Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 14:22

A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · 19th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.

Thus from Isaiah it appears, reasons Paul, that "tongues" (unknown and uninterpreted) are not a sign mainly intended for believers (though at the conversion of Cornelius and the Gentiles with him, tongues were vouchsafed to him and them to confirm their faith), but mainly to be a condemnation to those, the majority, who, like Israel in Isaiah's day, reject the sign and the accompanying message. Compare "yet . . . will they not hear Me" (Co1 14:21). "Sign" is often used for a condemnatory sign (Eze 4:3-4; Mat 12:39-42). Since they will not understand, they shall not understand. prophesying . . . not for them that believe not, but . . . believe--that is, prophesying has no effect on them that are radically and obstinately like Israel (Isa 28:11-12), unbelievers, but on them that are either in receptivity or in fact believers; it makes believers of those not wilfully unbelievers (Co1 14:24-25; Rom 10:17), and spiritually nourishes those that already believe.

Read 1 Corinthians 14:22 →Read the full chapter →John Gill's Exposition →Barnes' Notes →Wesley's Explanatory Notes →Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge →

How to use this source
This excerpt is attributed to its named commentary. It is included as a historical study resource and should be evaluated in light of Scripture and other relevant evidence.