1Corinthians 14:1-5 EDIFICATION OF THE CHURCH Spiritual gifts given by God, and love expressed in the assembly in the way God intends, are the way the people of God are built up in their faith. Edification is the means by which believers in Christ are brought to maturity. Some in the Corinth assembly were using their gifts for what they considered self-edification, and they felt they were superior to other saints. Insight, encouragement, warning, and correction were the benefits given by God to the believers in the assembly through the gift of prophecy. That gift was far more valuable to the edification of the church than one who spoke in a language not known by those in the meeting.
In the early church, people were able to speak "in our own tongue" and tell others of the "wonderful works of God." They were enabled by the Holy Spirit to speak in known languages they had not previously learned, to edify the Lord's people. Some were speaking in those languages without an interpreter, and that caused disorder in the gatherings of the saints. This Spirit-given gift was not a sign of spiritual superiority to make them feel good about themselves. The point of that gift was to promote spiritual unity so those of a different language could be edified. When someone could be understood by those from a different culture and language, it was beneficial. Such a gift was not a sign of faith and was less valuable to the church than teaching and prophesying.
This gift was not for the benefit of unbelievers but for the believers whom God had saved and who were being "built up in their most holy faith." The ones who would profit most from speaking in his native tongue would be himself and those who shared the same first language. In order to be of any benefit to others of a different language, there had to be an interpreter who could make sense of what was being said. Paul knew several languages but emphasized the need for preaching to benefit the whole congregation with comfort, encouragement, and teaching that would edify the whole church and build them up in their faith.
What is that man saying? Does anyone understand? He seems to me to be praying - He's obviously from a different land! Can anyone here interpret? Good! Tell him to speak more slow - You interpret so we can get it- And what he's saying we can know.
It is more useful that we learn From those men who prophesy. That challenges us to turn To God alone and only on Him rely. Some of us need edification, Others need comfort in trying times. There is always the need of exhortation That we the will of God may find.