1 Corinthians 14:1

“Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.”

Context:This verse is part of a larger passage in the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, where he addresses the importance of spiritual gifts within the context of the church community. In this specific verse, Paul encourages the Corinthians to pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, particularly the gift of prophecy.

Follow after charity (love):The verse begins with the instruction to “follow after charity.” The word “charity” here refers to love, specifically the selfless and unconditional love that Christians are called to demonstrate. Throughout the letter, Paul emphasizes the importance of love as the central guiding principle for the use of spiritual gifts.

Desire spiritual gifts:Paul then urges the Corinthians to desire spiritual gifts. Spiritual gifts are special abilities or capacities given by the Holy Spirit to believers for the edification and benefit of the church. These gifts include prophecy, tongues, healing, teaching, and more, as described in various parts of the New Testament.

But rather that ye may prophesy:While Paul encourages the pursuit of all spiritual gifts, he specifically highlights the gift of prophecy as one to be desired. Prophecy involves receiving and delivering a message from God to His people. It can include speaking forth words of encouragement, exhortation, comfort, or even revealing future events under the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The emphasis on prophesying is due to its potential to edify and build up the church. In the following verses of chapter 14, Paul elaborates on the importance of prophesying in the context of corporate worship. He contrasts it with the gift of speaking in tongues, emphasizing the need for intelligible communication in the assembly so that everyone can understand and benefit from the message.

Overall, this verse reminds believers to pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, with a particular emphasis on the gift of prophecy. It serves as a call to prioritise edification and the building up of the church community through the exercise of these gifts, all under the overarching principle of love.