Tuesday, June 24 – 1 Corinthians 14 & 15

1. What spiritual gift does the apostle Paul encourage us to seek above others? (1 Corinthians 14:1)

2. What guidance did Paul offer the Corinthians regarding the manifestation of spiritual gifts within the congregation? (1 Corinthians 14:40)

3. What do bad influences lead to? (1 Corinthians 15:33)

4. Through whom is the victory given? (1 Corinthians 15:57)

After exalting love in chapter 13, Paul urges believers to earnestly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:1). In the Corinthian church, there was a strong emphasis on the gift of tongues, which Paul seeks to correct by reminding them that “all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40).

Dr. Ángel Manuel Rodríguez, an Adventist theologian and former director of the Biblical Research Institute, explains that the gift of tongues has been interpreted in three ways: (1) as angelic language (based on 1 Corinthians 13:1); (2) as the ability to speak human languages (as in Acts 2); and (3) as ecstatic, unintelligible utterance (1 Corinthians 14:2). Dr. Rodríguez argues that the biblical context supports the interpretation of tongues as real languages given by the Holy Spirit to aid in the proclamation of the gospel.

Acts 2 portrays the gift as a miraculous communication event: “And everyone heard them speak in his own language” (Acts 2:6). Mark 16:17 also includes the phrase “they will speak with new tongues” as a sign of divine empowerment. Rodríguez concludes: “When a passage such as 1 Corinthians 14 presents interpretive difficulties, we must apply the biblical principle of interpretation”—comparing it with clearer texts (Rodríguez, Biblical Research Institute, SDA).

In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul teaches that speaking in tongues without interpretation does not edify the church: “He who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men” (v.3), but “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself” (v.4). Prophecy, in contrast, builds up the entire body.

Paul further emphasizes that spiritual gifts must not lead to a loss of self-control: “But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church” (v.28). Not everyone is meant to speak in tongues: “Do all speak with tongues?” (v.30). He consistently upholds prophecy as the greater gift for communal benefit.

Rodríguez affirms: “The Greek word glossa, when used in reference to a spiritual gift, does not mean ‘tongue’ but ‘language.’” In summary, the gift of tongues should be understood as the Spirit-empowered ability to speak real human languages for gospel mission.

In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul addresses another doctrinal issue in Corinth: some believers doubted the bodily resurrection. He presents a profound theological argument to defend this foundational truth of the Christian faith.

First, he declares that Christ died and rose again according to the Scriptures and was seen by many witnesses (vv. 3–8). He adds: “And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty” (v. 14).

Paul emphasizes that without the resurrection, there is no hope: “If Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (v.17). However, Christ’s resurrection guarantees the future resurrection of all believers: “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive” (v.22).

The resurrected body will be transformed: “So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption” (v.42). Paul outlines four key contrasts to explain this transformation:

1. From corruption to incorruption (v.42)
2. From dishonor to glory (v.43)
3. From weakness to power (v.43)
4. From natural body to spiritual body (v.44)
This transformation is not merely a restoration but a divine re-creation. Paul compares it to the difference between a seed and the plant that emerges from it (vv.36–38). The glorified body will be suited for eternal life.

Finally, Paul proclaims the ultimate victory of Christ at His return: “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet… the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (v.52). He closes triumphantly: “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (v.57).

Through this teaching, Paul clarifies doctrinal confusion, establishes order in worship, and reaffirms the central message of the gospel: a risen Savior and the hope of eternal life.

“Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.” (Ephesians 6:24)