1Corinthians 14:1-5 comments: three functions of preaching

14:1 ¶  Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 2  For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 3  But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4  He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5  I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

Here, Paul makes a further distinction between gifts giving precedence to preaching God’s word, prophesying, over speaking in other languages that the people in the congregation might not be able to understand. If a Corinthians was given the power to speak in a language that neither they nor their brothers and sisters knew previous to that it would be confusing, perhaps, without an interpretation, a translator. But, preaching edifies, exhorts, and comforts; three functions of preaching. True godly preaching teaches you something about God, encourages you to action, or comforts you with hope.

Speaking in tongues is defined in Acts.

Acts 2:1 ¶  And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3  And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4  And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

    5 ¶  And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6  Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7  And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8  And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9  Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10  Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11  Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. 12  And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 13  Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

Prophets preach. They either foretold what was to happen by God’s instruction or they preached His words of edification, exhortation, or comfort.

Nehemiah 6:7  And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.

To prophesy is to preach either of what is to come or of what should be, according to God’s perfect will. We don’t call preachers prophets today because of the association with being given revelations of the future, as in the days of Israel’s glory and decline.