Meaning of 1 Corinthians 14:20

In 1 Corinthians 14:20, the Apostle Paul addresses the Corinthian church, urging them to mature in their spiritual understanding and conduct. He contrasts immature thinking, which is easily swayed by superficiality and prone to misjudgment, with the discernment and sound reasoning characteristic of spiritual adulthood. While acknowledging the importance of innocence and a pure heart, akin to an infant's, Paul insists that in matters of discernment, particularly regarding what is morally corrupt or spiritually harmful, believers should exhibit the critical thinking and sound judgment of mature individuals. This exhortation is deeply rooted in the Corinthian church's struggles with the misuse of spiritual gifts, particularly speaking in tongues, which Paul is addressing in this chapter, leading to disorder and a lack of edification in their gatherings.

Context and Background

The Corinthian church was a vibrant community, but it was also rife with immaturity and division. Paul's letter to them, 1 Corinthians, is a pastoral work aimed at correcting various problems, including sexual immorality, lawsuits among believers, and the misuse of spiritual gifts. Chapter 14 specifically focuses on the proper use of spiritual gifts, especially prophecy and speaking in tongues, within the corporate worship setting. The Corinthians seemed to prize the more spectacular gifts, like tongues, without fully understanding their purpose or how they should edify the whole body. Paul's concern is that their enthusiasm for these gifts was leading to chaos and a lack of understanding, demonstrating a spiritual immaturity that needed correction.

Key Themes and Messages

The central theme is spiritual maturity versus spiritual immaturity. Paul uses the metaphor of infancy and adulthood to illustrate this distinction. He calls for a sophia (wisdom) that is distinct from mere knowledge or superficial experience.

• Discernment: The ability to distinguish between good and evil, truth and falsehood, and that which builds up versus that which tears down.
• Rationality in Faith: While faith is paramount, it is not to be divorced from sound thinking and understanding. Believers are called to think critically about spiritual matters.
• Purposeful Spiritual Practice: Gifts and practices should serve the ultimate goal of building up the church and glorifying God, not mere personal display or emotional gratification.
• Innocence vs. Naivete: Paul distinguishes between the innocent purity of an infant and the foolish naivete that can be easily deceived or led astray, particularly by evil.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse is a powerful call to ongoing spiritual growth. It reminds believers that salvation is not the end of the journey but the beginning. True spiritual life involves developing a mature understanding of God's Word, His will, and the workings of the spiritual realm. It calls for a conscious effort to think biblically, to evaluate spiritual experiences and teachings through the lens of Scripture, and to apply wisdom in all areas of life, especially in distinguishing between beneficial and harmful influences. It challenges a passive approach to faith, demanding active engagement of the mind in service to God.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The call for maturity is a consistent theme throughout Scripture. The Old Testament prophets often rebuked Israel for their spiritual childishness and lack of discernment, leading them into idolatry and disobedience. The New Testament writers frequently urge believers to move beyond elementary teachings and grow into spiritual maturity. Hebrews 5:12-14, for instance, contrasts those who are "still in need of milk" with those who are ready for "solid food" because they have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Jesus himself, while cherishing the faith of children, also exhorted his disciples to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16).

Analogies

• A Young Plant: An infant is like a young seedling, full of potential but vulnerable. Spiritual maturity is like the plant that has grown strong roots, can withstand storms, and bears fruit. It needs nurturing, but it also needs to develop its own resilience and capacity.
• A Skilled Navigator: An infant might be unaware of dangerous currents or hidden reefs. A mature believer, like a skilled navigator, has learned to read the charts, understand the weather patterns, and steer the ship safely through treacherous waters, discerning potential dangers and charting a course toward the desired destination.
• A Discriminating Consumer: An infant will accept anything offered. A mature person, however, can discern the quality of goods, the sincerity of offers, and the potential pitfalls of certain choices. In the spiritual realm, this means discerning true doctrine from heresy, genuine ministry from false, and godly counsel from destructive advice.

Relation to Other Verses

• Hebrews 5:12-14: As mentioned, this passage directly contrasts spiritual infancy with maturity, highlighting the need for discernment.
• Ephesians 4:14: "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming." This verse echoes Paul's concern about the Corinthians being easily swayed.
• Philippians 1:9-10: "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ." This highlights the link between love, knowledge, insight, and discernment.
• 1 John 4:1: "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." This is a direct command to exercise discernment in evaluating spiritual claims.