1 Corinthians 14:23-25 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Yet sometimes prophecy is of more use even to unbelievers than speaking with tongues. For instance: if the whole church be come together On some extraordinary occasion; (it is probable in so large a city they ordinarily met in several places;) and all That are endowed with such a gift; speak with tongues One in one language, and another in another; and there come in those that are unlearned Persons ignorant of those languages; men of learning might possibly have understood the tongues in which they spake; or unbelievers Heathen, who are strangers to these dealings of God with his church; will they not say ye are mad When they see the confusion you make by speaking languages which no one present understands? “This is not contrary to what is said 1 Corinthians 14:22, that the speaking in foreign languages was a sign to convince unbelievers. For the unbelievers to be convinced by that sign, were such strangers as understood the language in which they were addressed; whereas the unbelievers and unlearned persons, who considered the speaking of foreign languages as an effect of madness, were those strangers who did not understand them.” Macknight. But if all prophesy Expound the word of God, or discourse by turns on divine things; and there come in one that believeth not One who did not before believe; or one unlearned Acquainted with no language but that in which the discourses are delivered; he is convinced Rather, convicted, by all who thus speak in succession, and speak to the hearts of the hearers; he is judged of all Every one says something to which his conscience bears witness. And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest Laid open, clearly described in a manner which to him is most astonishing and utterly unaccountable; insomuch, that although he perhaps came into your assembly out of mere curiosity, or with some ill design, he is not able to command himself under the impression which the word of God thus spoken makes upon him; and so falling down Under the power of it; on his face To the ground; he will worship That one living and true God Whose people you are, and to whose truth you thus bear witness; and report Declare to others; that God is among you of a truth How many instances of this kind are seen at this day, in places where the true gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is faithfully preached! So does God still give point and efficacy to the word of his grace!