After his stern warning, Paul again speaks tenderly. By calling the Corinthians my brothers,
he shows that, in spite of his warning, he regards them as true believers.
The word so
indicates that Paul will now give a concluding summary. This summary consists of three commands. The first command, earnestly desire to prophesy,
is essentially a repetition of 1 Corinthians 14:1. (For more on this command, see our comments under 1 Corinthians 14:1 and 1 Corinthians 12:31.)
With the second command, Do not forbid speaking in tongues,
Paul accomplishes two things. On the one hand he honours tongues as a true gift of the Spirit that, when it is given, should not be rejected. (Perhaps, seeing the disorderly way in which this gift was being used, some church leaders were trying to forbid its use altogether.) On the other hand he affirms that tongues are of secondary importance. Whereas prophecy should be earnestly desired, speaking in tongues should simply be permitted.
39 So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.