The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Corinthians — Section 464

Vers. 24, 25.-The conviction of th~ unbeliever. In estimating the gifts of intelligent prophecy on the one hand, and the gifts of tongues on the other, the apostle tests their respective value by their practical utility. It could not be denied that one great end of the existence of the Christian Church was, as it still i~, the instruction of the ignorant and the reformation of the sinful. It is clear that at Corinth, and at other places where Christian communities existed in the first age, there was already a constant intercourse between the Church and the world. Attracted by curiosity oc driven by spiritual wants and hopes, the unbelieving heathen and Jews would so::Ui- times attend the Christian assemblies. This being so, Paul asks, What must be the effect upon such persons, first of such an exhibition of supernatural powers such as the Corinthians delighted in, and secondly of the proclamation of the truths and promises of the gospel? His own answer is that, whilst the speak in~ with tongues may amaze, it will probably be set down as ranting; whilst the utterance of God's Word will somttirues issue in the enlightenment, conviction, ancl salvation of the sinner. Surely a sufficient and decisive test! I. 'l'HE MEANS OF THE UNBELIEVER'S CONVERSION, 'l'his is represented as prophecy, i.e. the uttering forth by man, as God's messenger, of God's mind and will. And in the case supposed by the apostle, evidently the declaration concerns the sinful state and the spiritual needs of man, the merciful purposes of God, the provision of pardon, renewal, and eternal life, through the Saviour Jesus Christ. Prophecy, so understood, l1as never ceased in the Church 0f the Lord Jesus. His ministers prophesy when they give witness to him, when they publish the gospel and its grn.cious invitations. II. THE PROCESS OF THE UNDELIEVER's CONVERSION. 'fhe question arises-How does the Christian prophecy affect the mind and heart of the ignorant and unbelieving hearer? According to the representation of the apostle, the word evinces its own divinity by making the sinner known to himself. And there can be n:o more generally convincing awl cvuclusive eviclence of the authority of religion than 1s afforded by the fact that the preaching of the go;pel reveals man to himself in his true state and position. The truths of the gospel are the utterances of him who formed the human heart. The candle of the Lord searches even the dark places of man's nature, and that which is hidden is brouc,-ht forth to Iicrht. The conscience-stricken sinner realizes his "Uilt 0 and dancrer, and hi~ need of a Di~ne Deliverer. He is convinced, examined, jud~ed, by the se;eral messa;i:es which penetrate his nature. The secrets of his heart, his iniquities, his sorrow and penitence, hill aspirations for a better lile, are all made manifest. III. THE RESULTS AND SIGNS OF THE UNDEJ,JEVER's CONVEnBION. 1. His enmity to God and to God'ij truth is utterly vanquishe<l. He falls down, contrite and submissive, like him who cried, "God, be merciful to me a sinner." 2. His enmity is exchanged for reverence and worship. Before, he may have ad~red th~ false gods whom he has been trained to revere; now and henceforth there 18 for him but one God, the Saviour of all men. 3. He acknowledges the Vivino presence in the Church. Had he lislened only to "ton"ucs,'' he would have deemed the spcnkers to have raved. Eut listenin" to words of gn~ce and truth, the convert ncknowkdges that in meetiag God's 1,eople°he has met \\ith God, and their assembly has become to hi:n, 68 it has become to multitudes, "the ho-ise of God, and the gate o( heaven."-T. err. xiv. 1-40.] THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS. 473