Epiphany · Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany · Year C
1 Corinthians 14:12b-20
Prophecy Builds Up the Church More Than Tongues
February 6, 2028
Overview & Insights
"I want to speak five words with my mind, in order to instruct others, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue." (1 Corinthians 14:19)
Paul urges the Corinthians to seek spiritual gifts that build up the whole church, teaching that intelligible prophecy instructs the assembly while tongues without interpretation leave outsiders and believers alike without understanding. He tells them not to be children in their thinking but mature, while remaining infants in evil.
From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.
Take it further
Commentary
1 Corinthians 14 Commentary: Order in Church Meetings Enduring Word · David Guzik
A verse by verse evangelical commentary on prophecy, tongues, and building up the church.
1 Corinthians 14 Commentary Precept Austin
A deep study page gathering Greek word studies, cross references, and many expositors on the chapter.
1 Corinthians 14:12 Commentaries BibleHub
A classic aggregator stacking Barnes, Gill, Ellicott, and other historic commentators verse by verse.
1 Corinthians 14 Verse-by-Verse Commentary StudyLight
Gill's Exposition read straight through the chapter for a further expositional voice.
Background & Word Study
1 Corinthians 14:12 Interlinear BibleHub
The Greek text of the passage word by word with parsing and Strong's numbers.
1 Corinthians Enter the Bible
A Luther Seminary book introduction to Paul's letter and the disorderly worship he corrects.
Overview: 1 Corinthians BibleProject
An animated overview of 1 Corinthians' design, framing Paul's concern for gifts that build up the church.
The Church Fathers
Prep at sermons.com
Ready to write?
- Full sermons on Luke 5:1-11
- Illustrations cleared for use in worship
- Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Trusted by pastors since 1995.
Free every Tuesday
Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox
The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.