But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. (1 Corinthians 14:3)
Edification is “building up.” It carries the idea of constructing something.
Exhortation is a type of encouragement.
The concept of comfort includes not only consoling but also strengthening.
But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching? (1 Corinthians 14:6)
In this verse of scripture, Apostle Paul describes four different ways he could communicate that would be edifying to others.
Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it before the edification of the church that you seek to excel. (1 Corinthians 14:12)
The purpose of the spiritual gifts
I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all (1 Corinthians 14:18)
Apostle Paul was a man of faith and power and understood the great importance of prayer. Here he tells the Corinthian church how regularly he prayed in tongues for his personal edification.
Let your women keep silent in the churches:
Apostle Paul has already assumed the right of women to pray or prophesy publicly (as stated in 1 Corinthians 11:1-16). Here, he probably means that women do not have the right to judge prophecy, something restricted to the male leadership of the church.
Instead of judging prophecy, women should be submissive to what the leadership of the church judges regarding words of prophecy.
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