Remembering the scripture... Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. - 1 Corinthians 14:39
Forbid Not - Do any bible scholars know what this means?
You will get different responses on this depending on ones stance with the sign gifts.
If one is a
cessationist these two commands in the present tense are interpreted as apropos to the time in which Paul wrote when these gifts were still in effect, but would not be applicable now. For a
continuationist these commands are interpreted as affirmation that these gifts are to be practiced. (And as they say "
ne'er the twain shall meet" at least not in this lifetime!"
Therefore - Term of conclusion. In this case Paul's final concluding thoughts on the question of spiritual gifts in the church at Corinth.
My brethren (
adelphos) - Paul's summation begins with this affectionate manner of addressing the Corinthians who he has just sternly censured, in a manner of speaking.
Paul's commands remind us of his somewhat similar commands to the church at Thessalonica -
1 Thessalonians 5:19; 20
+ Do not quench (
sbennumi in
present imperative with a negative see
our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) the Spirit;
do not despise (
exoutheneo in
present imperative with a negative) prophetic utterances (
propheteia)
Desire earnestly to prophesy (
propheteuo) - First the positive command.
Desire earnestly is third command in
present imperative using this verb (
zeloo) in the section on spiritual gifts.
Utley - Prophesying in 1 Corinthians is basically communicating the gospel (cf. 1 Cor 14:24).
And do not forbid to speak (
laleo)
in tongues - - Then the negative command.
Do not forbid is
present imperative with a negative which means some were forbidding others to speak in tongues.
Robertson and Plummer - A vast difference; the one gift to be greatly longed for, the other only not forbidden (
1 Corinthians 14 Commentary)
Pulpit Commentary - The power to preach is to be desired; all that can be said of glossolaly is that it is not to be absolutely forbidden so long as the conditions which St. Paul has laid down for its regulation are observed. But glossolaly is hardly possible under conditions of order, decorum, and self suppression, and we are not surprised that we hear no more of it in the Church, but only in the wild excitement of fanatical sects. The suppression, however, of the startling manifestation by no means necessarily involves any enfeeblement of the inspiring conviction from which it sprang. The brawling torrent which "foams its madness off" is lost in the calm and majestic flow of the deep river. (
1 Corinthians 14 Commentary)
1Corinthians 14:39 Therefore, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues.
do not forbid … tongues. Legitimate languages were limited in purpose and in duration, but as long as it was still active in the early church, it was not to be hindered. But prophecy was the most desirable gift to be exercised because of its ability to edify, exhort, and comfort with the truth (
1Co_14:3).
Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy,.... The apostle now draws to a conclusion, and reassumes the exhortation he gave in the beginning of the chapter, pressing the members of this church to desire the gift of prophecy, that being the most eligible and preferable to others, particularly to speaking with tongues, since it was the most useful and edifying, as he abundantly proves:
and forbid not to speak with tongues; such as have that gift, and are desirous of exercising it, provided they observe the rules prescribed, and have an interpreter; this he adds to promote love, and prevent dissension and discord.
Summary Exhortation
Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues. But let all things be done properly and in an orderly manner. (14:39–40)
Paul concludes the chapter with a summary exhortation for the Corinthians to hold prophecy in the superior position in their services, but not to despise or reject legitimate speaking in tongues. And whatever they did in the Lord’s name should be done in the right way.
In their assemblies they were collectively to
desire earnestly [second person plural]
to prophesy, because prophecy is the great edifier, the great instructor and teacher. Prophecy is so important because edification is so important. Again, as the verb form proves, Paul is not suggesting that individuals seek the gift of prophecy (see comments in chap. 37 on 14:1).
But, although secondary to prophecy, legitimate
tongues that are legitimately exercised should also be recognized as of the Lord, and not ridiculed or forbidden.
Do not forbid is also in the plural and does not advocate individual seeking of tongues, but refers to the church as a group allowing the proper gifts to be exercised. Tongues was a limited gift, both in purpose and in duration, but it was the Lord’s gift, and, as long as it was active, was not to be despised or hindered.
Right revelation should be obeyed in the right way, and right gifts should be exercised in the right way. The basic meaning of
euschēmonōs (
properly) is gracefully, becomingly, harmoniously, beautifully.
Orderly has the meaning of “in turn” or “one at a time” (cf. v. 27). God is a God of beauty and harmony, of propriety and order, and
all things that His children do should reflect those divine characteristics.[1]
[1] John F. MacArthur Jr.,
1 Corinthians, MacArthur New Testament Commentary (Chicago: Moody Press, 1984), 394–395.
