1 Corinthians 14:22

The "then" in this verse anticipates what is to come rather than drawing a conclusion from what has preceded. Tongues-speaking in the church signified to visiting unbelievers that the Christians were mad (1 Corinthians 14:23). [Note: See Zane C. Hodges, "The Purpose of Tongues," Bibliotheca Sacra 120:479 (July-September 1963):226-33; J. Lanier Burns, "A Reemphasis on the Purpose of Tongues," Bibliotheca Sacra 132:527 (July-September 1975):242-49; and Harold W. Hoehner, "The Purpose of Tongues in 1 Corinthians 14:20-25," in Walvoord: A Tribute, pp. 53-66.] Prophecy signified to the believers that God was present and speaking.