Bits of Torah Truths – #Torah Concept in the NT: Seek to Edify the Church – Episode 712

Bits of Torah Truths – #Torah Concept in the NT: Seek to Edify the Church – Episode 712

1 Corinthians 14:22
לְפִיכָךְ הַלְּשׁוֹנוֹת אֵינָן אוֹת לַמַּאֲמִינִים, אֶלָּא לַבִּלְתִּי מַאֲמִינִים. וְהַנְּבוּאָה אֵינֶנָּה לַבִּלְתִּי מַאֲמִינִים, אֶלָּא לַמַּאֲמִינִים.

#torah #torahwisdom #torahtruth #torahforlife #torah4you #torahtruth

1 Corinthians 14:22
14:22 So then tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophecy is for a sign, not to unbelievers but to those who believe. (NASB)

https://www.matsati.com/index.php/category/bits-of-torah-truths/

Notice here how “edifying the church” sounds like a unique NT concept, yet the underlying principle is deeply rooted in the Torah. Paul’s instruction in 1 Corinthians 14:22 (and the broader chapter) is about building up the covenant community through gifts, clarity, and order. Also, the Torah doesn’t use the word “church,” but it repeatedly commands Israel to strengthen, preserve, and build up the covenant assembly (qahal) the Hebrew word used for Church.

– Torah Parallels to “Seek to Edify the Church” (1 Cor. 14:22) –

1. Deuteronomy 6:6–7 Teach and Strengthen the Community.
2. Deuteronomy 31:10–13 Public Reading to Build Up the Assembly.
3. Numbers 11:16–17, 24–29 Spirit-Gifted Leaders Strengthen the Community, i.e. God places His Spirit on the seventy elders.
4. Exodus 18:19–23 Structure and Order for the Good of the Community, Jethro advises Moses to appoint leaders.
5. Leviticus 19:17–18 Correct, Restore, and Love Your Neighbor.
6. Deuteronomy 10:18–19 Build Up the Vulnerable because God defends: the orphan, the widow, and the stranger.
7. Deuteronomy 32:46–47 God’s Word Sustains the Community.
8. Numbers 15:37–41 Tzitzit reminds to Strengthen the Community (i.e. the Commandments).

– Context Synthesis –

• Build up the assembly Deut. 31:10–13 “Hear, learn, fear, do.”
• Strengthen through teaching Deut. 6:6–7 Teach diligently.
• Spirit-gifted service for the community Num. 11:16–29 “Bear the burden of the people.”
• Order for communal benefit Ex. 18:19–23 “Make it easier for yourself and them.”
• Mutual correction and love Lev. 19:17–18 “Rebuke… love your neighbor.”
• Support the weak Deut. 10:18–19 “Love the stranger… defend the widow.”
• Practices that stabilize the community Num. 15:37–41 “Remember… be holy.”

– Core Insight –

The Torah Logic Behind Paul’s Teaching, Paul’s instruction in 1 Corinthians 14 is built on a Torah foundation:

1. The assembly exists to be strengthened (Deut. 31).
2. Teaching must be clear and intelligible (Deut. 6; 31).
3. Spirit-empowered service is for the community’s benefit (Num. 11).
4. Order and structure protect the community (Ex. 18).
5. Love and correction build up the people (Lev. 19).

Paul is not inventing a new ethic, he is applying Torah community principles to the Spirit-filled ekklesia. This is how Paul taught Torah in the NT, the Torah has not passed away!

Visual Summary of Concepts the Torah in the NT