Parting Matters

Acts 14:23

And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

You might ask yourself just how Paul is able to carry on instructing the church after suffering stoning, abandonment, and head injury. 1 Corinthians 14 explains the situation thus. Tongues yet unknown to man are known to God. So, Paul also prophesies in spirit. Prophesying to man edifies, exalts, and comforts. Here, you have Barnabas in sum. Speaking to yourself in speech yet unknown, is merely for personal benefit. However, prophecy "edifies the church." Prophecy with interpretation is to the benefit of the church. Must Paul write Revelation, prophecy, historical narrative, or discipleship texts himself. No, for such apostles have been called by God to minister unto the church. See, orders given musically profit none unless you know them. So, it is called sound doctrine of 2 Timothy 4:3 that men simply will not endure in those last days. Corinthian speech is notoriously difficult with so many words uttered but not understood. The same are also compared with so many barbarians chanting in unison. The church there wanted Spirit gifts; but then will Paul show the more excellent way. Thus, the speaking and the interpretation go together that the understanding be not hindered. So, the Spirit brings understanding being also made unto us wisdom as in 1 Corinthians 1:30. Even now Paul gives thanks for them and the Lord; but they understand him not else would they also say amen. The newborn church are not children in knowledge but taught of God.

Just as Paul found, God also ought to be their defense. You know how some of you go tire slashing at the slightest hint of a wrong. For such is neither Godly nor childlike. So, God will use those to speak that the people understand not. Thus, shall they be a sign for the unbelieving. See, tongues spoken together by all sounds rather silly. But when they prophesy as does Paul, the unbeliever will fall down to the glory of God. Lest you grieve later, let us see how such a one will do. Paul says conviction will come to this one; then rising he will go testifying to all about God's little church which prophet says. He also warns the believers not to do as some. See these tell stories, psalms, and doctrines by the campfires of God. Indeed, some have turned the church into a honey-do-nothing girl scout campfire meeting. Beloved, I agree with Paul that such things ought not to be. For this cause must order first begin with the house of God. So, each one prophesies in the Spirit with understanding that all may be converted, convicted, and built up in the faith. Here is the purpose of such to bring peace rather than testing, trials, and confusion therein. Also, should the women and the unlearned hush themselves lest the believers be carried off by unsound doctrine as before. If anyone knows not the situation or the assignment, let him remain so. Now the apostles prophesy decently and in order as with all things even in tongues unto the Lord. For so he alone keeps the orphan and the elder alike.