14:1 Follow {1} after charity, and desire spiritual [gifts], but rather that ye may {a} prophesy.
(1) He infers now of what he spoke before: therefore seeing charity is the chiefest of all, before all things set it before you as chief and principal. And so esteem those things as most excellent which profit the greater part of men (such as prophecy, that is to say, the gift of teaching and applying the doctrine: which was condemned in respect of other gifts, although it is the chiefest and most necessary for the Church) and not those who for a show seem to be marvellous, as the gifts of tongues. This was when a man was suddenly endowed with the knowledge of many tongues, which made men greatly amazed and yet of itself was not greatly of any use, unless there was an interpreter.
(a) What prophecy is he shows in the third verse.
14:1 Order in Public Worship
SUMMARY OF I CORINTHIANS 14:
Of the Spiritual Gifts Prophecy Gives the First Place. Speaking with Tongues Secondary. Both Must Be Used So As to Edify. In the Church Assemblies What Is Spoken in a Tongue Must Be. Interpreted. One Only Must Speak at Once. The Women Must Keep Silent.
Follow after charity and desire spiritual [gifts]. Though love is to be a supreme pursuit, yet this is not intended to disparage spiritual gifts.
But rather that ye may prophesy. Let spiritual gifts be sought, but in seeking, desire above all the gift of prophecy.
14:1 Follow after love - With zeal, vigour, courage, patience; else you can neither attain nor keep it. And - In their place, as subservient to this. Desire spiritual gifts; but especially that ye may prophesy - The word here does not mean foretelling things to come; but rather opening and applying the scripture.
14:1-5 Prophesying, that is, explaining Scripture, is compared with speaking with tongues. This drew attention, more than the plain interpretation of Scripture; it gratified pride more, but promoted the purposes of Christian charity less; it would not equally do good to the souls of men. What cannot be understood, never can edify. No advantage can be reaped from the most excellent discourses, if delivered in language such as the hearers cannot speak or understand. Every ability or possession is valuable in proportion to its usefulness. Even fervent, spiritual affection must be governed by the exercise of the understanding, else men will disgrace the truths they profess to promote.
