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The Holy Spirit and the Anointing

What Is the Difference Between Praying in Tongues and Speaking in Church?

First Corinthians 14 distinguishes speaking to God in a tongue from a public message that needs interpretation to build up the church. Paul values praying with the spirit and with the understanding. In gathered worship, he gives priority to what other people can understand.

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Early Christians listen to a speaker in a small first-century home.

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“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.”

1 Corinthians 14:15 · KJV

What is Paul's concern about gathered worship?

Paul asks what benefit a listener receives when the words are unintelligible. He calls for interpretation when a tongue is addressed to the church. His concern is that each contribution build up people in the room, including those who are new.

What place does prayer in tongues have?

Paul speaks of praying with his spirit and also with his understanding. Christians who practice tongues often distinguish personal prayer from a public message. Churches differ in their interpretation of the gift's present-day practice, so humility and attention to the whole chapter matter.

Put it into practice

Read 1 Corinthians 14:12–19 and 26–33. Ask how you can take part in prayer and worship in a way that helps people understand and participate.

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Questions & answers

Frequently asked questions

Did people hear actual languages at Pentecost?

Acts 2 says visitors heard the mighty works of God in the languages they knew.

Does Paul tell churches to forbid tongues?

First Corinthians 14:39 says not to forbid them. The next verse calls for everything to be done decently and in order.