1 Corinthians 14:2
For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit.
For he who speaks in a tongue
The phrase "speaks in a tongue" refers to the practice of speaking in languages unknown to the speaker, often understood as a spiritual gift. The Greek word for "tongue" is "glossa," which can mean both the physical organ and a language. In the early church, this gift was seen as a sign of the Holy Spirit's presence and power. Historically, speaking in tongues was a way to demonstrate the universality of the Gospel, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers. It is important to note that this gift was meant to edify the church when interpreted, aligning with the broader biblical theme of building up the body of Christ.

does not speak to men, but to God
This phrase emphasizes the vertical nature of the gift of tongues. The speaker is communicating directly with God, rather than delivering a message to other people. This highlights the personal and intimate nature of this spiritual practice. Theologically, it underscores the idea that certain spiritual experiences are meant for personal edification and communion with God, rather than public instruction. This aligns with the conservative Christian perspective that prioritizes personal relationship with God through the Holy Spirit.

Indeed, no one understands him
The phrase "no one understands him" points to the mystery and exclusivity of the language spoken in tongues. The Greek word "oudeis" means "no one" or "nobody," indicating that without interpretation, the message remains unintelligible to others. This serves as a reminder of the need for order and clarity in worship, as Paul later instructs that interpretation should accompany tongues in a congregational setting. Historically, this reflects the early church's struggle to balance charismatic expressions with orderly worship.

he utters mysteries in the Spirit
The term "mysteries" (Greek: "mysteria") refers to divine truths that are hidden or not fully understood. In the context of speaking in tongues, these mysteries are spiritual insights or revelations communicated through the Holy Spirit. The phrase "in the Spirit" indicates that this is a supernatural activity, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This aligns with the conservative Christian belief in the active work of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers, guiding them into deeper truths and experiences of God's presence. The use of "mysteries" also connects to the broader biblical theme of God's wisdom being revealed progressively to His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth regarding spiritual gifts and orderly worship.

2. The Church in Corinth
A diverse and spiritually gifted congregation facing issues of disorder and misunderstanding in worship practices.

3. Speaking in Tongues
A spiritual gift involving speaking in a language unknown to the speaker, intended for communication with God.

4. God
The ultimate recipient of the communication when one speaks in tongues, as the speaker utters mysteries in the Spirit.

5. The Spirit
Refers to the Holy Spirit, who enables the believer to speak in tongues and communicate divine mysteries.
Teaching Points
Understanding the Purpose of Tongues
Speaking in tongues is primarily a form of communication with God, not for public edification unless interpreted.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to speak mysteries, emphasizing reliance on divine guidance in spiritual practices.

Order in Worship
Paul’s instruction underscores the importance of order and clarity in worship, ensuring that all spiritual gifts are used for the edification of the church.

Personal Edification
While tongues may not edify the congregation without interpretation, they can strengthen the individual believer’s spiritual life.

Discernment and Balance
Believers are encouraged to seek a balance between personal spiritual experiences and the edification of the church community.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the purpose of speaking in tongues as communication with God influence your view of this spiritual gift?

2. In what ways can you ensure that your use of spiritual gifts contributes to the edification and order of your local church?

3. How can the concept of uttering mysteries in the Spirit deepen your personal prayer life?

4. What steps can you take to discern and balance personal spiritual experiences with the needs of the church community?

5. How do the teachings in 1 Corinthians 14:2 relate to the broader biblical account of the Holy Spirit’s work in the life of a believer?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 2
Describes the event of Pentecost where the apostles spoke in tongues, understood by people of various languages, highlighting the gift's purpose for edification and witness.

1 Corinthians 12
Discusses the variety of spiritual gifts, including tongues, emphasizing their purpose for the common good and unity of the body of Christ.

Romans 8:26-27
Speaks of the Spirit interceding for believers with groanings too deep for words, paralleling the concept of uttering mysteries in the Spirit.

Ephesians 6:18
Encourages believers to pray in the Spirit on all occasions, aligning with the idea of speaking to God through spiritual means.
Love Controls Zeal in Behalf of Spiritual GiftsC. Lipscomb 1 Corinthians 14:1-5
UsefulnessE. Hurndall 1 Corinthians 14:1-19
A Lesson for PreachersJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 14:1-24
Choosing LoveScougal.1 Corinthians 14:1-24
Edification, Exhortation and ComfortProf. Godet.1 Corinthians 14:1-24
Following After LoveGreat Thoughts1 Corinthians 14:1-24
Grace and GiftsD. Thomas, D. D.1 Corinthians 14:1-24
Ineffective PreachingJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 14:1-24
Love Lessening Misery1 Corinthians 14:1-24
Private and Public EdificationJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 14:1-24
Prophecy and TonguesF. W. Robertson, M. A.1 Corinthians 14:1-24
Speaking in a TongueProf. Godet.1 Corinthians 14:1-24
Spiritual GiftsEssex Congregational Remembrancer1 Corinthians 14:1-24
Spiritual Gifts and Public WorshipM. Dods, D. D.1 Corinthians 14:1-24
The Gift of TonguesJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 14:1-24
The Gifts of the Spirit Must be Wisely EmployedJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 14:1-24
The Girls of Prophecy and TonguesA. F. Barfield.1 Corinthians 14:1-24
The Prompting of Love1 Corinthians 14:1-24
Three Modes of PreachingJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 14:1-24
True PreachingJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 14:1-24
Unedifying Preaching1 Corinthians 14:1-24
Universal BenevolenceJ. Orr, D. D.1 Corinthians 14:1-24
People
Corinthians, Paul
Places
Corinth
Topics
Hearken, Hears, Howbeit, Indeed, Language, Makes, Mysteries, Saying, Secret, Secrets, Sense, Speak, Speaketh, Speaking, Speaks, Spirit, Talking, Tongue, Tongues, Truths, Understandeth, Understands, Unknown, Utters, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Corinthians 14:2

     6694   mystery
     8355   understanding

1 Corinthians 14:1-5

     5832   desire
     7968   spiritual gifts, nature of
     8443   growth

1 Corinthians 14:1-20

     5775   abuse

1 Corinthians 14:1-33

     1444   revelation, NT
     5110   Paul, teaching of

1 Corinthians 14:2-23

     5193   tongue

Library
1 Corinthians xiv, 20
Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit, in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. It would be going a great deal too far to say, that they who fulfilled the latter part of this command, were sure also to fulfil the former; that they who were men in understanding, were, therefore, likely to be children in malice. But the converse holds good, with remarkable certainty, that they who are children in understanding, are proportionally apt to be men in malice: that is, in proportion
Thomas Arnold—The Christian Life

Gunsaulus -- the Bible Vs. Infidelity
Frank Wakely Gunsaulus was born at Chesterville, Ohio, in 1856. He graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1875. For some years he was pastor of Plymouth Church, Chicago, and since 1899 pastor of Central Church, Chicago. He is also president of the Armour Institute of Technology. He is a fascinating speaker, having a clear, resonant voice, and a dignified presence. His mind is a storehouse of the best literature, and his English style is noteworthy for its purity and richness. He is the author
Various—The World's Great Sermons, Volume 10

Here is the Sum of My Examination Before Justice Keelin, Justice Chester, Justice Blundale, Justice Beecher, Justice Snagg, Etc.
After I had lain in prison above seven weeks, the quarter-sessions were to be kept in Bedford, for the county thereof, unto which I was to be brought; and when my jailor had set me before those justices, there was a bill of indictment preferred against me. The extent thereof was as followeth: That John Bunyan, of the town of Bedford, labourer, being a person of such and such conditions, he hath (since such a time) devilishly and perniciously abstained from coming to church to hear Divine service,
John Bunyan—Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners

The Substance of Some Discourse had Between the Clerk of the Peace and Myself; when He came to Admonish Me, According to the Tenor of that Law, by which I was in Prison.
When I had lain in prison other twelve weeks, and now not knowing what they intended to do with me, upon the third of April 1661, comes Mr Cobb unto me (as he told me), being sent by the justices to admonish me; and demand of me submittance to the church of England, etc. The extent of our discourse was as followeth. Cobb. When he was come into the house he sent for me out of my chamber; who, when I was come unto him, he said, Neighbour Bunyan, how do you do? Bun. I thank you, Sir, said I, very
John Bunyan—Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners

Things to be Meditated on as Thou Goest to the Church.
1. That thou art going to the court of the Lord, and to speak with the great God by prayer; and to hear his majesty speak unto thee by his word; and to receive his blessing on thy soul, and thy honest labour, in the six days past. 2. Say with thyself by the way--"As the hart brayeth for the rivers of water, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, even for the living God: When shall I come and appear before the presence of God? For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Miracle of Tongues.
"If any man speak in an (unknown) tongue, . . . let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him speak to himself, and to God."-- 1 Cor. xiv. 27, 28. The third sign following the outpouring of the Holy Spirit consisted in extraordinary sounds that proceeded from the lips of the apostles--sounds foreign to the Aramaic tongue, never before heard from their lips. These sounds affected the multitude in different ways: some called them babblings of inebriated men; others heard in them the great
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Second Wall.
The second wall is even more tottering and weak: that they alone pretend to be considered masters of the Scriptures; although they learn nothing of them all their life, they assume authority, and juggle before us with impudent words, saying that the Pope cannot err in matters of faith, whether he be evil or good; albeit they cannot prove it by a single letter. That is why the canon law contains so many heretical and unchristian, nay, unnatural laws; but of these we need not speak now. For whereas
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

Luther's First Preface.
To the "Geystliche Gsangbuechlin, Erstlich zu Wittenberg, und volgend durch Peter schoeffern getruckt, im jar m. d. xxv. Autore Ioanne Walthero." That it is good, and pleasing to God, for us to sing spiritual songs is, I think, a truth whereof no Christian can be ignorant; since not only the example of the prophets and kings of the Old Testament (who praised God with singing and music, poesy and all kind of stringed instruments) but also the like practice of all Christendom from the beginning,
Leonard Woolsey Bacon—The Hymns of Martin Luther

Women are not Permitted to Speak at the Time of the Divine Liturgy...
Women are not permitted to speak at the time of the Divine Liturgy; but, according to the word of Paul the Apostle, "let them be silent. For it is not permitted to them to speak, but to be in subjection, as the law also saith. But if they wish to learn anything let them ask their own husbands at home." Notes. Ancient Epitome of Canon LXX. Women are not permitted to speak in church. "Let your women keep silence in the churches; for it is not permitted unto them to speak," is the passage referred
Philip Schaff—The Seven Ecumenical Councils

Eighteenth Day for Peace
WHAT TO PRAY.--For Peace "I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplication be made for kings and all that are in high places; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour."--1 TIM. ii"He maketh wars to cease to the end of the earth."--PS. xlvi. 9. What a terrible sight!--the military armaments in which the nations find their pride. What a terrible thought!--the evil passions that may at any moment bring
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Rules to be Observed in Singing of Psalms.
1. Beware of singing divine psalms for an ordinary recreation, as do men of impure spirits, who sing holy psalms intermingled with profane ballads: They are God's word: take them not in thy mouth in vain. 2. Remember to sing David's psalms with David's spirit (Matt. xxii. 43.) 3. Practise St. Paul's rule--"I will sing with the spirit, but I will sing with the understanding also." (1 Cor. xiv. 15.) 4. As you sing uncover your heads (1 Cor. xi. 4), and behave yourselves in comely reverence as in the
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Of Deeper Matters, and God's Hidden Judgments which are not to be Inquired Into
"My Son, beware thou dispute not of high matters and of the hidden judgments of God; why this man is thus left, and that man is taken into so great favour; why also this man is so greatly afflicted, and that so highly exalted. These things pass all man's power of judging, neither may any reasoning or disputation have power to search out the divine judgments. When therefore the enemy suggesteth these things to thee, or when any curious people ask such questions, answer with that word of the Prophet,
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

From his Entrance on the Ministry in 1815, to his Commission to Reside in Germany in 1820
1815.--After the long season of depression through which John Yeardley passed, as described in the last chapter, the new year of 1815 dawned with brightness upon his mind. He now at length saw his spiritual bonds loosed; and the extracts which follow describe his first offerings in the ministry in a simple and affecting manner. 1 mo. 5.--The subject of the prophet's going down to the potter's house opened so clearly on my mind in meeting this morning that I thought I could almost have publicly
John Yeardley—Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel

The Preacher as a Christian.
In the last lecture I spoke of St. Paul as a Man, showing how remarkable were his endowments and acquirements, and how these told in his apostolic career. But it was not through these that he was what he was. Great as were the gifts bestowed on him by nature and cultivated by education, they were utterly inadequate to produce a character and a career like his. It was what Christianity added to these that made him St. Paul. It is right enough that we should now recognise the importance of his natural
James Stalker—The Preacher and His Models

Fifteenth Day. The Holy Spirit.
But this spake He of the Spirit, which they that believed on Him were to receive: for the Holy Spirit was not yet: because Jesus was not yet glorified.'--John vii. 39. 'The Comforter, even the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things.'--John xiv. 26. 'God chose you to salvation in sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth.'--2 Thess. ii. 13. (See 1 Pet. i. 2.) It has sometimes been said, that while the Holiness of God stands out more prominently
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Ten Reasons Demonstrating the Commandment of the Sabbath to be Moral.
1. Because all the reasons of this commandment are moral and perpetual; and God has bound us to the obedience of this commandment with more forcible reasons than to any of the rest--First, because he foresaw that irreligious men would either more carelessly neglect, or more boldly break this commandment than any other; secondly, because that in the practice of this commandment the keeping of all the other consists; which makes God so often complain that all his worship is neglected or overthrown,
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Spiritual Gifts.
"But desire earnestly the greater gifts. And a still more excellent way show I unto you." --1 Cor. xii. 31 (R.V.). The charismata or spiritual gifts are the divinely ordained means and powers whereby the King enables His Church to perform its task on the earth. The Church has a calling in the world. It is being violently attacked not only by the powers of this world, but much more by the invisible powers of Satan. No rest is allowed. Denying that Christ has conquered, Satan believes that the time
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Meditations to Stir us up to Morning Prayer.
1. If, when thou art about to pray, Satan shall suggest that thy prayers are too long, and that therefore it were better either to omit prayers, or else to cut them shorter, meditate that prayer is thy spiritual sacrifice, wherewith God is well pleased (Heb. xiii. 15, 16;) and therefore it is so displeasing to the devil, and so irksome to the flesh. Bend therefore thy affections (will they, nill they) to so holy an exercise; assuring thyself, that it doth by so much the more please God, by how much
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

That the Unskilful Venture not to Approach an Office of Authority.
No one presumes to teach an art till he has first, with intent meditation, learnt it. What rashness is it, then, for the unskilful to assume pastoral authority, since the government of souls is the art of arts! For who can be ignorant that the sores of the thoughts of men are more occult than the sores of the bowels? And yet how often do men who have no knowledge whatever of spiritual precepts fearlessly profess themselves physicians of the heart, though those who are ignorant of the effect of
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

The Holy Spirit Guiding the Believer into a Life as a Son.
The Apostle Paul writes in Rom. viii. 14, R. V., "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God." In this passage we see the Holy Spirit taking the conduct of the believer's life. A true Christian life is a personally conducted life, conducted at every turn by a Divine Person. It is the believer's privilege to be absolutely set free from all care and worry and anxiety as to the decisions which we must make at any turn of life. The Holy Spirit undertakes all that responsibility
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

Peace
Grace unto you and peace be multiplied. I Pet 1:1. Having spoken of the first fruit of sanctification, assurance, I proceed to the second, viz., Peace, Peace be multiplied:' What are the several species or kinds of Peace? Peace, in Scripture, is compared to a river which parts itself into two silver streams. Isa 66:12. I. There is an external peace, and that is, (1.) (Economical, or peace in a family. (2.) Political, or peace in the state. Peace is the nurse of plenty. He maketh peace in thy borders,
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Necessity of Regeneration, Argued from the Immutable Constitution of God.
John III. 3. John III. 3. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. WHILE the ministers of Christ are discoursing of such a subject, as I have before me in the course of these Lectures, and particularly in this branch of them which I am now entering upon, we may surely, with the utmost reason, address our hearers in those words of Moses to Israel, in the conclusion of his dying discourse: Set your hearts unto all
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration

The Christian Prayer
Scripture references: Matthew 6:5-15; Luke 11:1-13; John 17; Matthew 26:41; Mark 11:24,25; Luke 6:12,28; 9:29; 1 Thessalonians 5:17,25; 1 Corinthians 14:13,15; Psalm 19:14; 50:15, Matthew 7:7; 1 Timothy 2:1; Ephesians 3:20,21; John 16:23; 14:14; James 5:16. THE PROVINCE OF PRAYER Definition.--Prayer is the communion of man with God. It is not first of all the means of getting something from God, but the realization of Him in the soul. "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness" (Matthew
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

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