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 receive edifying.
Given the context and the Apostle Paul’s plain teaching that speaking in an unknown tongue is of no benefit to the believer or the local church. It tends to lift up self, and it is questionable whether it honors the Lord.[1] I think that we create our own trouble with this verse by misinterpreting it. I do not believe we should read it, “I prefer that ye all spake with tongues but prophesied too.” We should instead read it, “I prefer that you all prophesied rather than speak with tongues.”
Paul often speaks “as a man” and, in many cases, with a note of sarcasm. We should not take this passage to mean that he desires all to speak in tongues and choose to prophesy but the opposite. He wants Christians to put away those childish things and strive instead to edify the church, win unbelievers, and thereby glorify the Lord.
[1] 1 Corinthians 12:1-3 (KJV)
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
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