Luk 2:12, 1Cor 14:22, 2Cor 12:12 | Barnes | STEP | Verse. 12. This shall be a sign , &c. The evidence by which you shall know the child is that you will find him wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.

Luke 2:12

Verse. 12. This shall be a sign, &c. The evidence by which you shall know the child is that you will find him wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.

1 Corinthians 14:22

Verse 22. Wherefore. Thus, (ωστε) or wherefore. The apostle does not mean to say that what he was about to state was a direct conclusion from the passage of Scripture which he had quoted, but that it followed from all that he had said, and from the whole view of the subject. "The true statement or doctrine is, that tongues are for a sign," etc.

Tongues. The power of speaking foreign languages.

Are for a sign. An indication, an evidence, or a proof that God has imparted this power, and that he attends the preaching of the gospel with his approbation. It is a sign, or a miracle, which, like all other miracles, may be designed to convince the unbelieving world that the religion is from God.

Not to them that believe. Not to Christians. They are already convinced of the truth of religion, and they would not be benefited by that which was spoken in a language which they could not understand.

But to them that believe not. It is a miracle designed to convince them of the truth of the Christian religion. God alone could confer the power of thus speaking; and as it was conferred expressly to aid in the propagation of the gospel, it proved that it was from God. Acts 2:1-15.

But prophesying. Speaking in a calm, connected, didactic manner, in language intelligible to all under the influence of inspiration. 1Cor 14:1.

For them that believe not. Is not particularly intended for them; but is intended mainly for the edifying of the church. It is not so striking, so replete with proofs of the Divine presence and power, as the gift of tongues. Though it may be really under the influence of the Holy Spirit, and may be really by inspiration, yet it is not so evidently such as is the power of speaking foreign languages. It was, therefore, better adapted to edify the church than to convince gainsayers. At the same time the truths conveyed by it, and the consolations administered by it, might be as clear evidence to the church of the attending power, and presence, and goodness of God, as the power of speaking foreign languages might be to infidels.

2 Corinthians 12:12

Verse 12. Truly the signs of an apostle. Such miracles as the acknowledged apostles worked. Such "signs" or evidences that they were Divinely commissioned. Mk 16:16; Mk 16:17; Rom 15:19.

Were wrought among you. That is, by me. 1Cor 9:2.

In all patience. I performed those works notwithstanding the opposition which I met with. I patiently persevered in furnishing the evidence of my Divine commission. There was a succession of miracles demonstrating that I was from God, notwithstanding the unreasonable opposition which I met with, until I convinced you that I was called to the office of an apostle.

In signs, and wonders. In working miracles. Acts 2:22. What these miracles at Corinth were, we are not distinctly informed. They probably, however, were similar to those wrought in other places, in healing the sick, etc.; the most benevolent, as it was one of the most decisive proofs of the Divine power.

(a) "signs of an apostle" 1Cor 9:2