Today's Bible Chapter
1 Corinthians Chapter 14
1 Corinthians 14:26 – Congregational Unity
Therefore, what is to be done, brothers?
Whenever you assemble for a meeting:
one man has a hymn,
one man has a teaching,
one man has a revelation,
one man has a tongue,
and one man has a translation.
Let everything occur with a constructive purpose.
| 1 | Therefore, what is to be done, brothers: The second time Paul has used this phrase in 1 Corinthians chapter 14. He is likely addressing those “brothers” who are the congregation guides, the elders. [Hebrews 13:7, 17] What follows is all in the masculine Greek, suggesting these instructions as part of the “Master’s commandment” involve only men. |
| 2 | Whenever you assemble for a meeting: Compare the language at 1 Corinthians 14:23. These instructions as the Master’s commandment [1 Corinthians 14:37] are a model for all Christian meetings everywhere, throughout the Gospel Age. This is the only place in the Christian Bible where meetings are described. |
| 3 | One man has a hymn: The Greek is literally “each one a psalm.” Though some translators make this “everyone of you has a hymn” it is also likely that Paul means one man has a hymn consistent with what follows. Likely this means one elder leads the congregation in one hymn. Some will want this to read multiple hymns. The Greek word here is PSALMON, suggesting something from the Psalms. Some modern churches do not use musical instruments, though the nation of Israel did – David the prime example. There seems little harm in more than one hymn, but it is worthy to note Paul’s instructions. It should be remembered that Jesus is never scene singing until following the last Passover. [Matthew 26:30] |
| 4 | One man has a teaching: Or, doctrine, lesson, a piece of teaching. Only elders taught in the early Church. See notes on “teacher” at 1 Corinthians 12:28. Women did not teach within the congregation. [1 Corinthians 14:34, 35 1 Timothy 2:11-13] Paul never states that “teaching will pass away” [1 Corinthians 13:8] though the information may change form the partial and limited to the complete. |
| 5 | One man has a revelation: In the early Church – before the completion of the Christian canon of the New Testament – before Church members had access to Bibles – the Pneumatic Pressure came upon some men to reveal truths within “dreams and visions” [Acts 2:17]. Paul does not say “revelation will pass away” and so such commentaries on inspired revelations ought to remain a part of the modern Church. Fittingly it is the Book of Revelation about which it is said, “Do not seal the book!” [Revelation 22:10] |
| 6 | One man has a tongue: An elder, or elders, are to speak in a foreign tongue as the Pneumatic Pressure comes upon him. This gift would follow the instructions Paul gives as the Master’s commandment. Paul does say that “tongues will cease.” [1 Corinthians 13:8] Thus, this portion of the early Church would not be part of the modern assembly. |
| 7 | One man has a translation: If this person is not present, the former gift is not to be used according to Paul’s instructions. More than one elder may use this gift as Paul next mentions below. Of course, if “tongues cease” [1 Corinthians 13:8] such a translator would not be necessary. As the Church enters its 3rd Millennium it speaks in more languages than ever in its history. The Bible and Christian publications are published in most languages on earth. |
| 8 | Let everything occur with a constructive purpose: Or, upbuilding, edifying. This remains one of the key principles to Christian meetings. Instruction and encouragement must be constructive. Compare Romans 14:19 and 2 Corinthians 12:19. Note some of the reasons for elders at Ephesians 4:11-16. |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
We choose 1 Corinthians 14:26 as the theme verse of the chapter – Congregational Unity. Despite all that Paul has written, there can be no congregational unity without harmony regarding how Christians meet and worship. He begins by arguing that the gift of prophecy is superior to that of tongues. However, if one spoke in tongues it ought to dispense a true revelation, knowledge, prophecy or teaching. [1-12] Teaching in the congregation should involve the two “e’s” – encouragement and education. [13-19]
Twice Paul asks the question, “What is to be done, then, brothers?” [20-33] Early Christian meetings – during that period of babyhood described in chapter thirteen – should include men with hymns, teachings, revelations, tongues, translation. Whatever gifts, everything is to be constructive to the congregation. Only one person should speak at a time. There are times when silence is called for, for meeting should not be disorganized but peacefully arranged.
Paul now touches a sensitive subject that required great courage on his part: the place of women within congregational meetings. He says that in all the Christian congregations women remained silent and were not permitted to speak. He draws on a paraphrase of Genesis 3:17 as his reason. If women had questions they should ask their husbands at home. Why? Paul answers, “it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in a congregation.” Meetings should be decent and well-arranged. Paul anticipates that some will not agree with this and he says that those who do not agree with “the Master’s commandment” should be ignored.
The above illustrates the great difficulty of most modern Christian sects in reaching the early example of the Nazarene’s disciples. Unity is impossible if Christians – men and women – are at odds regarding “the Master’s commandment.”
May Heaven bless the orderly.
[9 June 2002]
