Fathers

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What the Fathers say

1 Corinthians 14:5

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

Next, lest they should suppose that in envy to them he depresses the tongues, (for the more part had this gift,) to correct their suspicion he saith, "I would have you all speak with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the Church may receive edifying." But "rather" and "greater," do not mark opposition, but superiority. …

Homily on 1 Corinthians 35 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

The prophet, he says, is greater; but greater than the one who only speaks in tongues and does not know how to interpret. But if he also knows how to interpret, then he is equal to the prophet. For through the interpretation of what he speaks unclearly in a tongue, he edifies the Church. Interpretation was also a gift, and to some of those who spoke in tongues it was given, while to others it was not given.

Commentary on 1 Corinthians ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Here the Apostle excludes an objection or false understanding, which could occur in respect to the foregoing. For some might believe that since the Apostle prefers prophecy to the gift of tongues, the latter should be scorned. Hence, to exclude this he says: Now I want you, where he shows what he intends to insinuate; secondly, he gives the reason (v. 5b). …

Commentary on 1 Corinthians ↗