1 Corinthians 14:1
Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
1 Corinthians 14:1
Chapter 14 shifts to how gifts are exercised within the gathered community. Channeling the preceding emphasis on love, Paul urges pursuit of gifts but prioritizes prophecy over speaking in tongues, for the sake of building up the church. The imperative “Follow after charity” flags love as the motive and guide. The phrase “desire spiritual gifts” recognizes God’s gracious distribution of gifts, but “prophecy” is preferred because it edifies the community. The cultural setting includes multilingual and sometimes chaotic worship. Prophecy, understood as clear, intelligible communication from God for encouragement, exhortation, and consolation, serves the communal good. The exhortation is not anti-tongue, but pro-understanding, pro-edification, pro-order in worship.
This verse foregrounds order, edification, and the public function of spiritual gifts. It ties love to prophetic speech as the ideal form of spiritual communication within worship. It underscores that spiritual gifts are for community growth, not personal display. The gospel-shaped life prioritizes others’ good and the clarity of God’s word to all present.
In contemporary worship or small groups, emphasize practices that strengthen communal understanding: clear communication, checking for comprehension, allowing space for questions, and ensuring that messages are accessible to all. If you lead worship, balance personal spiritual experiences with corporate edification. If you speak in public or teach, aim for messages that everyone can grasp, translate, and apply. Create an environment where prophecy (or edifying teaching) is practiced with sensitivity to others and the Spirit’s leading.
Cross-References: Acts 2:14–21; 1 Thessalonians 5:19–22; 1 Corinthians 12:7–11; Romans 12:6–8; Ephesians 4:11–13