1 Corinthians 14:14-15 (“I will pray with my spirit”)

spiritual giftsSpirit or spirit?

Paul next addresses the contrast between a tongue speaker’s spirit (or Spirit) and his mind —

(1Co 14:14-15 ESV) 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. 15 What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also.

By “spirit” here, I think Paul does not mean the inner man or our emotional side. Rather, “my spirit” refers to the presence of the Spirit in Paul. See BDAG “pneuma.”

The important thing is the contrast between πνεῦμά state of ecstasy and νοῦς, “mind.” Here Paul is taking over existing views of inspiration, but he subjects them to criticism by setting νοῦς above ecstasy—relatively, in the same sense as he sets prophecy above speaking with tongues. The “spirit” is subordinated to a rational, theological judgment.

Hans Conzelmann, 1 Corinthians: A Commentary on the First Epistle to the Corinthians (Hermeneia 67; ed. George W. MacRae; trans. James W. Leitch; Accordance electronic ed. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1975), 237.

However, Sampley is less certain of this conclusion —

Supporting capitalizing it and understanding that Paul is writing about praying and singing with the assistance of the Holy Spirit is Paul’s statement in Rom 8:26 that when we do not know how to pray as necessary, the Spirit intercedes for us in sighs too deep for words. On the other side, that the term “spirit” should not be capitalized and should therefore be taken as referring to the human spirit, is the parallel construction in 14:15–16 with “the mind” (ὁ νοῦς ho nous) where that referent is clearly to the individual’s “mind.” There is also a third possibility that must be considered here–namely, that the primary referent of πνεῦμα (pneuma, “spirit”), read in the light of its paralleled reference to mind, here is indeed the human spirit as the commitment of one’s life, but that for Paul the Holy Spirit’s assistance in praying cannot be ruled out of the picture. In this third possibility, then, the reference to pneuma is actually double, both to the human spirit and to the Holy Spirit.

J. Paul Sampley, “The First Letter to the Corinthians,” in The Acts of the Apostles-The First Letter to the Corinthians (vol. 10 of New Interpreters Bible, Accordance electronic ed. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2002), 961-962.

In 1 Corinthians, Paul almost always uses “spirit” to refer to the Holy Spirit. Sometimes it refers to the life of a person. A few times it refers to his attitude —

(1Co 4:21 ESV)  What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?

And it’s hard to say exactly what Paul means by —

(1Co 5:3 ESV) For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing.

— although “present in spirit” likely means that he wishes to be present, so that “spirit” refers to his desires.

I come down on the side of capitalizing “Spirit” in v. 14. (Paul’s epistle would have been written entirely in capital letters. Upper and lower case Greek wasn’t invented until later.) The problem with “spirit” is that it reads into Paul’s understanding of humanity a separation of the feelings from the mind that I don’t find elsewhere in Paul. And I have trouble imagining someone singing with his emotions but not his mind — except by action of the Spirit.

I think Conzelmann is right that Paul is contrasting the mind as in control over the ecstatic utterances of the Spirit, as we’ve already established that, in tongues, the speaker does not know what is being said unless he have the gift of interpretation. Although I’d not too strongly resist Sampley’s idea that it’s the human spirit under the Spirit’s influence.

And 14:32 seems to strongly support that conclusion —

(1Co 14:32 ESV) 32 and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets.

Paul’s point in v. 32 is not that prophets control their hearts or feelings but that they control the Spirit working through their prophetic gifts.

We Westerners so want to read the text as preferring rationality to emotionalism, which is a very Western point of view. I doubt that Paul would have even considered the question. He was not concerned to keep emotion out of the assembly, but that tongue speakers keep their spiritual gift in control to edify the church.

Singing and praying in the Spirit

(1Co 14:14-15 ESV)  14 For if I pray in a tongue, my [S]pirit prays but my mind is unfruitful.  15 What am I to do? I will pray with my [S]pirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my [S]pirit, but I will sing with my mind also. 

It’s hard to escape the impression that Paul is speaking of some sort of ecstatic utterance — but it’s a form of speech that can discernibly be prayer or singing — even though the person praying or singing does not know the content of his own speech without an interpreter.

This sounds very odd to modern ears, but only about 200 years ago, Barton W. Stone wrote this account of one of the spiritual “exercises” he witnessed at the famous Cane Ridge Revival in his autobiography:

I shall close this chapter with the singing exercise. This is more unaccountable than any thing else I ever saw. The subject in a very happy state of mind would sing most melodiously, not from the mouth or nose, but entirely in the breast, the sounds issuing thence. Such music silenced every thing, and attracted the attention of all. It was most heavenly. None could ever be tired of hearing it. Doctor J. P. Campbell and myself were together at a meeting, and were attending to a pious lady thus exercised, and concluded it to be something surpassing any thing we had known in nature.

Stone’s explanation is simple —

So low had religion sunk, and such carelessness universally had prevailed, that I have thought that nothing common could have arrested the attention of the world; therefore these uncommon agitations were sent for this purpose. However, this was their effect upon the community.

Stone was a very well educated, highly literate Presbyterian minister, at the time. He would not have been easily deceived. You can’t read his writings and study his life without being impressed with his insight and intellect.

I would not pretend understand just what the manifestations of the Spirit were in the First Century Corinth, but plainly Paul did not oppose them or question their genuineness. In fact, he encouraged them — but not all spiritual gifts are appropriately exercised in the assembly. The assembly is gathered for the purpose of edification, not for the flamboyant display of the works of the Spirit.

“Edification”

The language  of edifying or building up the church is so deeply embedded in the vernacular of Christianity that we act as though we know what it means — although it’s not all that obvious. To “build up” a Christian means what? Preach sermons? Teach classes? Pass out tracts? To what end? How do we tell what does and doesn’t build up?

I think Paul uses “build up” in much the same was we use “spiritual formation” — when we use “spiritual formation” correctly. It’s about helping each other become more like Jesus.

(Eph 4:11-14ESV) 1 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,  12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,  13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,  14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.  

In Ephesians, Paul speaks of “building up” the body of Christ — the church — “to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” That is, we built up or edified to the extent we become more like Jesus.

It’s not about whether we’re encouraged to make it through the week, or whether we learn some new theological point or interesting biblical history. It’s not about gaining good emotional health or strong marriages or good parenting skills or excellence in personal financial management — although these are all good and necessary things. None of this matters unless we become more like Jesus.

Therefore, the assembly, like communion, should be for the spiritual formation of the members present. It’s not about getting the rules right to appease the anger of a wrathful deity looking for a foot fault so he can damn us. It’s about helping each other — by the power of the Spirit — to become more like Jesus.

How do we do that? Well, we start by making certain each element of the assembly is specifically targeted toward shaping us into the image of Christ —

(Gal 4:18-19 ESV) 18 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you,  19 my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! 

— and that means it’s not about whether we did five and only five pre-approved “acts of worship.” The assembly is about whether we edified and were edified — did we help our brothers and sisters become more like Jesus? Did we become more like Jesus?

About Jay F Guin

My name is Jay Guin, and I’m a retired elder. I wrote The Holy Spirit and Revolutionary Grace about 18 years ago. I’ve spoken at the Pepperdine, Lipscomb, ACU, Harding, and Tulsa lectureships and at ElderLink. My wife’s name is Denise, and I have four sons, Chris, Jonathan, Tyler, and Philip. I have two grandchildren. And I practice law.
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20 Responses to 1 Corinthians 14:14-15 (“I will pray with my spirit”)

  1. R.J. says:

    Wait, how can a beautiful forein singer who brings people to their knees not be edifying to the assembly?

  2. Jay Guin says:

    Price,

    I think it takes remarkably weak faith to insist that God is no longer doing miracles.

    I have friends who have experienced prophecy in the nature of revealing the secrets of someone’s heart or even having a message from God — people I know and trust and who are not easily duped. I’m not certain that the modern tongues experience is the same as what Paul describes. It’s just not really knowable and not really important whether it’s the same thing. God can give gifts unlike those listed in 1 Cor. He is not limited in what he can give. I know people who are remarkably intelligent, rational types who’ve personally experienced what they call tongues. God did not give me the gift of discernment to know whether it’s real — and I’ll not judged based on nothing but what I wish to be true. I therefore remain open minded.

    On the other hand, I’ve certainly experienced God’s very real presence and response to prayer. I know that God speaks to his children even today when he cares to do so. I know that prayers are often answered. God is plainly active among his people — and if he once chose to give ecstatic utterance to his people, I’m not willing to tell God he can’t do it again.

  3. Price says:

    @ Jay… I agree… was just curious… I find that when folks aren’t fearful of reprisal that many open up and share about many miraculous events.. It’s an awesome experience just to sit at the feet of older folks who share their incredible experiences..

  4. laymond says:

    Price, or AJ , Do you think it would be betraying a trust if you were to relay some of the experiences of others if you never mention their name ? I doubt there would be any reprisal to these unknown people. Do you think these people are afraid of reprisal, or do you think they tell only those of you who are conditioned to accept without question.

  5. Price says:

    Laymond, the people that I think of that were fearful were older folks.. in their 70’s and 80’s.. I can tell you this from personal experience however.. I was frustrated one day as I was turning my life around and I just couldn’t help but wonder if God was really listening or if I was just talking to the ceiling.. Like how do you know ? It’s usually a very one sided conversation.. I had been invited to go out with some guys to some bar where all these university gals were going to be.. Man, I’ve been down that road and just made up some excuse but told God, I just don’t won’t to go down that road again Lord, It’s fun.but it’s a dead end. Long story short.. I met a lady that helped run a homeless mission in downtown Atlanta.. First time I met her she looked at me and told me what I said in that prayer and on what day I said it… You think I doubt whether God hears my prayer ? You think reading I Corinthians could have convinced me of that like this experience did ? Turns out she is well known for having a prophetic gift.. I’ve got hundreds of stories like this.. When you go in search of God.. you’ll find Him.. When you go to disprove that He’s still very much God.. you find what you wish to find. The Bible says that Jesus could do very few miracles in His hometown due to the people’s lack of faith.. Probably a lesson in there somewhere.

    It might be of interest to you to ask folks YOU know about THEIR experiences…

  6. Alabama John says:

    Only have a short time til leaving for church but here’s one message very near my heart.
    As a contractor I left for the job about the same time everyday., and drove straight there and went to work.
    This day I was listening to the radio, probably George Jones, on my way and a voice came to me in my head.
    That voice kept telling me to go back home.
    I dismissed it and drove on.
    It kept saying in my head to go back home and do it now.
    Finally I turned around in someones drive and went back telling myself how dumb this was as I looked about and had all I needed with me so there was no need to go back..
    When I turned from the main road to the county road going to my house about a quarter of a mile away, I looked in the weeds for some reason and there was my eighteen month old, facing the busy highway standing there in the tall weeds with arms outstretched crying and screaming for me.
    I jumped out grabbed him and took him home.
    I’ve never gone home like that before or since. hated to be late or for anyone else to be late for work.
    My wife and I thanked God and I still do today as he is still happily married to the same woman, now the father of two of our grandchildren, attends church every Sunday and my grandson leads singing occasionally as a 11 year old.

  7. I need not depend on the testimony of others, as I have been praying in the spirit for over 25 years. I think Sampley’s description in Jay’s article is pretty apt. When I pray in the spirit, I do not generate those words in the mind, but recognize them as a spiritual thing. That is, something of the Spirit of God. I could, if I wished, stop that prayer at any time, just as I could shut up in English. So my spirit does listen and participate, as does my voice. But not my understanding. That would only become necessary in a particular group setting such as the one of which Paul speaks.

    I do appreciate Jay’s approaching this subject from a biblical perspective. That is how I first encountered the gifts of the Spirit in the early 80’s– from the bible, not from my experience. I was a young CoC preacher who had no one around to tell me to ignore what I read on the subject, and my respect for scripture would not allow me to set it aside as some sort of historic anomaly. People in the CoC used to ask me “where I got this stuff”, wanting to know my influences. I tell them, “I got to reading my bible and that got me in trouble.” In fact, the second time I ever heard any one speak in tongues…. it was me. In a CoC home meeting. Surrounded by people who had never experienced such a thing.

    I would emphasize that Paul’s emphasis here on gifts or revelation which edifies the group is based strictly on the group context he is addressing. Paul does not generally declare spiritual speaking superior to natural communication per se, but he does take that position as regards the group setting.

  8. Price says:

    @ Jay.. Thanks.. I agree that a time of sharing would be good.. But, to be honest, I firmly believe that it’s experiential to a large degree.. What I mean is…I wouldn’t have believed you had any such experience if I hadn’t of had my own.. I remember telling a men’s bible group one Wednesday night about my experiences on a mission trip to Peru.. I started out with.. “If I were sitting where you’re sitting and listening to the stories that I’m about to tell…I wouldn’t believe me.” So while I know what I know.. I give a lot of grace and am apt to argue less about this because I know how experiential it is…

    I’ve been convinced over the years that seeking to speak in tongues or prophesy, etc., might be the wrong request of God.. Even though Paul does say to “desire earnestly to prophesy”, I believe the gift is always attached to the necessity of the service being rendered. I wonder how many might receive special gifting if they needed it for serving and ministering to the people who need it. Perhaps one should seek to use the gifts and natural talents they have in service to others and seek God’s help along the way to empower their service ??

  9. One of the pitfalls of testimony can be a lack of room for dialog. In our rational tradition, we read of an event in scripture, or hear a testimony of a work of God, and our next move is to draw a conclusion based upon what we have heard, so as to neatly file away what we have heard. Such conclusions, whether right or wrong, are almost always woefully incomplete. The one workable conclusion is the one Jay is suggesting, which is to conclude that we do not know all there is to know, and are in need of greater revelation. The most effective testiony is the one where there is room for discussion and no requirement that all questions be settled at once.

  10. Dwight says:

    I can neither confirm or deny that miracles, as at least done by men towards other men, are alive today. But I do know that God answers prayers and has the power to fulfill the needs of his children. “The fervant prayer of the righteous availeth much.” either we believe that or we don’t. James. “If one is suffering, let him pray.”
    Now prophecy…hmmm, don’t know why or how it could confirm the gospels any more than it did or add to what we know. In the early church the message was spread by word of mouth and then letters were written, but all of the written things were slow in being created and circulated, so they had prophecies to witness and give information. Today we have the information to read. I’m not saying that prophecy doesn’t exist, but to what end? It cannot tell us more than the scriptures or different. But I will not condemn those who believe they work miracles or have prophecy by the grace of God as long as they follow the rules of I Cor.14 in edification.

  11. Alabama John says:

    Bottom line is who really cares what others think about your experiences with God.

    Its close and personal and as long as you believed and acted as you thought God wanted you to, its fine.

    Getting into a debate about it and listening to others give their opinion on your experiences can only lead to hard feelings and will accomplish nothing.

    Interesting thing is those that believe God is not dead and or restricted in any way today have those revelations t and those that do not believe it can happen do not.

    Wonder why!!!

  12. laymond says:

    AJ I have worked in states where some of the residents believed in witches, indwelled demons, ghosts, you name it and it was there or had been there. if people were to fall down speaking in
    ” unknown tongues” they would be suspected of being witches, or indwelled with demons/devils. and would be called to an accounting one way or another. The Salem witch trials come to mind. The bible speaks to all these beings, why is it not popular to believe in them?

  13. Alabama John says:

    laymond,
    People do not like to believe in anything they do not fully, or think, they ‘fully” understand.
    The bible is the good news. it is not a law book, and that has not been understood by many throughout the ages.
    By our nature, we want to be or at least appear smarter than we actually are.
    WE in many cases want to be God ourselves.
    Demons in pigs are OK to accept, but in humans, never.

  14. Larry Cheek says:

    Alabama John,
    Where did those demons that went into pigs come from, I understood they came out of a human. Was he not human until the demons came out?

  15. laymond says:

    Alabama John, your story about your young son no doubt happened the very way you said it did.
    But what happened to you is actually not that rare, and it does not happen only to those who claim to be Christian. It has happened even to atheist, and heathens. so I have read. .

    pre-mo-ni-tion
    noun
    1. a feeling of anticipation of or anxiety over a future event; presentiment:
    He had a vague premonition of danger.
    2. a forewarning.

    Synonyms
    1. foreboding, portent, omen, sign.

    I believe the best explanation for this event is “something happened that morning out of the ordinary , not so much that it drew your attention right then but it did later.

  16. Alabama John says:

    Larry, he was human as much as you and me. How they got in him I do not know but believe we can invite them in some way as I have seen those inviting by their action and way of life.

    laymond, This story of my young son is only one example, I could write a book and my bride has wanted to do so for many years but I refuse. God has been asked and invited to help us in many ways, prayer comes in many forms.

    We do not always understand his wonders to perform or how he causes things to happen to us sometimes for the good of others by guiding us to them in mysterious ways.

    I believe he helps those who willingly accept his help.

    God called Paul out after Jesus death and that confounds those that believe it all ended with Jesus death and the bible took his place forevermore. He is still active today.

  17. laymond says:

    A.J. there is a book on this very thing.

    Larry Dossey, MD, author of The Power of Premonitions

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