Fathers

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What the Fathers say

1 Corinthians 14:17

Eastern Fathers

Theophylact of Ohrid

You might think he is completely disparaging the gift of tongues, but he says: you, for your part, give thanks well, but since there is no benefit to your neighbor in this, your thanksgiving is useless.

Commentary on 1 Corinthians ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Then he proves why he cannot say, "Amen," when he says: For you may give thanks well enough to God, inasmuch as you understand, but the other man, who hears and does not understand, is not edified, for he does not understand in detail, even if he understands in a general way and is edified: "Let no evil thought come out of your mouth, but only such as is good for edifying" (Eph 4:29). Consequently, it is better not only to bless in a tongue, but also to interpret and explain, although you who give thanks do well.

Commentary on 1 Corinthians ↗