40 verses
Paul urges the Corinthians to prioritize orderly, edifying worship over disorderly tongues, insisting that prophecy and interpretation serve the church's growth.
Paul begins by urging the church to pursue love and spiritual gifts, preferring prophecy over tongues because prophecy edifies the body. He explains that speaking in tongues is a private communication with God, whereas prophecy speaks to people for instruction and comfort. Paul stresses the necessity of interpretation when tongues are spoken in the assembly, ensuring the church receives edification. He highlights the importance of speaking in an intelligible manner so that all can understand and be taught. Paul addresses practical guidelines for orderly worship: multiple speakers must be accompanied by an interpreter, silence is required if no interpreter is present, and all gifts should work toward edification. He warns against disorderly behavior, such as women speaking in the church, and calls for obedience and order. Finally, he concludes that all actions should be done properly and in an orderly fashion for the benefit of the whole community.
mixed
The passage contains both encouraging exhortations and stern warnings, reflecting a balanced tone of instruction.