'1Cor 14:26-40

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Order and upbuilding (1Co 14:26-40)

At the meetings of the Corinthian church, the Christians came prepared to take part in the service in a variety of ways. The guiding rule was that everything was to be spiritually helpful (1Co 14:26).

But confusion arose because several spoke in different tongues at the same time, often with no interpreter. Paul says that if no interpreter is present, they must keep quiet. Even if an interpreter is present, they must speak in turn, and then no more than two or three (1Co 14:27-28).

Similar instructions are given to prophets. They must restrict their participation to two or three, and the hearers must examine what is said and not accept it blindly (1Co 14:29).

The prophets must keep control of themselves and make sure that everything is orderly and of value to the hearers (1Co 14:30-33).

The women must be orderly too. It is not their job to instruct the church or question the preacher. They can discuss their questions with their husbands at home (1Co 14:34-35).

The Corinthians must not get the idea that there are special rules of conduct just for them (1Co 14:36).

Some of the Corinthians thought they had the special gift of being able to tell what was of God and what was not. Paul suggests that if this is the case, they should show it by acknowledging that what he is saying comes from God (1Co 14:37-38).

Although they should not disallow tongues, they should positively encourage prophecy.

Above all, everything must be orderly and helpful to the spiritual upbuilding of the church (1Co 14:39-40).