1 Corinthians 14:1
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 14:1
1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 14 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of salvation, discipleship, love. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-40: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 14:1
1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
Analysis
Follow after charity (διώκετε τὴν ἀγάπην, diōkete tēn agapēn—"pursue love")—Paul transitions from chapter 13's love hymn by making agapē the primary spiritual pursuit. Desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy contrasts zēloō ("be zealous for") with mallon ("more, rather")—not forbidding tongues, but establishing a hierarchy based on edification.
The imperative "pursue" (present active, continuous action) frames the entire chapter: love governs all spiritual expression. Prophēteuō (προφητεύω, "prophesy") here means Spirit-inspired, intelligible speech that builds up the church—not merely foretelling, but "forth-telling" God's truth. This sets up the chapter's central argument: intelligibility serves love.
Historical Context
Written to Corinth circa AD 55, where ecstatic worship (influenced by pagan mystery religions with glossolalia) had created chaos. Paul addresses a church prizing showy gifts over edifying ones, needing to learn that love determines a gift's value.
Reflection
- How does 'pursuing love' (v. 1) practically govern your use of spiritual gifts?
- Why does Paul prioritize prophecy over tongues if both are Spirit-given?
- In what ways might modern worship prioritize the spectacular over the edifying?
Word Studies
- Love: ἀγάπη (Agape) G26 - Divine love
Cross-References
- Prophecy: 1 Corinthians 14:39, 1 Thessalonians 5:20, 1 Timothy 4:14
- Spirit: 1 Corinthians 12:1, 14:37
- Love: 1 Corinthians 13:13, 16:14, Proverbs 15:9
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 51:1, Hebrews 12:14