What is the purpose of prophesying to those who already believe?
Prophesying to believers brings them growth in their Christian experience and establishes them so they are not blown about with every wind of doctrine. It speaks forth God's word for edification and understanding, keeping the church from the confusion that comes when everyone speaks at once.
Les teaches that prophesying here is speaking forth the word. When believers hear it, they are brought into growth in their Christian experience and made stable, so they will not be blown about with every wind of doctrine. By contrast, if the whole church speaks with various languages, an outsider or unbeliever will say they are mad—maniacs—because he hears a conglomeration. But if all prophesy, the unbeliever is convinced and judged, the secrets of his heart are made manifest, and he worships God. Paul therefore insists everything be done decently and in order, not in confusion.
Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
More Questions
Does prophesying serve believers or unbelievers in 1 Corinthians 14:22?
In verse 22, prophesying serves not for those who believe not but for those who believe.
In 1 Corinthians 14:22, who is prophesying meant to serve?
In verse 22, speaking forth the Word, or prophesying, serves for them that believe, not for them that believe not.
What was the gift of prophesying for?
The gift of prophesying was given to proclaim or preach the Word before they had the New Testament.