The Gift of Prophecy: Building Up the Church

The Gift of Prophecy: Building Up the Church (1 Corinthians 14:1 through 12) The early Christians in Corinth were fascinated with spiritual gifts. After encouraging them to “desire the greater gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:31), Paul introduced “the most excellent way”, love (13:1 through 13). But he also addressed a problem: the Corinthians had over-valued some gifts and undervalued others. This warranted significant guidance in his letter. Paul specifically contrasts two spiritual gifts: tongues and prophecy. Why Prophecy is Greater than Tongues: “Follow the way of love,” Paul writes, “and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.” What makes prophecy so important? Paul explains that it strengthens, encourages, and comforts others, whereas speaking in tongues, while a valid gift, primarily benefits the speaker. Speaking in tongues is a personal, spiritual expression, it edifies the individual. But prophecy is meant to edify the church, the whole body of believers. It builds people up in faith, teaches them, and encourages them to live faithfully. That is why Paul writes: “I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues… so that the church may be edified.” Paul emphasizes that the purpose of spiritual gifts in a worship service is edification, not personal pride. Everything done in the assembly should build up the church (14:26). Clear Communication Matters. Paul illustrates the importance of intelligibility with everyday examples: If a trumpet does not sound a clear call, how will anyone prepare for battle? If musical instruments do not play distinct notes, how can anyone recognize the tune? In the same way, speaking in tongues without explanation does not benefit others. If words cannot be understood, they may as well be meaningless sounds. Prophecy, however, conveys a clear message from God that all can understand, strengthening and encouraging the listeners. Paul reminds the Corinthians: “Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.” The focus is not on personal display, but on helping others understand God’s Word and His will. The Meaning of Prophecy: The Greek word prophēteuo combines pro- (“before”) and phe- (“speech”), meaning to speak publicly or to speak beforehand. But prophecy is not primarily about predicting the future. Rather, it is a divinely inspired message to instruct, guide, and strengthen God’s people. Moses, for example, was a prophet not only because he foretold events, but because he instructed God’s people about their responsibilities (Deuteronomy 34:10). Jonah warned Nineveh of impending destruction, not merely as a prediction, but to call the people to repent, which they did (Jonah 3:10). Even Jesus demonstrated this principle. When soldiers asked him to prophesy who had struck him (Luke 22:64), they were seeking evidence of supernatural knowledge, a present revelation, not just a future prediction. Spiros Zodhiates defines a prophet as “not primarily one who foretells things to come, but who (having been taught of God) speaks out of His will” (The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament, p. 1244). The Takeaway for Us Today: Spiritual gifts are good and desirable, but the greatest gifts are those that build up others. Love and service toward the church should guide our pursuit of spiritual gifts. Prophecy, in its biblical sense, is about edifying, instructing, and encouraging God’s people. As Paul says, focus on gifts that strengthen the body of Christ. Seek prophecy. Seek love. And always aim to use your gifts for the good of others, not merely for personal display. Let us pursue gifts that build up the church, glorify God, and strengthen one another in faith. More Joy Ministries