20070527
In the Christian calendar, today is “Pentecost Sunday” – a remembrance of the beginning of the Christian Church in Jerusalem when the Holy Spirit was given to believers gathered in the Upper Room. As we look at the topic of the vocal gifts of the Holy Spirit in 1 Corinthians 14, we need to understand the context and background of the Apostle Paul’s first Letter to the Corinthian Church. What was happening in this church at Corinth? There were jealousy, quarrelling, one-upmanship, immorality, division, envy and strife. Paul admonished the Corinthians with: “I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly – mere infants in Christ” (1Cor. 3:1). He cautioned how one builds on the foundation of the gospel and strongly warned them to guard against divisive doctrines and teachings contrary to the Word of God.
Paul contrasted and weighed the gifts of tongues and prophecy. When speaking in tongues, one does not speak to people but to God. No one understands him, he utters mysteries and he speaks unintelligible words unless interpreted. He edifies himself and others are not edified and cannot agree with their “Amen”. Unbelievers who hear such speech are confused. So Paul cautioned about the public speaking in tongues. He instructed that speaking in tongues be allowed but advised that “all these must be done for the strengthening of the church” (1Cor. 14:26). The overriding question is that if such speech is carried out publicly will it strengthen the church and will it edify the hearers for them to agree with their “Amen”? On that special Pentecost Day in Jerusalem, many languages were spoken to people of many nationalities, the Parthians, Medes, Elamites, etc. Believers declared the wonders of God and all understood what was spoken in their own languages. Believers led by the Holy Spirit preached about Jesus in languages unknown to them but known and understood by the many hearers. “Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers” (1Cor. 14:22).
On the other hand Paul fervently urged the practice of the gift of prophecy, the “forth-telling” of God’s truths. Prophesying speaks intelligible words to people to strengthen, encourage and comfort them. It is instructive; it is for believers and builds up the church. It convicts unbelievers and causes them to worship God. The right attitude governing the practice of the gifts of tongues and prophecy is to follow the way of love. We are encouraged to do everything in a fitting and orderly manner “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (1Cor. 14:33). Let us all use the gifts God has given us for the building up, maturing and growth of our Bethesda (Katong) Church.
