Building Up the Church

Paul tells the church to pursue love and to desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy. Prophecy builds up, encourages, and comforts others. Speaking in another language helps only the speaker unless someone interprets, because no one else understands.

Paul gives examples. A flute or harp must play clear notes for anyone to know the tune, and a trumpet must give a clear sound for soldiers to prepare. In the same way, words in church should be understandable. Paul would rather speak five clear words than ten thousand words no one understands.

Paul also thinks of visitors. If an unbeliever comes in and hears only confusion, he may think the believers are out of their minds. But if he hears clear truth, his heart may be touched, and he may worship God. So Paul gives guidelines: speakers take turns, someone interprets, and others weigh what is said. Everything should be done decently and in order.