Intelligibility in Worship

14 Follow the way of love^(A) and eagerly desire^(B) gifts of the Spirit,^(C) especially prophecy.^(D)

³ But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening,^(A) encouraging^(B) and comfort. ⁴ Anyone who speaks in a tongue^(C) edifies^(D) themselves, but the one who prophesies^(E) edifies the church. ⁵ I would like every one of you to speak in tongues,^[a] but I would rather have you prophesy.^(F) The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues,^[b] unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.^(G)

⁶ Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation^(H) or knowledge^(I) or prophecy or word of instruction?^(J)

²² Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy,^(A) however, is not for unbelievers but for believers. ²³ So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind?^{(B) 24} But if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, ²⁵ as the secrets^(C) of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!”^(D)

Good Order in Worship

²⁶ What then shall we say, brothers and sisters?^(E) When you come together, each of you^(F) has a hymn,^(G) or a word of instruction,^(H) a revelation, a tongue^(I) or an interpretation.^(J) Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.^{(K) 27} If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. ²⁸ If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God.

²⁹ Two or three prophets^(L) should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.^{(M) 30} And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. ³¹ For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. ³² The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets.^{(N) 33} For God is not a God of disorder^(O) but of peace^(P)—as in all the congregations^(Q) of the Lord’s people.^(R)

³⁴ Women^[a] should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak,^(S) but must be in submission,^(T) as the law^(U) says. ³⁵ If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.^[b]

³⁶ Or did the word of God^(V) originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? ³⁷ If anyone thinks they are a prophet^(W) or otherwise gifted by the Spirit,^(X) let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command.^{(Y) 38} But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored.^[c]

³⁹ Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager^(Z) to prophesy,^(AA) and do not forbid speaking in tongues.

¹¹ So Christ himself gave^(A) the apostles,^(B) the prophets,^(C) the evangelists,^(D) the pastors and teachers,^(E)