THE FOURTEENTH CHAPTER OF I CORINTHIANS

FOLLOW AFTER CHARITY

Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts [pneu-

matikos--spirituals], but rather that ye may prophesy

(I Cor. 14:1).

The theme of the thirteenth chapter, love, carries over into Paul's discussion

of tongues and prophecy. The key concept in the fourteenth chapter is edification

which is produced by understanding. Paul speaks of "edification" six times

(verses 3, 4, 5, 12, 17, 26); he speaks of "understanding" seven times (verses 2,

9, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20). All of the spirituals should produce edification for the

body of Christ. This can only happen if the body of Christ understands the mind of

the Spirit. We are to pursue love, desire spiritual gifts of which prophecy is the

most desirable, and seek to excel in the edifying of the church.