**To the Church in Corinth and to All Who Follow Christ,**

In my teachings to you, recorded in 1 Corinthians 14:2 (KJV):, I declared, "For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries." Let me, as a servant of Christ and steward of His mysteries, offer further insight into these words.

Speaking in tongues, a spiritual gift bestowed by the Holy Spirit, is a divine means of communication, often beyond human comprehension. When one speaks in an unknown tongue, it is not for the edification of others, for they cannot understand, but it is a direct communion with God. In this spiritual utterance, mysteries – divine truths and hidden things of the Spirit – are spoken.

This gift, as with all gifts of the Spirit, is given for the building up of the body of Christ. However, its use within the church requires discernment and order. Speaking in tongues, without interpretation, serves not the common good, but rather edifies the individual. In the gathering of believers, it is essential that all things be done for mutual edification. If there is no one to interpret, the speaker in tongues should remain silent in the church and speak to himself and to God.

The speaking of mysteries in the Spirit is a profound experience, a sacred communion with the Lord. Yet, in the context of the church, the gift of prophecy is to be desired more earnestly, for it edifies, exhorts, and comforts the whole congregation. It is in the understanding and application of God’s Word that the church is built up in knowledge, faith, and love.

Therefore, my beloved, earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but do so with the aim of edifying the church. Let all things be done decently and in order. In your private devotion, let the Spirit pray through you in tongues, communicating mysteries with God. But in the church, seek to prophesy, that all may learn and all be encouraged.

The gifts of the Spirit are varied and manifold, each with its purpose and place. Let us use them wisely, discerningly, and always with love, for the edification of the body of Christ and the glory of God.

In the service of our Lord and Savior,

Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the Will of God