Romans 14
1 Corinthians 14 contains Paul’s teaching about the gifts of speaking in tongues and prophecy. Paul emphasizes that the purpose of every gift is to build up the church, and he provides practical guidance on how tongues and prophecy should be used within the Corinthian church.
1verseNow accept one who is weak in faith, but not for disputes over opinions.
2verseOne man has faith to eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables.
3verseDon’t let him who eats despise him who doesn’t eat. Don’t let him who doesn’t eat judge him who eats, for God has accepted him.
4verseWho are you who judge another’s servant? To his own lord he stands or falls. Yes, he will be made to stand, for God has power to make him stand.
5verseOne man esteems one day as more important. Another esteems every day alike. Let each man be fully assured in his own mind.
6verseHe who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks. He who doesn’t eat, to the Lord he doesn’t eat, and gives God thanks.
7verseFor none of us lives to himself, and none dies to himself.
8verseFor if we live, we live to the Lord. Or if we die, we die to the Lord. If therefore we live or die, we are the Lord’s.
9verseFor to this end Christ died, rose, and lived again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.
10verseBut you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
11verseFor it is written, “‘As I live,’ says the Lord, ‘to me every knee will bow. Every tongue will confess to God.’”
12verseSo then each one of us will give account of himself to God.
13verseTherefore let’s not judge one another any more, but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block in his brother’s way, or an occasion for falling.
14verseI know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean of itself; except that to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
15verseYet if because of food your brother is grieved, you walk no longer in love. Don’t destroy with your food him for whom Christ died.
16verseThen don’t let your good be slandered,
17versefor God’s Kingdom is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
18verseFor he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.
19verseSo then, let’s follow after things which make for peace, and things by which we may build one another up.
20verseDon’t overthrow God’s work for food’s sake. All things indeed are clean, however it is evil for that man who creates a stumbling block by eating.
21verseIt is good to not eat meat, drink wine, nor do anything by which your brother stumbles, is offended, or is made weak.
22verseDo you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who doesn’t judge himself in that which he approves.
23verseBut he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because it isn’t of faith; and whatever is not of faith is sin.
24verseNow to him who is able to establish you according to my Good News and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret through long ages,
25versebut now is revealed, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known for obedience of faith to all the nations;
26verseto the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.
The Meaning and Role of Prophecy and Tongues
Paul says that prophecy plays a major role in building up the faith community, encouraging, and comforting (verse 3). Tongues are speaking mysteries to God, but he explains that without interpretation they cannot benefit those who are listening (verses 4–5).
Building Up the Church Comes First
Paul sets the standard for everything as “building up the church.” In other words, he makes it clear that no matter what gift it may be, it is more important that it be beneficial to the community than one’s personal spiritual experience or the gift itself (verse 12).
Order in the Use of Tongues and Interpretation
Paul emphasizes that the use of tongues is edifying to the church only when there is interpretation. If there is no interpreter, he advises believers to refrain from speaking in tongues or to speak directly to God quietly (verses 27–28).
The Order of Prophecy and Wise Worship Conduct
Paul also says that with prophecy, people should not all speak at once; they must keep order and follow the right sequence (verses 29–33). This aligns with Paul’s advice that there should be peace, not confusion. He says that worship of God must always take place in order and peace.
A Counsel Regarding Women’s Conduct
In the latter part of chapter 14, Paul provides guidance concerning women’s worship conduct within the Corinthian church (verses 34–35). This section may be understood in various ways and has been discussed widely, but in the overall context it can be seen as a guideline for maintaining worship order and unity in the community.
Closing and Summary
As Paul concludes chapter 14, he emphasizes that all gifts should be grounded in the principle that “everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way” (verse 40). This is an important guideline that applies to every community of faith.
Meditation Points
- Consider how gifts can benefit the community
- Reflect on whether my language, actions, and worship attitude are helping to build up the community
- Reflect on what my role is for the sake of order and peace
Apply It to Yourself
- Consider specifically how the talents or gifts I have can be beneficial to the community (home, church, workplace)
- Start with even small practical steps to build peace and order in the community I belong to
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