I did not make the argument that self-edification requires a conscious operation of interpretation of tongues. In fact, that is part of my disclaimers.
If the intention was to buttress that fact, then thanks.
However, I think 1 Corinthians 14 suggests that edification can be personal and does not necessarily require interpretation for it to benefit the individual.
In 1 Corinthians 14:4, the apostle Paul states, *"He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but HE THAT PROPHESIETH EDIFIES THE CHURCH"*
This clearly points to a form of edification that comes from speaking in tongues without mentioning interpretation as a condition for that personal edification. Yet, throughout the chapter, Paul consistently differentiates between edification that benefits the church from that which benefits oneself.
In verse 5, Paul writes:
*"I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret,THAT THE CHURCH MAY BE EDIFIED"*
Verses 12-13 reinforce this idea:
*"Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel TO THE EDIFYING OF THE CHURCH . WHEREFORE, let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret."*
In verses 15-16, Paul explains further:
*"What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. ELSE, when thou shalt bless with the spirit, HOW SHALL HE THAT OCCUPIETH THE ROOM OF THE UNLEARNED SAY AMEN AT THY GIVING OF THANKS, SEEING HE UNDERSTANDETH NOT WHAT THOU SAYEST?"*
In verse 17, Paul acknowledges that the individual giving thanks in the spirit does so well without needing interpretation for personal benefit:
*"For thou verily GIVEST THANKS WELL, BUT THE OTHER IS NOT EDIFIED"*
Finally, in verses 26-27, Paul draws a distinction regarding the audience of speaking in tongues:
*"If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the CHURCH; and let him SPEAK TO HIMSELF, AND TO GOD"*
This again suggests that interpretation is only mandatory when the message is intended for the church. However, if the prayer is personal and directed to God, it may continue without interpretation.
In conclusion, the apostle Paul consistently emphasizes the distinction between personal edification through speaking in tongues and the communal edification of the church. If there is a message intended for the congregation, an interpretation becomes COMPULSORILY NEEDED to ensure that the CHURCH MAY RECEIVE EDIFYING. This reflects Paul’s broader teaching on order and clarity within the assembly, ensuring that spiritual gifts serve their ultimate purpose of building up the body of Christ.
However, Paul also acknowledges the validity of personal prayer in tongues where the SPEAKER EDIFIES HIMSELF AND SPEAKS TO GOD. This type of prayer does not require interpretation since the recipient is God, not the congregation. This understanding highlights the dual purpose of tongues: private spiritual enrichment and public edification when accompanied by interpretation.
Thus, Paul’s guidance provides a balanced approach: believers should value and seek gifts that contribute to the common good of the church while also appreciating the personal spiritual benefits of speaking in tongues. This distinction helps maintain order in worship and prevents confusion while encouraging individual and collective spiritual growth.
I did not make the argument that self-edification requires a conscious operation of interpretation of tongues. In fact, that is part of my disclaimers.
If the intention was to buttress that fact, then thanks.
My bad, I didn’t read through the disclaimer 😂😊
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. Thank you Dr.
Thank you doctor
You mentioned that PSam doesn't see edification as coming from intellectual assent alone, even if it comes from knowledge.
But from what I have been observing, it seems like people who are opposed to his view see it as edification coming only from propositional truths.
And initially, that's what I thought when I first listened to the snippet, but thank you for the clarification.
Thanks for sharing. This was well written
Nicely said, brother.
However, I think 1 Corinthians 14 suggests that edification can be personal and does not necessarily require interpretation for it to benefit the individual.
In 1 Corinthians 14:4, the apostle Paul states, *"He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but HE THAT PROPHESIETH EDIFIES THE CHURCH"*
This clearly points to a form of edification that comes from speaking in tongues without mentioning interpretation as a condition for that personal edification. Yet, throughout the chapter, Paul consistently differentiates between edification that benefits the church from that which benefits oneself.
In verse 5, Paul writes:
*"I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret,THAT THE CHURCH MAY BE EDIFIED"*
Verses 12-13 reinforce this idea:
*"Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel TO THE EDIFYING OF THE CHURCH . WHEREFORE, let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret."*
In verses 15-16, Paul explains further:
*"What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. ELSE, when thou shalt bless with the spirit, HOW SHALL HE THAT OCCUPIETH THE ROOM OF THE UNLEARNED SAY AMEN AT THY GIVING OF THANKS, SEEING HE UNDERSTANDETH NOT WHAT THOU SAYEST?"*
In verse 17, Paul acknowledges that the individual giving thanks in the spirit does so well without needing interpretation for personal benefit:
*"For thou verily GIVEST THANKS WELL, BUT THE OTHER IS NOT EDIFIED"*
Finally, in verses 26-27, Paul draws a distinction regarding the audience of speaking in tongues:
*"If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the CHURCH; and let him SPEAK TO HIMSELF, AND TO GOD"*
This again suggests that interpretation is only mandatory when the message is intended for the church. However, if the prayer is personal and directed to God, it may continue without interpretation.
In conclusion, the apostle Paul consistently emphasizes the distinction between personal edification through speaking in tongues and the communal edification of the church. If there is a message intended for the congregation, an interpretation becomes COMPULSORILY NEEDED to ensure that the CHURCH MAY RECEIVE EDIFYING. This reflects Paul’s broader teaching on order and clarity within the assembly, ensuring that spiritual gifts serve their ultimate purpose of building up the body of Christ.
However, Paul also acknowledges the validity of personal prayer in tongues where the SPEAKER EDIFIES HIMSELF AND SPEAKS TO GOD. This type of prayer does not require interpretation since the recipient is God, not the congregation. This understanding highlights the dual purpose of tongues: private spiritual enrichment and public edification when accompanied by interpretation.
Thus, Paul’s guidance provides a balanced approach: believers should value and seek gifts that contribute to the common good of the church while also appreciating the personal spiritual benefits of speaking in tongues. This distinction helps maintain order in worship and prevents confusion while encouraging individual and collective spiritual growth.