Verse 3
In contrast to the foreign speech uttered by tongues-speakers, those present could understand what a prophet spoke in the language of his audience. It benefited the hearers by building them up, encouraging them, and consoling them. "Edification," "exhortation," and "consolation" set forth the primary ways in which prophecy (preaching) builds up the church. Its main purpose as a gift was not to predict events in the future but to build up believers in the present.
| Official Apostles | The Twelve and the Apostle Paul |
| Functional (unofficial) apostles | Church planters and missionaries |
| Official Prophets | Communicated new revelation |
| Functional (unofficial) prophets | Communicated edification, exhortation, and consolation |
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