What's in a Name? (7) Languages and Interpretation

There are two other roles/gifts that not everyone has.

Not all speak in languages. Not all interpret (1 Cor 12:30b).

At first glance, this does not make sense because further on in the letter, Paul writes that he wants everyone to speak in a spiritual language.

I would like every one of you to speak in a spiritual language (1 Cor 14:5).

So why would he say in 1 Corinthians 12:30 that only some do and most don’t?

The reason is that in this verse he is describing a role that functions in the church. This is why it is linked to a role described as interpretation/explanation.

One of the ways that God speaks to the church is by one person giving a message in an unknown language and a second person giving an interpretation. Paul describes how this works in 1 Corinthians 14.

If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church (1 Cor 14:27-28).

Several people might person gives a message in their spiritual language. Another person must interpret or explain.

If there is no one with the capability to interpret, the speakers should remain silent. They should know someone is there who can interpret before they begin to speak. They are not told to trust that the Holy Spirit will spontaneously give someone the ability to interpret their message, because they would not know that when they begin to speak. Rather, the assumption is that someone will be present who has developed a role in listening to the Holy Spirit and interpreting messages in unknown languages. People should know that such a person is there.

This is something that should happen in the church.

Try to excel in those that build up the church.  For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say (1 Cor 14:12-13).

If a person believes the Holy Spirit is giving them a message for the church in a spiritual language, and they don’t know that there is a person there who can give an interpretation, they should pray that they can interpret their own message. If they cannot do that, then they should remain silent.

Speaking a message in an unknown language and giving interpretations/explanations are two roles that should function in a healthy church. They go together, because one can function without the other. This is why Paul said that not everyone has these roles. They are activities that people need to learn to do and become proficient as the Holy Spirit manifests through them. They begin as a spontaneous manifestation (as per 1 Cor 12:10) and develop into a role (as per 1 Cor14:27). These giftings/roles are what Paul wants to see more of in the church.

Eagerly desire the greater gifts (charismata) (1 Cor 12:30).

Followers of Jesus should seek the greater gifts, which are prophecy and languages/interpretation. Paul goes on to explain how they work in 1 Corinthians 14. All three of these gifts are important because they build up the church. Having people who can exercise these roles strengthens a church.