1 Corinthians 14:1-5
1 “Pursue love, yet earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For the one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people, but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit, he speaks mysteries. 3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for edification, exhortation, and consolation. 4 The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but the one who prophesies edifies the church. 5 Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but rather that you would prophesy; and greater is the one who prophesies than the one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edification.”
Desire: The Greek word means to have warm affection for and have value for the spiritual gifts on display in the church.
He speaks mysteries: Paul is not justifying an unintelligible private prayer language. To the contrary, Paul is encouraging believers to pray with their minds not a mindless manner. This is contrasted with the gift of prophesy which is focused on the edification of others. The gift of tongues was meant for evangelism outside of the church.
Especially that you may prophesy: Paul apparently had a special place in his heart for prophesy because it was for edification, exhortation, and consolation. This is the true meaning of prophecy in contrast with future telling.
Edifies himself…the church: Because the gift of tongues was an evangelistic tool meant for unbelievers outside of the church, Paul encouraged people to not use the gift within the church service where most people were Christians. Instead, the gift of prophecy was preferred within the church service.
