Jamieson, Fausset and Brown on 1 Corinthians 14:1
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1 Corinthians14:1
CHAPTER 14
1Co 14:1-25. Superiority of Prophecy over Tongues.
1. Follow after charity--as your first and chief aim, seeing that it is "the greatest" (1Co 13:13).
and desire--Translate, "Yet (as a secondary aim) desire zealously (see on 1Co 12:31) spiritual gifts."
but rather--"but chiefly that ye may prophesy" (speak and exhort under inspiration) (Pr 29:18; Ac 13:1; 1Th 5:20), whether as to future events, that is, strict prophecy, or explaining obscure parts of Scripture, especially the prophetical Scriptures or illustrating and setting forth questions of Christian doctrine and practice. Our modern preaching is the successor of prophecy, but without the inspiration. Desire zealously this (prophecy) more than any other spiritual gift; or in preference to "tongues" (1Co 14:2, &c.) [Bengel].
Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, 1 Corinthians 14:1. Public domain.
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