I’m thinking about 1 Cor 12-14 at the moment, and I’m finding it intriguing, for all sorts of reasons.
Here’s one question I’m pondering: Why does Paul insist in ch.12 that, given the necessary diversity of the Spirit’s gifts, not all speak in tongues, and not all interpret, and not all are prophets; and yet in ch.14 he wishes that all would speak in tongues, that all would prophesy, and that tongues-speakers would interpret?! But given that Paul does seem to move from diversity of gifting in ch.12 to expediency of choice in ch.14, I’m re-evaluating 14:13…
I quite like Thiselton’s idea that “interpretation” of tongues might be rightly thought of as “articulation” of tongues – understanding tongues here to be pre-articulate “groans that words cannot express.” So, looking again at 14:13, I’m now wondering whether Paul’s instruction is not necessarily that tongues-speakers would pray for the gift of interpretation, but that tongues-speakers would simply interpret – by public prayer. That is, he’s not saying that they should pray for an interpretation, but that they should pray as an interpretation.
Try it out, hearing it in this way:
So the one who speaks in a tongue should pray, in order to interpret. If I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind offers no fruit. What should I do then? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray also with my mind. I will sing with my spirit, but I will sing also with my mind.
Just a sudden thought I had…
[...] RJS discussed Adam in Paul’s theology. Jeremy did a Q&A wish Sarah Ruden, author of Paul among the People. Tim Gombis discussed Habakkuk and Gospel improvisation. Nijay Gupta remembered (Bruce Longenecker remembering Paul remembering) the poor. Derek Leman explained Paul’s emphasis on Gentiles being made kosher to God. Matthew Malcolm interpreted the interpretation of tongues. [...]
Hey Matt, really interesting thought, and makes good sense in context.
I’m still a little muddled about the distinction between one’s spirit and mind in these verses, particularly when Paul can say in 1 Cor. 2:11:
11 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. (1Co 2:11 NIV)
Thoughts?
I agree – it’s hard to nail down that distinction! I get the impression that in both contexts “spirit” (/”Spirit”) means that which is essentially “me” – whereas “mind” is that part of me that allows comprehensible communication.
[...] 1 Corinthians, part 1 of a review of Barnett’s The Corinthian Question (with comments), and the interpretation of tongues in 1 Cor. [...]
Great stuff! In all my years of studying 1 Corinthians 12-14 I’ve never thought to read it that way. Actual experience tells me that you’re onto something and that this interpretation is sound. Now I’ll have to spend some quality time in the text and see if it bears this out. Thanks!
Hey thanks for that Nick – this is not really an area of experience for me, so I’m particularly interested to hear that perspective
[...] – Matthew R. Malcom studies the interpretation of tongues in 1 Corinthians 12-14. [...]