1 CORINTHIANS 14:5 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.”
I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy — Paul affirms tongues but subordinates them. The Corinthians' enthusiasm for glossolalia was status-oriented; Paul reframes all gifts as means of strengthening others. He wants them to want prophecy more, shifting the center of gravity from private experience to communal function.
Church Fathers on 1 Corinthians 14:5
“I would have you all speak with tongues, but rather that you should prophesy: for greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks with tongues, except he interpret, that the Church may receive edifying.” But “rather” and “greater,” do not mark opposition, but superiority. So that hence also it is evident that he is not disparaging the gift, but leading them to better things, displaying both his carefulness on their behalf, and a spirit free from all envy. For neither did…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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