What does 1 Corinthians 14:18 mean?
It seems one of the problems in the Corinthian church was that those with the legitimate gift of speaking in diverse languages were exercising that gift in the church services with no interpretation. Paul has made the case that this does not help the church. He will shortly forbid the practice.Paul wants his readers to understand that he is not addressing this issue because he objects to the gift of speaking in tongues. He, too, has received that gift from the Holy Spirit, and he exercises it regularly. In fact, he writes in this verse that he speaks in tongues more than all of them.
Paul doesn't take credit for the gift or his ability to exercise it frequently. He is not boasting to earn their approval. He thanks God for the gift. Paul understands this supernatural ability is not the result of his own obedience or worthiness. That's the point he has been making since chapter 12.
His larger point in saying this is to add impact to what he writes in the following verse.
First Corinthians 14:1–25 describes why the gift of prophecy is superior to the gift of tongues in church services, especially when nobody with the gift of interpreting tongues is available. Prophecy benefits everyone in the room with a revelation from God. Praying in a tongue, when nobody can interpret, only benefits the one praying. In fact, displaying the gift of tongues without interpretation may do more harm than good—it generates confusion and division. In contrast, the use of prophecy provides the opportunity for unbelievers to hear from God, be convicted about sin, and come to faith in Christ and genuine worship.
Paul encourages the Corinthians to desire the gift of prophecy, especially, among the other gifts. He shows why its use in the church service is superior to the use of the gift of tongues if nobody is available to interpret. Prophecy benefits everyone; praying in tongues with nobody to interpret benefits only the speaker. Only two or three tongues-speakers should contribute to any service, and only then one at a time and followed by interpreters. The same applies to prophecy and the gift of discerning spirits. Orderliness and building up the church are guiding principles for any worship meeting. Modern churches are divided on the extent to who which these gifts are given, or should be practiced.
