what does prophecy mean in 1 corinthians 14

At Corinth people would stand up and speak in these languages, perhaps recognizable as being languages used somewhere nearby (as on the Day of Pentecost), but the people there did not understand the language, and so they could not know what the speaker was saying. Now, I have also been in some other gatherings, where many of the participants behave in a strange manner. To that end, desire spiritual gifts, so that they may be a means of helping others and fulfilling love. The modern gift of prophecy, which is really more akin to teaching, still declares the truth of God. But that’s not what prophecy, as this is described in 1 Corinthians 14, is. Follow after charity--as your first and chief aim, seeing that it is "the greatest" ( 1 Corinthians 13:13). 8 Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? In the closing verses of 1 Corinthians 14, Paul gives specific instructions on the use of prophecy in church gatherings: Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. Here is what the Scripture says: 1 1 Corinthians 14:27-33 The third ministry of prophesying is that of comforting. [a] 1 In both the Old and the New Testaments, prophets are divinely inspired to foretell the future in the process of delivering God’s word to the people. But we need to understand that what Paul or the New Testament defines as church meetings have much more to do with house meetings and active participation from everybody than with our model of Sunday services. Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. It was an exaggeration to get over the point. To build a house on a solid foundation is the idea; and the work of prophesying gives people a foundation. Prophecy is a message coming directly from the mouth of God - by revelation - and addressed to the believers that are present. bring forth a message from God for the edification, exhortation and comfort of the local church. Such prophecies may still be valid prophecies. "Prophecy" in 1 Corinthians 12-14. CHAPTER 14. Love is building up someone else. One of the major problems among Christians today is the struggle they have with the sense of their true identity. There is a constant sense of confusion in the meeting, with people groaning heavily, others speaking in tongues without interpretation, or start giving “revelations” that have not much to do with the “edification, exhortation and comfort” of the church or throwing themselves on the floor and staying there like they are unconscious, attributing this to “the spirit”. 2 For he who () speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3. But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. 1 Corinthians 14:22, NASB: "So then, tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophecy is not for unbelievers, but for those who believe." The content of the messages God spoke was indeed always edifying, exhorting and comforting. 14:30–33 is helpful. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. People may say many things about it. So does 'prophesy/prophecy' refer only to spontaneous utterance on behalf of God or is it broader than that to include preaching/teaching generally? 1 Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy. Essentially the gift of tongues is a message given by God to the church through a particular believer in an unknown language. Now, we must not confuse the manifestation of prophecy, discussed in 1 Corinthians 14 with the ministry of a prophet. "Now I want you ALL to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy;". New International Version. Praying in a tongue, when nobody can interpret, only benefits the one praying. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. Since love is the highest value, Paul argues, the unrestrained use of tongues in the Corinthian's worship services is selfish; tongues (unless they are interpreted) edify only the … The reason for that was he was speaking in a language that they did not understand. Prophecy benefits everyone in the room with a revelation from God. 40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. 1. For prophecy is greater than speaking in tongues, unless someone interprets what you are saying so that the whole church will be strengthened." 14 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. As he also says in the same chapter: 1 Corinthians 14:31 This problem warranted considerable space in Paul’s letter. In this article we will look at prophecy as this is defined in 1 Corinthians 14. Do not reject the gifts of God because of this. I recently read a wonderful book by Greek Orthodox priest Eusebious Stefanou. 3 But he who prophesies speaks () edification and () exhortation and comfort to men. 37 If anyone thinks they are a prophet or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. Daily Devotion © 2014 by Ray Stedman Ministries. When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Allow your hearts to receive from me.”, “Give yourselves to me and I will hold you and I will carry you and you will know my care, says the Lord.”. For it gives no indication of the … Don’t blame it to God or to the manifestations of His spirit. The prophets that God has a message given by God to the prophets should be done orderly Holy Spirit author... 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