DIRECTION

In the opening verses of this chapter, Paul establishes the "direction" (to

whom the utterances are addressed) and the "purposes" of the utterances. Here

is a schematic that may help us as we compare and contrast prophecy with

tongues and interpretation of tongues.

TO WHOM SPOKEN

Tongues is spoken TO God in an utterance not understood by the speaker or

the hearers. It must be interpreted for the edification of the hearers.

For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh

not unto men, but unto God: for no man understand-

eth him; howbeit in the Spirit he speaketh mysteries

(I Cor. 14:2)

He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth him-

self (I Cor. 14:4)

Prophecy is spoken FOR God in a language that is understood by both the

speaker and the hearers. Its purpose is to edify, exhort, comfort men.

But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edifi-

cation, and exhortation. and comfort

(I Cor. 14:3).

Paul compares and contrasts the persons to whom utterances in the Spirit

are addressed. If we speak in tongues, we speak mysteries by the Spirit to God.

No man understands what we speak to God in tongues by the Spirit because we

speak mysteries. However, if we prophesy, we speak for God by the Spirit to

men. Many times we hear it said that tongues and the interpretation of tongues is

the equivalent of prophecy. I believe that Paul distinguishes between these two

manifestations of the Spirit, even though tongues with interpretation may be as

edifying to the church as the gift of prophecy. One distinction is that tongues are

always spoken to God, while prophecy is always spoken to men. Another disct-

inc-

tion is in the edification of the speakers and the hearers. The person speaking in

tongues edifies himself, while the one who prophesies edifies the church (I Cor.

14:4).

EDIFICATION OF THE INDIVIDUAL

He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth

himself (I Cor. 14:4)

There are several ways that speaking in tongues may edify the individual.

First, because speaking in tongues is speaking by the Spirit, we are edified by

knowing that the Holy Spirit is resident within us. If we become depressed and

feel as though we do not have a friend in the world, not even God, we can be built

up in the spirit by speaking in tongues knowing that the comforter, the Holy Spirit,

is abiding within us. We are built up and comforted.

Second, speaking in tongues releases the creative power of God. If we are

willing for the Holy Spirit to speak through us in a language that does not seem to

make any sense, or does not seem to have any value, we are more willing to open

up our lives so the Holy Spirit might express other gifts through us.

Third, when we pray with the Spirit or sing with the Spirit, our prayer or

our praise is in harmony with the will of God. This is edifying because we have

confidence that when we pray, we know that we receive the things we ask of God

according to His will. We have a sense of completeness and fulfillment which is

edifying as we worship Him in Spirit and in truth.

Fourth, speaking in tongues is a rest and a refreshing. Isaiah prophesied

that speaking with stammering lips or another tongue is a rest and a refreshing:

For with stammering lips and another tongue will he

speak to this people. To whom he said, This is

the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest;

and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear

(Isaiah 28:11-12). (Also see Addendum)

This rest and refreshing form the basis for Paul's declaration that the person who

speaks in tongues edifies himself.