1 Corinthians 14:26-40
Q.1. What conclusion did Paul give concerning the public use of spiritual gifts? How should tongues and prophecy be exercised in the church? On what basis did he give his instructions? – (1 Cor.14:26-33)
Paul had already urged the Corinthians – … since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church (1 Cor.14:12). In the same vein, he gave instructions on public worship – What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification (1 Cor.14:26). Spiritual gifts are given to build up others. Paul placed restrictions on the use of tongues: (i) One should follow another in an orderly fashion – 1 Cor.14:27. (ii) There should be no more than three – 1 Cor.14:27. (iii) There should be no tongues without an interpreter to validate the language and message spoken – 1 Cor.14:28. He placed similar restrictions on prophesying: (i) There should be no more than three prophetic messages given – 1 Cor.14:29. (ii) The other prophets should check that the message is Scriptural – 1 Cor.14:29 & 31 c.f. 1 Thes.5:20-22. (iii) No one prophet is to be revered above another because – the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets – 1 Cor.14:32. (iv) The public exercise of spiritual gifts should be done in an orderly fashion – for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints – 1 Cor.14:33 c.f. 1 Cor.14:30.
Q.2. What contribution are women to make in public worship? Why and by Whose authority? Why should people understand these guidelines for worship? – (1 Cor.14:34-40 c.f. Acts 1:21-22; Eph.2:20; 1 Tim.2:11-15)
Paul supported his charge that women should keep silent in the church, based on history – Was it from you that the word of God first went forth? Or has it come to you only? (1 Cor.14:36). This seems to refer back to Christ’s call of the Twelve (who were all men) to be witnesses to the resurrection, and the fact that the true Gospel was – built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone (Eph.2:20). Some believe this command just related to the cultures that Paul addressed in his day. However, when writing to Timothy, Paul supported his teaching, based on the order established by God from creation (1 Tim.2:11-15). Women are to consult their husbands, in order to avoid disorder and confusion (1 Cor.14:34-36). Paul claimed that his direction was according to – the Lord’s commandment (1 Cor.14:37). The worship of the Corinthian church had become unruly, and it is possible that women had taken over the worship times. Paul advised them that – all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner (1 Cor.14:40). Nevertheless, he saw a legitimate place for prophecy, and for tongue speaking in recognisable languages (1 Cor.14:39 c.f. Acts 2:1-11; 11:15-16, 1 Cor.14:21).