1 Corinthians 14:15–19: What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified. I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
Apparently, it was the custom in the early church to say “Amen” when someone else prayed, and perhaps during a message. “It was very frequent in primitive times to express their approbation in the public assemblies by Amen. This practice, soberly and piously conducted, might still be of great use in the Church of Christ.” (Clarke) There is certainly nothing wrong with an “Amen” from the congregation today, as long as it is consistent with everyone being blessed, not just the one saying it! 1
Application
- Read Revelation 22:20-21. What is the last word in the Bible?
- When your heart is on His return, you just have to say “Amen!” (So be it.)
Thought to Share
My “amen” is followed by the assurance of His soon return. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Lord, thank you that you’re not impressed with my speech, but with the heart behind the words.
1. David Guzik online commentary.