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Just as the hunter follows the chase with the determination to gain what he pursues, so are we to follow after charity; but we are only to "desire" spiritual gifts. The Corinthians were to be filled with the spirit of love at any cost, and when they loved they were to desire all other gifts, but especially the gift of prophecy. Now it was just the reverse of this with them. The gift they valued the most was the gift of tongues; it was this they "followed after," and so, when the Church met for public worship, a babel existed (vers. 23-26).

I. THE GIFT OF PROPHECY was not simply the power to predict future events. The Old Testament prophets predicted, but they had also to expostulate and comfort. Here are three marks of a prophet.

1. He speaketh unto man (ver. 3) — face-to-face conversation.

2. He speaketh to edification, exhortation, and comfort.

3. He speaketh so that souls are converted (ver. 24).

II. THE GIFT OF TONGUES was the power imparted to speak foreign languages, which is plainly the teaching of Acts 2. One of the great reasons for the bestowal of the gift was that the disciples might preach Christ to all without undergoing the usual tedious instruction in the language of the hearer.

III. THE GIFT OF PROPHECY IS GREATER THAN THE GIFT OF TONGUES.

1. It is better to be definite than learned (vers. 7-12). Speak with as many tongues as you can, but take care that whatever is spoken is understood.

2. It is better to appeal to the understanding than to the emotions (ver. 16). I do not undervalue the emotional in religions worship, but it is better for a man to understand what he feels than to feel what he does not understand. If an unlearned man go into a Roman Catholic chapel, e.g., everything appeals to the emotions — the paintings, the music, the incense; you have a sense of the beautiful, but you don't know why. Better be in the poorest meetinghouse listening to the rudest preacher, for then you may learn what you can understand and apply what your own soul can interpret.

3. It is better to be useful than brilliant (ver. 19).

4. It is better to honour God by winning souls than to excite ridicule and contempt (vers. 23, 24). Conclusion:

1. Preaching should be plain, but not vulgar.

2. Worship should be intelligent, not mystical.

3. It should be orderly, not confused.

(A. F. Barfield.)

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KJV: Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

WEB: Follow after love, and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.