He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
When someone speaks in tongues, it builds them up personally. But when someone prophesies, it builds up the whole church community.
Speaking in tongues is personal growth, but prophecy lifts everyone up together.
📚 Historical Context
In the first century, the church in Corinth was a vibrant but chaotic community dealing with spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues, which were manifestations of the Holy Spirit's work. Paul wrote his letter to address disorder in their worship gatherings, where some believers prioritized personal ecstatic experiences over the common good. He emphasized that while tongues could build up the individual, prophecy, speaking God's word in an understandable way, served to strengthen the entire church body.
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