"But now, Brethren, If I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either be revelation, by knowledge, by prophecy, or by teaching?" (1 Corinthians 14:6)
The key point the Apostle Paul makes in 1 Corinthians 14, is that we as Christians must have understanding of the Word of God, in order to live out the will of God. And for us to be edified as a church, we must be encouraged by the Word of God.
On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to share the Gospel in the various languages that was represented there in Jerusalem. In Acts 10, While Peter was speaking to the group there with Cornelius (A centurion, and his household) they began to speak in tongues and magnify God.(v.46) The ability to speak in tongues was a sign-gift. In Cornelius's case, it was a sign that God had opened the door for the Gentiles to receive the Gospel; and along with the Jews, be apart of the family of God.
But for the early Christians as a group, to understand the message from speaking in tongues, there had to be an interpreter. That is why prophesy was the better gift, because all could understand what was being said, and in so doing, the group could be edified.
We have the Word of God available to us today, in many languages, and by many technological means. But still the Word of God, sits on a shelf, or falls on deaf ears.
For us to know, and to do God's Will, we must come to understand His Word. We must take advantage of the opportunities to receive God's Word into our hearts, so we can live it out in our lives. (GP)
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