First Corinthians 14: On prophecy and tongues

I asked earlier what Paul meant by "the greater gifts." He gives us his answer in 1 Cor. 14:1-5. The greater gifts are those that directly edify the church. So, prophecy is of more value than tongues because anyone who hears prophecy can hear the direct word of God spoken. Now, does this diminish tongues? No, and I do not believe that tongues has been erased as a gift for today's church. I do confess I have never spoken in tongues, although I have prayed for the gift when I was a teenager. However, there is a place in today's church for every spiritual gift. Paul's point is that communication of the good news of Jesus Christ is the purpose of the gifts, and the greater gifts are those that communicate the Gospel most clearly (12).

Paul's solution for the understanding of tongues is the interpreter--a direct biblical command that I personally have never seen practiced, even though I have attended many Christian services where tongues have played a roll in worship. I find it interesting that some of the most conservative biblical interpreters our there in the charismatic movements do not seem to take this admonishment by Paul very seriously.