1 Corinthians 14:2-3, Speaking in an Unknown Tongue

1 Corinthians 14:2-3 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. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

The gift of speaking in an unknown tongue or foreign language was much coveted after in the Corinthian church even though when such a one speaks, the others who do not speak that foreign language will not be able to understand. God knows what he speaks but it doesn’t really help others. The spirit’s gift is for the building up of God’s people. As such, it does not fulfil the God-given purpose!

Rather, let the focus be upon coming under the sound of the preaching and teaching of God’s Word. To edify is to build up. To exhort provide encouragement and consolation through authoritative counsel of God’s Word. It seeks to comfort the believer so that he may be strengthened in the faith to walk with God.

Pray for the faithful preaching and teaching of God’s Word that comfort and strengthen and build up His people. Amen.