1 Corinthians 14:6-8 (WEL) Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in an unknown language, how can I help you, unless I will speak to you by revelation, knowledge, prophecy, or doctrine? 7 Even lifeless things produce sound, whether flute or harp, but unless they give different tones, how will it be recognized what is played by flute or harp? 8 Likewise, if the trumpet gives indistinct tones, who will prepare himself for battle?
V6 Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in an unknown language, how can I help you, unless I will speak to you by revelation, knowledge, prophecy, or doctrine?
The obvious reason is that no one will know what is said. So why bother speaking at all? If we wish to encourage others, build up people’s faith, and teach others, then we must speak in a language they know.
A principle taught is that a missionary must know the local language and culture.
We are to build ourselves up by Bible reading and study (Jude 1:20) and others (Romans 15:2).
The Greek word for revelation is (G602) ἀποκάλυψις apokálupsis, to uncover, reveal. Apostles and prophets received direct knowledge about God, His ways, His plans, etc. (Word Study Dictionary) “The revelation of the mysteries refers to divine purposes and doctrines which before were unknown and concealed.”
The Greek word for knowledge is (G1108) γνῶσις gnṓsis, which means a certain perception of what is facts, true, etc. Webster 1828 has “A clear and certain perception of that which exists, or of truth and fact; the perception of the connection and agreement, or disagreement and repugnancy of our ideas. We can have no knowledge of that which does not exist. God has a perfect knowledge of all His works. Human knowledge is very limited, and is mostly gained by observation and experience.
The Greek word for prophecy is (G4394) προφητεία prophēteía, which means (Word Study Dictionary) “the foretelling of future events, including the declarations, exhortations, and warnings.” and “the acting as an ambassador of God and the interpreter of His mind and will.”
The Greek word for doctrine is (G1322) διδαχή didachḗ, which means to teach. (Webster 1828) “To instruct; to inform; to communicate to another the knowledge of that of which he was before ignorant.”
V1 Corinthians 14:7 Even lifeless things produce sound, whether flute or harp, but unless they give different tones, how will it be recognized what is played by flute or harp?
This is a simple illustration of the importance of clear, understandable communication.
Herein lies the great importance of following correct Bible interpretation. God the Holy Spirit is the Communicator of all communicators. The words He gives are precise and true. We must believe Him and His words in the plain, normal sense. To change it in any way is not believing Him but twisting His words.
The principle taught is that we should endeavor to communicate clearly and truthfully, too.
“When the plain sense of Scripture makes common sense, seek no other sense; therefore, take every word at its primary, ordinary, usual, literal meaning unless the facts of the immediate context, studied in the light of related passages and axiomatic and fundamental truths, indicate clearly otherwise.” ~Dr. David L. Cooper
V8 Likewise, if the trumpet gives indistinct tones, who will prepare himself for battle?
The spiritual battle we fight has only one offensive weapon—the Bible (Ephesians 6:10-17).
We learn:
- The need to use clear, understandable communication.
- The need to learn and share what we learn.
Questions:
- What are you seeking for the gifts of tongues or prophecy?
- Do you see the importance of Bible reading and study?