²⁰ Do not treat prophecies^(A) with contempt

³ But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening,^(A) encouraging^(B) and comfort. ⁴ Anyone who speaks in a tongue^(C) edifies^(D) themselves, but the one who prophesies^(E) edifies the church. ⁵ I would like every one of you to speak in tongues,^[a] but I would rather have you prophesy.^(F) The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues,^[b] unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.^(G)

⁶ Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation^(H) or knowledge^(I) or prophecy or word of instruction?^(J)

²² Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy,^(A) however, is not for unbelievers but for believers. ²³ So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind?^{(B) 24} But if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, ²⁵ as the secrets^(C) of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!”^(D)

Intelligibility in Worship

14 Follow the way of love^(A) and eagerly desire^(B) gifts of the Spirit,^(C) especially prophecy.^(D)

⁴ Every man who prays or prophesies^(A) with his head covered dishonors his head.

²⁵ Then the Lord came down in the cloud^(A) and spoke with him,^(B) and he took some of the power of the Spirit^(C) that was on him and put it on the seventy elders.^(D) When the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied^(E)—but did not do so again.

²⁶ However, two men, whose names were Eldad and Medad, had remained in the camp. They were listed among the elders, but did not go out to the tent. Yet the Spirit also rested on them,^(F) and they prophesied in the camp. ²⁷ A young man ran and told Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.”

²⁸ Joshua son of Nun,^(G) who had been Moses’ aide^(H) since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!”^(I)

²⁹ But Moses replied, “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets^(J) and that the Lord would put his Spirit^(K) on them!”^(L)

¹¹ So Christ himself gave^(A) the apostles,^(B) the prophets,^(C) the evangelists,^(D) the pastors and teachers,^{(E) 12} to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ^(F) may be built up^(G)

³⁷ If anyone thinks they are a prophet^(A) or otherwise gifted by the Spirit,^(B) let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command.^{(C) 38} But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored.^[a]

³⁹ Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager^(D) to prophesy,^(E) and do not forbid speaking in tongues.

²⁹ Two or three prophets^(A) should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.^{(B) 30} And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. ³¹ For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. ³² The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets.^(C)