ACC ~ 1 Corinthians 14 v12

EAGER FOR THE SPIRIT. AMBROSIASTER: The soul is stirred and rejoices when it learns something more about the Scriptures. The more it tends in this direction, the more it abandons vices. It is for these reasons that Paul advises that one should make efforts to communicate clearly. COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES.

EDIFYING THE CHURCH. CHRYSOSTOM: The building up of the church is Paul’s touchstone in everything he says. HOMILIES ON THE EPISTLES OF PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 35.5.

CONTROLLING THE POWER OF TONGUES 1 CORINTHIANS 14:13-25

OVERVIEW: When the church prays in the Spirit, the Spirit is offering the prayer (GREGORY OF NAZIANZUS). Prayer with the Spirit and in song (ORIGEN, CASSIODORUS) is more profound and inward than is any external composite sound (ABRAHAM OF NATHPAR). “Amen” is spoken by the whole laity (PELAGIUS) to confirm the truth of the prayer. Paul calls the Corinthians to be mature intellectually so they will grasp accurately what is needed for the upbuilding of the church (AMBROSIASTER) while at the same time being innocent with respect to evil (CHRYSOSTOM). The prophecies of God are hidden that they should not be garbled by unbelievers. Tongues are a wonderful sign (SEVERIAN OF GABALA) for unbelievers (PELAGIUS) but not for the instruction of believers (AMBROSIASTER, CHRYSOSTOM). The speaker of tongues may be moved, but if interpretation is lacking, others may not be edified (ORIGEN, BASIL, SEVERIAN, AMBROSIASTER). Paul claims for himself the gift of speaking in tongues in order to show how unimportant it is when taken alone (CHRYSOSTOM). The language of the believer should be a blessing to everyone (PELAGIUS).

1 Cor