tongues as a Sign (Verses 20–25):
Paul makes it clear that speaking in tongues is a sign for unbelievers, while prophecy serves believers. This underscores the importance of context and the effect that spiritual gifts have in different situations.
Order in Worship (Verses 26–40):
Paul calls for an orderly practice of spiritual gifts. Every contribution, whether it is speaking in tongues, prophecy, or teaching, should be done with discipline and consideration. He particularly emphasizes that God is a God of peace and not of disorder. The instruction for women to remain silent in the church should be seen in the context of the social and cultural circumstances of the time and remains a controversial topic in interpretation.
Summary
1 Corinthians 14 teaches that spiritual gifts must be directed towards the edification of the church. While speaking in tongues has its place in personal faith life, prophetic speech is valued more highly because it is understandable and promotes the community. Paul emphasizes the importance of order, peace, and intelligibility in worship. Everything should be done in love so that it contributes to the strengthening of the community. His instructions urge the subordination of personal experiences to the common good, in order to reflect God’s nature as a God of peace.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 81—“The Lord Is Risen”
This chapter is based on Matthew 28:2-4, 11-15.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 81 from the reflection “The Lord is Risen!” is a powerful depiction of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, based on Matthew 28:2-4 and 11-15. This chapter illuminates the triumphant moment when Christ overcame death and the cosmic implications of this event. It highlights the tension between the forces of darkness, who sought to seal the tomb, and the heavenly powers that called the Son of God to resurrection. The message of Jesus’ victory over death and the grave is a source of hope and promise for all believers.
Commentary
The Divine Power of the Resurrection:
The resurrection of Jesus is emphatically portrayed as a work of God. The angel of the Lord, whose appearance struck fear and terror into the Roman soldiers, moves the stone from the tomb and calls out the Son of God. This moment underscores the absolute supremacy of divine power over darkness, both physically and spiritually. The proclamation “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25) emphasizes Jesus’ divinity and His ability to give life.
The Reaction of the Guards and Priests:
The reactions of the Roman guards and Jewish priests demonstrate the magnitude of the resurrection. While the soldiers reverently acknowledge that it was the Son of God they had seen, the priests respond with fear and denial. They attempt to cover up the truth and spread lies about the resurrection. These contrasts illustrate how Christ’s triumph both strengthens believing hearts and shakes the unbelievers.
Significance for Believers:
The resurrection of Christ is not merely an event but a promise. It shows that Christ has power over death and the grave, granting believers immortality and eternal life. The resurrection of the saints who came out of the tombs with Christ is a foretaste of the final resurrection at His second coming. This serves as an encouragement for all who die in Christ, as death is but a sleep for them.
Summary
Chapter 81 is a sublime portrayal of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and its significance. It highlights God’s power that called Christ out of the tomb, the distress of His enemies, and the joy of the believers. The resurrection is described as the central victory over death and darkness, forming the foundation for the hope of eternal life. This chapter reminds us that the resurrection of Jesus is not only a historical event but an ongoing triumph that shapes our future.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 82—“Why Weepest Thou?”
This chapter is based on Matthew 28:1, 5-8; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 82: “Why Are You Weeping?” describes the wonderful moment of Jesus’ resurrection and the encounter of the women and disciples with the risen Lord. Based on the Gospels, it is shown how the sorrow and despair of the believers are transformed into joy and hope as they realize that Jesus is alive. This chapter emphasizes the central significance of the resurrection for the Christian faith and invites believers to embrace the hope of eternal life.
Commentary
The Women at the Empty Tomb:
The women who had accompanied Jesus up to His death came with spices to honor His body, unaware that the promise of His resurrection had already been fulfilled. Their deep sorrow was transformed into awe when they saw the angel who proclaimed the good news: “He is risen.” Their spices became unnecessary because the Savior was alive.
Mary Magdalene and Her Encounter with Jesus:
Mary Magdalene, whose grief was particularly great, experienced a personal encounter with the risen Jesus. Her inability to recognize Him immediately reflects the despair that kept her from the reality of His resurrection. However, Jesus’ loving “Mary” opened her eyes. This scene illustrates how Jesus reveals Himself uniquely to each individual.
The Disciples’ Doubts:
The disciples initially reacted with disbelief to the women’s message. Their doubts and fears prevented them from accepting the truth of the resurrection. Nevertheless, Jesus did not reject them but revealed Himself to strengthen their faith and restore their hope. Especially Peter received personal assurance of forgiveness through the mention of his name.
The Message of Hope:
Jesus’ words “Why are you weeping?” and the angels’ exhortation to spread the good news are still relevant today. The resurrection is the foundation of our hope and joy because it demonstrates that death has been overcome. The call to shift our focus from sorrow to the living Christ is an invitation to live in faith and hope.
Summary
Chapter 82 depicts the encounter of the women and disciples with the risen Jesus and highlights the transformative power of the resurrection. It shows how sorrow, doubt, and despair can be transformed into joy, hope, and faith. The central message is clear: Jesus is alive, and through His resurrection, He grants all believers the hope of eternal life. This chapter calls believers to grow in faith and joyfully share the message of Jesus’ victory over death.
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