Uncomfortable and confusing words. 1 Corinthians 14.

There's more to deal with in this chapter concerning the role of women in church, and the meaning and utility of speaking in tongues. I claim blogger's prerogative, and will avoid those issues, except for this one verse that confused me in a dyslexic sort of way. The verse is 14:22 (updated incorrect verse reference). It reads: "So then, tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers."

That seems straightforward enough. Backwards, but straightforward enough. I read that verse as saying tongues aren't a sign for believers -- they already believe, so when they see someone actually speaking in tongues it's not a sign, but just something another believer is doing -- more power to them. But an unbeliever would see this as an indication of God's power being manifested in someone.

However, Paul goes on to say, "Prophecy, however, is not for unbelievers but for believers. So if the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and unbelievers or uninformed people enter, will they not say that you have lost your minds? But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or uninformed person enters, he will be convicted by all, he will be called to account by all. The secrets of his heart are disclosed, and in this way he will fall down with his face to the ground and worship God, declaring, 'God is really among you.'"

So is speaking in tongues a sign for believers or not? Eventually I figured out my problem. Typically when Jesus performed a miracle, those who witnessed it saw it as a sign of His authority. But what about the one who received the miracle, say the 10 lepers who were cleansed. They experienced the power of God working through Jesus, not as mere observers, but actually transforming them physically, emotionally, and/or spiritually. Aha! When Paul meant speaking in tongues was a sign to unbelievers he meant that if an unbeliever began speaking in tongues it would be a sign because he was directly experiencing God's power. No place for skepticism or cynicism. 'No, I'm not drunk or on drugs -- God did this somehow.'

Once that was cleared up in my brain, much of what Paul was saying slipped into place. He wasn't opposed to tongues, but the Corinthians were abusing the practice. As usual he lays out several arguments to support his position, not the least of which is that he once again argues from a place of knowledge and experience greater than most. So consider him an expert when it comes to tongues, and realize that:

• prophesy is superior because it builds up many (v.3-5)
• pray for an interpretation (v.13)
• don't be mindless (v.14-19)
• it should be orderly (v.27,28)
• don't let the women sp...

Wait a minute, I said I wasn't going there. See you Sunday.