Fathers

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What the Fathers say

1 Corinthians 14:18

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

Further, because he had run down the possessors of this gift, as though they had no such great thing; that he might not seem to hold them cheap, as being himself destitute of it, see what he saith: "I thank God, speaking with tongues more than ye all." And this he doth also in another place intending, namely, to take away the advantages of Judaism and to show that henceforth they are nothing, he begins by declaring that himself had been endowed with them, yea, and that in very great excess; and then he calls them "loss," thus saying, …

Homily on 1 Corinthians 35 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Lest they think that he disparages this gift because he himself does not possess it, he says: I speak in tongues more than all of you.

Commentary on 1 Corinthians ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Here the Apostle shows that the gift of prophecy excels the gift of tongues with reasons taken on his own part. In regard to this he does two things: first, he gives thanks for the gift of tongues given him by God; secondly, he proposes himself to them as an example (v. 19). He says, therefore, I thank God that I speak in tongues more than you all. As if to say: I do not belittle the gift of tongues, because I say that the gift of prophecy is more excellent, but it ought to be cherished. Hence, I, too, thank God. …

Commentary on 1 Corinthians ↗