The church at Corinth

The church in Corinth was seemingly putting more emphasis on the gift of tongues that the other gifts. In addition, they were exercising this gift without interpretation. Paul tries to correct this abuse by pointing out that speaking in tongues is of no value to the congregation as a whole unless the gift is accompanied by interpretation in public services. So in 1st Cor. 14, Paul is emphasizing that in a worship service, speaking in tongues and prophesying must be regulated and used in a proper manner so that order is maintained in the church.