21. In the Law it is written, "Through people who speak unfamiliar languages and through the lips of strangers I will speak to these people. But even then they will not listen to me." (Isaiah 28:11,12) That is what the Lord says.
22. So speaking in other languages is a sign for those who don't believe. It is not a sign for those who do believe. But prophecy is for believers. It is not for those who don't believe.
23. Suppose the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in other languages. And suppose visitors or unbelievers come in. Won't they say you are out of your minds?
24. But suppose unbelievers or visitors come in while everyone is prophesying. Then they will be shown by all who speak that they are sinners. They will be judged by all.
25. The secrets of their hearts will be brought out into the open. They will fall down and worship God. They will exclaim, "God is really here among you!"
26. Brothers and sisters, what should we say then? When you come together, every one of you brings something. You bring a hymn or a teaching or a word from God. You bring a message in another language or explain what was said. All of those things must be done to make the church strong.
27. No more than two or three people should speak in another language. And they should speak one at a time. Then someone must explain what was said.
28. If there is no one to explain, the speakers should keep quiet in the church. They can speak to themselves and to God.
29. Only two or three prophets are supposed to speak. Others should decide if what is being said is true.
30. What if a message from God comes to someone else who is sitting there? Then the one who is speaking should stop.