1 Corinthians 14:26-40·~1 min

Orderly Worship

Paul says that when they gather, all contributions must aim at building up the church. Tongues are to be few, sequential, and interpreted; prophecies are to be weighed and given in turn; and this is possible because the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets, since God is not a God of disorder but of peace.

W²⁶hat then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a psalm or a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church. ²⁷If anyone speaks in a tongue, two, or at most three, should speak in turn, and someone must interpret. ²⁸But if there is no interpreter, he should remain silent in the church and speak only to himself and God. ²⁹Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. ³⁰And if a revelation comes to someone who is seated, the first speaker should stop. ³¹For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. ³²The spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. ³³For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace— as in all the churches of the saints.

Paul then instructs that women are to remain silent in the churches and to ask their questions at home, framing this as part of submission and shared church order. He sharply resists any Corinthian exceptionalism and says that anyone who is truly spiritual will recognize his instructions as the Lord's command, while refusal to do so leads only to exclusion.

³⁴Women are to be silent in the churches. They are not permitted to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. ³⁵If they wish to inquire about something, they are to ask their own husbands at home; for it is dishonorable for a woman to speak in the church. ³⁶Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only ones it has reached? ³⁷If anyone considers himself a prophet or spiritual person, let him acknowledge that what I am writing you is the Lord’s command. ³⁸But if anyone ignores this, he himself will be ignored.

So Paul tells them to desire prophecy and not forbid tongues, but to see that everything is done fittingly and in order.

³⁹So, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. ⁴⁰But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner.

Section summaryPaul turns from comparing gifts to directing the gathering itself, where every contribution must serve the church's upbuilding. Tongues and prophecy are to be limited, interpreted, and weighed; speech is to remain governed and peaceable; and the whole assembly is to recognize that what Paul writes carries the Lord's authority.

Role in the chapterThis section brings the gifts discussion into communal order. It shows that the Spirit's work is not threatened by restraint, but expressed through it in peace, submission, and mutual regard.