1 Corinthians 14:16

“Else when thou shall bless with the spirit, etc.] Which must be understood of giving thanks to God, not in a private way, in the family and at meals, but in a public manner before the whole congregation, for mercies temporal and spiritual, especially the latter; and that not with the breath, or voice only; nor with the affections of the heart, with the soul, and all that is within it, though that is what should be; nor with the common assistance of the Spirit, and under the influence of his grace, which excites to true gratitude; but with the extraordinary gift of the Spirit, pronouncing the blessing, or expressing the thanksgiving with divers tongues, or in an unknown language: when this…”

“Else . . . thou--He changes from the first person, as he had just expressed his own resolution, "I will pray with the understanding," whatever "thou" doest. bless--the highest kind of prayer. occupieth the room of the unlearned--one who, whatever other gifts he may possess, yet, as wanting the gift of interpretation, is reduced by the speaking in an unknown tongue to the position of one unlearned, or "a private person." say Amen--Prayer is not a vicarious duty done by others for us; as in Rome's liturgies and masses. We must join with the leader of the prayers and praises of the congregation, and say aloud our responsive "Amen" in assent, as was the usage of the Jewish (Deu 27:15-26; Neh…”

“Else - (Ἐπεί Epei). Since; if this is not done; if what is said is not intelligible, how shall the unlearned be able appropriately to express his assent, and join in your devotions? When thou shalt bless - When thou shalt bless God, or give thanks to him. If thou shalt lead the devotions of the people in expressing thanksgiving for mercies and favors. This may refer to a part of public worship, or to the thanks which should be expressed at table, and the invocation of the divine blessing to attend the bounties of his providence. Paul had illustrated his subject by prayer and by singing; be now does it by a reference to the important part of public worship expressed in giving thanks. With…”

“Otherwise how shall he that filleth the place of a private person - That is, any private hearer. Say Amen - Assenting and confirming your words, as it was even then usual for the whole congregation to do. 1 Corinthians 14:19”

“bless: Co1 14:2, Co1 14:14 unlearned: Co1 14:23, Co1 14:24; Isa 29:11, Isa 29:12; Joh 7:15; Act 4:13 Amen: Co1 11:24, Co1 16:24; Num 5:22; Deu 27:15-26; Kg1 1:36; Ch1 16:36; Psa 41:13; Psa 72:19, Psa 89:52, Psa 106:48; Jer 28:6; Mat 6:13, Mat 28:20; Mar 16:20; Joh 21:25; Rev 5:14, Rev 22:20 at: Co1 1:4-8 1 Corinthians 14:17”