Signs for Believers and Unbelievers: 1 Corinthians 14:18-22

In verses 18 & 19 of this section Paul reveals that he had the gift of tongues but would not use it in the church. This is like a later section in 2 Corinthians chapters 11 & 12 called ‘Paul’s Fools Speech.”

Because the Corinthians were enamored with visions and revelations and made false judgments against Paul based on them, he had to defend himself as shown in 2 Corinthians. Here in 1 Corinthians it was tongues which some used as proof of spiritual status.

Paul counters by sharing he also has this gift but will not use it in the public meeting. The gathered church is to teach and worship in the common vernacular. Paul then cites Isaiah 28:11-12 to show how foreigners were used to bring judgment on Israel who had refused to listen to true prophets speaking to them in their own language. This ‘sign’ was judgment for not listening.

In the application in Corinth, the use of tongues which sounded strange and meaningless when heard in the congregation was harming the church which should be hearing valid prophecy in their own language.

Such prophecy would be a ‘sign’ that God was at work among them. In our application we call for pure teaching of God’s word for the benefit of the church. Gospel preaching is to accompany such teaching to bring salvation to those who do not know Christ.