v1-5: Some gifts may be given permanently, others for a specific time or purpose. Some gifts have a greater value in different contexts.

v1: Paul reminds the Corinthians that the most important thing is to follow the way of love.

Prophecy is particularly helpful "especially," but perhaps not valued sufficiently. v3 explains the value of prophecy, that it brings edification, exhortation, and comfort; this is consistent with Eph 4.12, "for the edifying of the body of Christ"; what is true for the local church (1 Cor ) is also true for the whole church (Eph 4). Paul prefers prophecy because of its blessing for the church (v5).

v2: Tongues were evidently popular in Corinth, and many may have used tongues, or something similar, in their pagan worship. In tongues, the person speaks mysteries, he edifies himself (v4), even though his understanding is unfruitful. For these reasons, tongues are not for use within the church, except that he speak to himself and to God (v28).

v4: It is not wrong to edify oneself; it is better to edify the church.

v5: Paul did not discourage speaking in tongues, and neither should we; but he preferred that people used prophesy, for the greater benefit for the church. In the church meeting, tongues need to be interpreted, v27-28.

v6-9: We need to speak with understanding in the church. An uncertain sound is useless, and Paul uses illustrations from everyday life to make the point.

Paul refers to four ways of communication; revelation, knowledge, prophecy, instruction; each of which is clearly necessary in the church, see also v26. Again, we are to seek balance, and not overemphasise one.

v10-11: Where tongues are used publicly in the church, neither the speaker nor the hearer can understand what is being said, yet the spirit of the individual is praying to God. For the speaker, although the exact meaning is not known (since his tongue is never translated directly word for word), he does know what he is praying about. See 2.11; "for what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is within him?"

John BUnyan says: “To pray with understanding is to pray as being instructed by the Spirit in the understanding of the want of those things which the soul is to pray for”. 

v12: The Corinthians were zealous for spiritual gifts (v1; 12.31), and that is never criticised. However the over-riding principle is that the church be edified. The gifts are given for use in the church, and for the good of the church.

Paul does not address in any detail either private use of use outside the church; he is writing to a church about its conduct, see 11.17.

v13-17: Again, the public use of a tongue in a meeting requires an interpretation, not a translation. This means that others can give their "Amen!" Also it means that the church is built up.

v18-19: Tongues have a legitimate private use; see v2, 28. Within the church the need is to promote understanding.

Paul's greater use of tongues implies a private use; having received the gift, therefore, it must be used.

v20: We need to be mature in understanding, and therefore to grow in understanding.

v21-22: Tongues were given as a sign to unbelieving Jewish people (Is 28.11-12; Acts 2; Deut 28.49); compare the sign of Jesus' parables (Matt 13.10-17). The Jews rejected Christ, therefore they are cut off as a nation.

Prophecy is given for the edification of believers.

v23: It is no wonder that an outsider thinks that a tongues-speaker is out of his mind (compare Acts 2.12-13); see also v16.

v24-25: Prophecy is the proclamation of the word of God. Although intended to build up the church, such words readily bring conviction of sin, and unbelievers are brought to Christ. This also has the testimony that "God is really among you".

v26: Proper order in the church; each one should come with something, and this implies a mutual respect and recognition. However, when we bring what God has given us, that cannot be a free-for-all; we must honour Christ in the conduct of our meetings. We need preparation, humility, and a sensitivity to the voice of God.

Some have suggested that this verse refers to Churches meeting in small groups, like cells. As in Acts 2.46, they met in thier houses. Did this arrangement allow for each one to contribute as Paul suggests? We recall that there were no 'Church buildings' at this stage. We are wise not to assume the pattern of Church meetings was the same in first century Corinth as in the twenty-first century in the UK!

v27-33: Proper order in the use of tongues and prophecy. This is the main issue that Paul addresses.

v27-28: Tongues given in the church must be interpreted that all may be edified. "If there is no interpreter"; answering the problem of keen tongues-speakers who ignored the need for interpretation. If someone brings a tongue, then he knows that another has an interpretation. The church must grow in these things, and leaders should give space for people to learn to serve in this way.

v29: Two or three prophets can speak, but their words weighed and tested.

v31: All so gifted can prophecy in turn, so that everyone can be edified. The church cannot be monopolised by a few assertive individuals, nor the doctrine manipulated.

v32: The prophet may or may not speak truth, His spirit is subject to the prophet himself. That is why things must be tested. There is a temptation to speak words of optimism, of blessing, promises of revival, etc., but such things may not be what God is saying.

v33: The test of orderliness; not necessarily a fixed format, but an order subject to God, and reflecting His order. Confusion is not commended. Order is consistent with holiness and peace, and those from God.

v34-35: Where there is authority in the church, that is male. The woman is not to usurp the authority of the man.

v36: The problem of spiritual pride; some claimed special authority, or 'infallible' revelations, and despised the good of other churches.

v37: The claim of being spiritual; this is tested by obedience to the commandments of the Lord. In such a way they are recognised as being spiritual.

v38: In contrast some who claimed to be spiritual are actually ignorant of real spiritual truths. The church must appreciate this, and treat such people accordingly.

v39: In conclusion, prophecy is commended as it builds up the church. But tongues are not to be forbidden.