I Corinthians 14:26-40
Orderly Worship

Today, 05/30/2023, let us, together in the grace of God, rejoice and reflect on the Word of God in I Corinthians 14:26-40.

26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

[King James Version]

Suggested Questions:

1. Does the term “everyone” in verse 26 and “any man” in verse 27 refer to everyone in the Church? Is there any distinction based on gender, age, or race?

2. What does verse 32 mean?

3. Does the command “it is not permitted unto them to speak” in verse 34 contradict the previous advice given from verse 26 to 31?

4. Why did Paul say to let someone who didn’t care about the commandments taught by him be unconcerned (verse 38)?

Suggested Applications:

1. Have you ever felt that God wants you to stand up and say something in the Church? If so, did you obey that prompting or not? If you didn’t obey, why did you choose not to obey?

2. Do you recognize that God wants you to contribute something in the gatherings of the Church?

Note:

[1] (a) Please note that when the term “spirit” is used without a definite article in Greek to refer to God and Christ, it refers to their mindset and should not be capitalized. (b) If it is used to refer to humans, it refers to the human mindset aligning with God’s. (c) When used with a definite article, it refers to the spiritual essence of either God or humans.

[2] Please note that when the term “holy spirit” is used without a definite article in Greek, it refers to the power and life coming from God, not the person of God the Holy Spirit, and should not be capitalized.