1 Corinthians 14:1-5

Prophesy Builds Up and Comforts the Church

Paul had already told the brethren that love is most important to Christians. Yet, he thought it was good for the Corinthians to desire the gifts that might aid them in furthering Christ's cause. Preaching by inspiration, or prophesy, was the greatest gift. The tongues speaker might be telling divine truths or revealing some of God's mysteries, but only God could understand since it was in a foreign language. Those prophesying could build up the church and help it grow spiritually. They could exhort and encourage. Also, they could comfort their brethren (1 Corinthians 14:1-3).

In the normal Corinthian assembly, there would be no profit to tongue speaking. Prophesy, on the other hand, would help instruct the church. Tongues helped missionaries. Tongue speaking was profitable in that it showed the individual speaking had the Spirit of God. The one speaking may have understood what he said. However, prophesying would be profitable to the whole church since all could understand (1 Corinthians 14:4-5).