* 1 Corinthians 14 and Speaking in Foreign Languages
Evidently there were those in the Corinthian church that were asking for the miraculous gift of speaking in foreign languages. The scriptures do not tell us specifically "why" they were asking for this particular gift. It is possible that there were some in the congregation that did not speak the language common to them, and thus some may have been seeking the gift so that they could speak to them in their own language. However, from the way Paul handles this, it is possible that some were seeking this gift for the purpose of drawing attention to themselves, that is, for selfish, carnal purposes. 1 Corinthians 14 is often greatly misunderstood and misapplied. Let us look at the verses, using the World English Bible version: 1 Corinthians 14:1 Follow after love, and earnestly desire spiritual gifts [pneumatika, spiritual things], but especially that you may prophesy [ Strong's #4935 ]. Here the apostle tells us that we should desire spiritual abilities, espe...