Outcomes of Tongues or Prophecy in the Public Meeting: 1 Corinthians 14:23-25

Paul discusses the negative outcome of many people speaking in tongues simultaneously in a public, Christian meeting. The unlearned or unbelieving might enter and think the participants are raving mad. This is especially concerning since pagan groups in Corinth were known for having raucous, sensual meetings in honor of their deities.

Paul does not want Christian congregations dishonoring God through out of order, chaotic meetings where people try to display their supposed spirituality. A better outcome would be orderly prophesying.

The visitor who was not a Christian would be called into account and the ideal outcome would be a conversion. This gives us clear evidence that prophecy in local congregations was gospel centered. We discuss important Old & New Testament passages which predict people being called into account by the work of the Spirit.

Such prophecy sheds the light of Christ on the darkness of the human heart. Some are convicted and others reject the truth. Nevertheless, we need to proclaim the truth so the there is conviction of the reality of God and the way of salvation. In the church we are to do all to the glory of God.