1 CORINTHIANS 14:4 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.”
Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church — the antithesis is stark: self-edification versus corporate edification. Tongues aren't condemned as spiritually false, but they remain privatizing. In the church's economy, Paul privileges the charism that builds the body over the one that builds the self.
Church Fathers on 1 Corinthians 14:4
“He that speaks in tongue edifies himself.” And how, if he know not what he says? Why, for the present, he is speaking of them who understand what they say — understand it themselves, but know not how to render it unto others. “But he that prophesies edifies the Church.” Now as great as is the difference between a single person and the Church, so great is the interval between these two. Do you see his wisdom, how he does not thrust out the gift and make nothing of it, but…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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