TONGUE: "Glossa", used interchangably with "dialectos"
in Act 2:4,8. Ref foreign language in Rev 5:9; 7:9; 10:11; 11:9; 13:7; 14:6;
17:15. "Glossa" sig intelligible speech in Rom 14:11; Phi 2:11; 1Jo
3:18.
1Co 14:5
Moses: "Would God that all the LORD's people were prophets..."
(Num 11:29). In Corinth the brethren were concerned with tongues (1Co 13) --
presumably for self gratification. Hence Paul discusses the merits and demerits
of tongues and interpreters and edification.
THAT THE CHURCH MAY BE EDIFIED: Notice the way
"edification" is stressed throughout: 1Co 8:1; 10:23; 14:3-5,12,17.26. Tongues,
without an interpreter, did not edify; but prophecy did. Here, prophecy extends
beyond speaking about the future; it encompasses exposition of the Scripture
also -- encompassing exhortations and Bible classes.
1Co 14:8
TRUMPET: There were special differences between
different trumpet sounds (Num 10:9).
1Co 14:14
Even the brother praying or speaking in another tongue did not
necessarily understand his own words (WFB 127). Or, alternatively, Paul does not
mean that he himself cannot understand his meaning. Rather, to paraphrase, "If I
pray in another tongue, my understanding does no good for my listeners, unless
they understand too."
1Co 14:16
THANKSGIVING: Eucharistos = the breaking of bread.
There, esp, the ecclesia was to "proclaim" Christ (1Co 11:26; Rom 3:5), so that
visitors might understand.
1Co 14:20
"God's professed people -- presumed heirs and rulers of the
world to come -- wasting their precious time and attention on the world's
baby-toys is like a pitiful lunatic millionaire picking through the garbage,
mentally incapable of comprehending or enjoying his vast riches"
(GVG).
1Co 14:34
See RR in Ber 69:9. Cp Hab 2:20.
1Co 14:40
IN A FITTING AND ORDERLY WAY: "The brother or sister
who sincerely loves God will endeavour always to be punctual in the observance
of His requirements and appointments. (Unavoidable lateness is exceptional, and
need not here be considered.) To be late at the meetings when we could have been
early is indicative of indifference and carelessness in regard to the things of
God. The meetings are of God's appointment for the benefit of His children. The
latecomer not only himself loses much of this benefit, but hinders those who are
punctual in receiving the good. Usually the meetings commence with collective
thanksgiving to God; is it not manifestly irreverent, and consequently
displeasing to Him, that the privilege should be disturbed by latecomers, who
with a little thought and care could have been present to unite in prayer and
thanksgiving? Christ is our example in all things, and there is more than a
suggestion of punctuality in the record that 'when the hour was come he sat
down, and the twelve apostles with him' (to eat the Passover) (Luk 22:14)"
(WJW).
"How necessary it is, even where faith exists, to add to it
courage! A faith without courage can never overcome the world, and they who fail
in this conflict can have no part in the Kingdom of God.
"The doctrine Paul taught, and the customs he established,
afforded no scope for the gratification of personal ambition and democratic
turbulence. He required that all things should be done decently and in order:
and to the edification, or the building up, of the body of Christ in its most
holy faith. All this was very displeasing to men of vain and conceited minds,
whose propensity was for talk and egotistical display" (JT).
Setting "in order" is a significant thing in the service of
God (particularly in the area of offering sacrifices): Gen 22:9; Exo 26:17;
39:37; 40:4,23; Lev 1:7,8,12; 6:12; 24:8; 1Ki 18:33; 2Ki 20:1; 2Ch 13:11; 29:35;
Eze 41:6; Acts 18:23; 1Co 11:34; 14:40; Tit 1:5.