Interpreting

In 1 Corinthians 14:27-30 Paul says that in church no more than 3 people are to speak in tongues, and only if an interpreter assists. Also, no more than 3 prophets are to speak, and others are to pass judgment: a kind of interpretation.

He previously praised prophecy and teaching far above tongues--so it's interesting that he says that in church both "tongues" and "prophecy" must be limited. I guess they aren't what the worship service is about.

Paul wrote that he'd rather speak five words to instruct others than ten thousand in a "tongue." Interestingly, Jerome wrote about John the apostle:

The blessed John the Evangelist lived in Ephesus until extreme old age. His disciples could barely carry him to church and he could not muster the voice to speak many words. During individual gatherings he usually said nothing but, “Little children, love one another.” The disciples and brothers in attendance, annoyed because they always heard the same words, finally said, “Teacher, why do you always say this?” He replied with a line worthy of John: “Because it is the Lord’s commandment and if it alone is kept, it is sufficient.”

5 words to instruct others. At least in English; I think it's 3 in Greek.