Tongues in 1 Corinthians 14:1-12

An Analysis of Tongues in 1 Corinthians 14:1-12

Delimitation

The pericope is basically part of Paul’s exposition in Chapters 12, 13 and 14 of 1 Corinthians. In these chapters we can see Paul’s discussion regarding charisms. Let us now try to focus on the pericope 1 Cor 14:1-12. This pericope follows chapter 13 which is actually a discussion on love as the foundation of the gifts as charisms. Paul stated, “If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong…” (1 Cor 13:1). The succeeding verses are descriptions of love and it culminates in saying that love is the greatest (1 Cor 13:13).

1 Cor 14:1 provides us a connecting transition and in 1 Cor 14:2 allows us to focus at speaking in tongues vis-à-vis prophesying in which the standard would be the building up of the Church (v. 5). The next verses give us Paul’s illustration by way of giving situational example. And in v. 12 Paul repeats the idea “for the building up of the Church” as a motivation in seeking to have an abundance of the gifts. Verses 13 and following discuss on the need for interpretation. Hence, 1 Cor 14:1-12 can be considered as one pericope and it discusses a comparison between tongues and prophecy in which the criterion to be considered is the building up of the Church.
Literary genre

1 Cor 14:1-12 can be considered as an argumentation. Here, we find Paul’s way of giving rhetorical questions that are found in verses 6 to 9. we could also find here comparison between speaking in tongues that build the self and prophesying that builds the Church. If we have to try to describe this pericope by identifying the elements in forensic rhetoric we could have the following:

a) Verse 1 could be the exordium. It sets the character that is needed in prophesying.

b) Verses 2-3 could be the narratio. It states the fact that one who speaks in tongue speaks to God and the one who prophesies speaks to human beings.

c) Verse 4 could be the propositio. It states the point of disagreement by way of saying that whoever speaks in a tongue builds himself up while those who prophesies builds up the Church.

d) Verses 6-11 could be the probatio. It develops the central argument by stating rhetorical questions and giving some concrete examples from experience.

e) Verse 12 could be the refutatio. It sets a conclusion by stating, “so with yourselves: since you strive eagerly for spirits, seek to have an abundance of them for building up the Church.”

To whom the letter is addressed

The addressee for this letter could be the community wherein there is a disproportionate esteem for certain phenomena, especially speaking in tongues, to the detriment of order in liturgy. Paul’s criticism of tongues could indicate this attitude. As described in 1 Cor 12:2 these people were pagan before.

Key word

In the New Testament usage the word tongue, glossa in Greek, may also refer to the physical part of body. For example, in Luke 1:64 “Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he [Zechariah] spoke blessing God.” The tongue is also used to praise God as in Rome 14:11 – “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bend before me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.”

In another sense “tongue or glossa” may also refer to other languages such as “speaking in tongue.” Such phenomenon is considered as a manifestation or gift of the Holy Spirit. This event happened as described in Acts 2:4 – “And they were filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.” Also in Acts 19:6 – “And when Paul laid (his) hands on them, the holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.”

However, Paul gives more importance on prophecy than speaking in tongues, “Now I should like all of you to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. One who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be built up” (1 Cor 14:5). For Paul, tongues are a sign for unbelievers not for those who already believe whereas prophecy is not for unbelievers but for those who believe (1 Cor 14:22). Paul continued that when unbelievers come in during gatherings while everyone speaks in tongues, the unbelievers might ask whether those who speak in tongues are out of their minds (1 Cor14:23).

Summary

The word tongue, which is glossa in Greek, is used by Paul in 1 Cor 14:1-12 to mean other languages in the expression or phrase “speaking in tongues.” In this pericope, Paul gives the argument on the importance of prophecy rather than tongues. What is more important according to Paul is the building up of the Church. Thus, he exhorts the believers to seek spiritual gifts so the church be built up.
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Reflection

One of my experiences with people in the Charismatic Renewal Movement was the occurrence related to what they call “gift of tongues.” It is rather quite strange for me at the start to hear some people utter syllables which are meaningless to me. Later on I learned that the seemingly babbling sound was due to the inspiration of the Spirit as the charismatic people would explain. They make it as a form of prayer.

When I joined the movement, I found out that producing such form of sound or speech would occur if one would allow oneself to be carried by the depth of the prayer moment. It would just flow, but still it remains controllable. The danger that I have observed with this phenomenon is that people would be anticipating this happen and it would serve as their gauge for the presence of the Holy Spirit. But of course the Spirit is not just limited to this thing.

People in the Charismatic Movement need to be reminded by Paul’s clarification regarding speaking in tongues. The work of preaching the gospel is rather more important. This is still relevant even today. We need to preach or to prophesy in order to strengthen or build the church. Those in the Charismatic Movement are active in the church and very much helpful. I could attest to the diligence and faithfulness of the diehard charismatics. I have worked with them in our parish. What they need today is pastoral attention and guidance.

I have heard some people in the seminary associate some negative connotations with those in charismatic movement regarding speaking in tongues. I think what needs to be cleared here is our understanding to this phenomenon. If we have some theological suspicions on the authenticity of the gift of tongues, how should we make pastoral action to those who believe they have such gift? How should we discern regarding this matter?

Paul’s writing in 1 Corinthians 14 is a good biblical basis for guiding these people. We need to be reminded that the primary concern is for the building up of the church or building the kingdom of God. If we make our efforts just in order to satisfy the self, then what is the meaning of our being a Christian? Christianity entails sharing the message of God in words and in deeds. And we don’t have speak a strange or foreign language to reach out to others needing love. Our good words and good deeds are already a language of love that everybody could very well understand.