1 Corinthians 14:27-28, Let One Interpret

1 Corinthians 14:27-28 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. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

The counsel for edifying church service is to ensure that anyone speaking in a foreign language has an interpreter. It should be limited to at most three languages. I recall attending a meeting with English as the main language with a Mandarin translator interpreting after each sentence. And there is another at the back of the meeting hall interpreting the message into Bahasa Indonesia. It is true that the message of the main speaker was slowed down by the Mandarin translation for the sake of the Chinese speaking folks. Also, the third interpreter could be heard also, there was some degree of distraction for those listening message in English. However, for the sake of others, it did not bother those present.

The Apostle Paul’s counsel is that if there is no interpretation, it is better the person endeavouring to speak in a foreign language refrain from doing so. It will only disrupt the service when the congregation could not understand and will not benefit it. He is advocating order and restraint to ensure the overall sanctity of the service.

May the Lord bless His church with a good order that His people may grow thereby. Amen.