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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE FIRST LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS

CHAPTER FOURTEEN:
CONGREGATIONAL UNITY

Theme Verse: 26

1 Corinthians 14:1-6 – Tongues versus Prophecy

1CO14:1 All of you continue to pursue compassionate affection, 738 but [also] continue to zealously seek the Pneumatic things, 739 preferably that you prophesy. 740

738	All of you continue to pursue compassionate affection: Or, KJV: follow after charity; MOF: make love your aim; MON: hotly pursue; BER: make love your greatest quest.

739	But [also] continue to zealously seek the Pneumatic things: Or, spiritual matters; WMS: keep cultivating your spiritual gifts. See notes on 1 Corinthians 12:1.

740

Preferably that you prophesy: Or, PME: speak the message of God; GDS: inspired preaching; BEC speak God’s Word. [Romans 12:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:20] See below for more details on “prophesy.” Though it may relate to future matters, it most often deals with the preaching or proclamation of God’s truth and righteousness. Research prophet.

1CO14:2 For the man speaking in a tongue is not speaking to humans but to God, 741 for no one listens to him as he is speaking sacred mysteries. 742

741	Is not speaking to humans but to God: That is, the person speaking in tongues without a translator or interpreter. Such a gift of languages in this case serves no purpose in instructing others.

742	For no one listens to him as he is speaking sacred mysteries: Or, sacred secrets, hidden truths. No one can understand what seems vain babbling in another language though the message may be discussing spiritual truths. [1 Corinthians 13:2]

1CO14:3 In contrast, the one prophesying is speaking to humans constructively, 743 encouraging and comforting. 744

743	The one prophesying is speaking to humans constructively: See notes above on the Greek PROPHETES. The person who speaks God’s truths and standards serves to upbuild listeners. [2 Corinthians 10:8]

744	Encouraging and comforting: Or, exhortation, consolation, stimulate.

1CO14:4 The man speaking in a tongue is only constructive to himself; 745 but the man prophesying is doing something constructive to the congregation. 746

745	The man speaking in a tongue is only constructive to himself: Or, upbuilds, edifies, strengthens. That is if there is no one to translate the message thus the gift is somewhat self-centered if abused.

746

The man prophesying is doing something constructive to the congregation: Throughout this section the Greek masculine is used indicating Paul speaks of males serving in the congregation. He gives the Master’s commandment regarding women in the closing verses. In the book of Acts it is men who speak in tongues.

1CO14:5 Now I wish all of you spoke in tongues, 747 but [I would prefer] that you prophesy. 748 Greater is the man who prophesies than the man speaking in tongues. 749 Unless, of course, there be a man to translate so that the whole congregation might receive [something] constructive. 750

747

Now I wish all of you spoke in tongues: These are specific languages intended to convey to those of the same language the meaning of the Gospel. Corinth was a busy commercial port and must have had people speaking foreign languages from all over the world. Evidently not all did, and some were abusing the Spirit’s gift. Compare the first episode of speaking in tongues in Acts chapter 2. It is clear from this that specific languages are being described.

748	But [I would prefer] that you prophesy: Or, PME: preached the word of God. Evidently not all responded to the principle of 2 Corinthians 4:12, 13.

749	Greater is the man who prophesies than the man speaking in tongues: Likely the gift of tongues was more impressive, but Paul makes it clear the gift of preaching is greater. [See notes on 1 Corinthians 12:10]

750	Unless, of course, there be a man to translate so that the whole congregation might receive [something] constructive: Vain gibberish unintelligible to others is not the purpose of tongues. It is also not a mere praise phrase, such as, “Praise the Master.” It is some message with content.

1CO14:6 Now, brothers, if I ever should approach you speaking tongues how would it benefit you, unless I spoke either in a revelation, 751 or in knowledge, or in a prophecy, or in a teaching? 752

751	Unless I spoke either in a revelation: The Greek is APOCALYPSEI. Here Paul lists the four fundamentals to a meeting: revelation, knowledge, prophecy, and teaching. The modern meeting may well contain the same.

752

Knowledge, or in a prophecy, or in a teaching: Tongues is not mere unintelligible gibberish but these four subjects spoken in a foreign language. If all spoke the same language as Paul, say Greek in this case, a tongue would be unnecessary. Only if an unbeliever of another language was present would there be a true need as reflected in the original case of tongues at Acts 2:5-11.

1 Corinthians 14:7-12 – Prophecy Greater than Tongues

1CO14:7 Just so the things without a soul give off sounds, 753 whether a flute or harp. If their tones are not distinctive how will it be known what [music] is being played 754 on the flute or on the harp?

753	The things without a soul give off sounds: That is, inanimate things. Even the starry universe has a “voice.” [Psalm 19:1-4] Some of it is called “background noise of the creation.” Paul here uses the analogy of the flute and harp.

754	If their tones are not distinctive how will it be known what [music] is being played: There must be rhythm and purpose to these sounds in order to make sense. There must be a real purpose to these noises.

1CO14:8 Really, if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, 755 who will prepare for battle? 756

755	If the trumpet give an uncertain sound: Military trumpets have specific calls.

756	Who will prepare for battle: The trumpet is an instrument of preparation. [Numbers 10:9; Job 39:25]

1CO14:9 Just so, if you should every speak a word by means of a tongue without any significance 757 how will the things you speak be understood? 758 For you will just be speaking into the air! 759

757	Without any significance: Or, KJV: words easy to be understood; BCK: clear meaning; RSV: not intelligible. Compare 1 Corinthians 14:19.

758	How will the things you speak be understood: Tongues are useless to the whole group unless the message is understood.

759	For you will just be speaking into the air: Or, MOF: you will be pouring words into the empty air. Compare 1 Corinthians 9:26. He means as far as others are concerned, for he has already mentioned speaking to oneself and God.

1CO14:10 There are many different kinds of sounds in the cosmos and none are without some noise. 760

760	There are many different kinds of sounds in the cosmos and none are without some noise: A fact of astrophysics known today. Compare Psalm 19:1-4. See notes on Romans 10:18 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.

1CO14:11 However, if I do not understand the force of the sound, I shall be just as one speaking a foreign language, 761 and the one speaking to me [will be speaking] in a foreign language.

761	I shall be just as one speaking a foreign language: The Greek is BARBAROS from which comes “Barbarian.” The word did not have the connotation it has today. [2 Kings 18:26]

1CO14:12 Thus, also, all of you – since you are so zealous for inspirations 762 – continue seeking something constructive to the congregation so that you might overflow. 763

762

Since you are so zealous for inspirations: Or, KJV: spiritual gifts; RSV: manifestations of the spirit; GDS: ambitious for spiritual endowments. It is interesting, without such inspired tongues today, some ambitious men in the Church are ambitious for anything which can make a display. [1 Corinthians 12:1, 7]

763	Continue seeking something constructive to the congregation so that you might overflow: Or, upbuilding, edifying; abundant measure. The use of tongues without meaning is useless. Paul’s analogy is of two persons speaking a different language without purpose.

1 Corinthians 14:13-19 – Constructive Instruction

1CO14:13 Therefore, let the man speaking in tongues pray so that he may be translated. 764

764	Let the man speaking in tongues pray so that he may be translated: Or, interpreted. The translator relates to the rest of the congregation what the message is for the foreign visitor present.

1CO14:14 For if I should ever pray in tongues, 765 [it is] my inner self praying, 766 but my own mind is unfruitful. 767

765	Pray in tongues: This confirms one of the ways tongues were used was in prayer. See also 1 Corinthians 12:10 and 1 Corinthians 14:5.

766	My inner self praying: Or, spirit. This is likely the real meaning behind the words of Romans 8:27. [See notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000©]

767	But my own mind is unfruitful: Or, GDS: my mind is helping nobody; TCN: my mind is blank. Likely Goodspeed comes close to the mark. Or, the foreign tongue is not understood by the mind.

1CO14:15 Therefore, what should be done? I shall pray within my inner self, but I shall also pray within my mind. 768 I shall make melody within my inner self, but also within my mind. 769

768	I shall also pray within my mind: Or, understanding, pray so as to be understood.

769

Make melody within my inner self, but also within my mind: Paul adds singing to his list in association with tongues. Many religions incorporate a form of music in meditative prayer, as some Jews and Muslims still do today. Compare Psalm 1:2 in Hebrew. The word “melody” occurs over 100 times in the Psalms. [1 Samuel 19:20-24]

1CO14:16 For if you ever offer a blessing just within your inner self, 770 how will the ungifted person sitting in the common place 771 say, “Amen!” upon your thanksgiving, since he does not understand what you are saying?

770	Offer a blessing just within your inner self: Possibly another facet to tongues – a prayer of blessing.

771	How will the ungifted person sitting in the common place: Or, KJV: the room of the unlearned; BEC: ordinary person; TCN: without your gift; RHM: filleth up the place of the ungifted person.

1CO14:17 You may, indeed, be giving thanks in an excellent manner, 772 but the other person receives nothing constructive. 773

772	Giving thanks in an excellent manner: Or, thanks well.

773	The other person receives nothing constructive: Or, strengthened, edified, not built up, no enlightened.

1CO14:18 I give thanks to The God that I speak in more tongues 774 than all of you!

774	I speak in more tongues: That is a variety of foreign languages under the pressure of the Pneuma.

1CO14:19 Within the congregation I would rather speak five words with my mind 775 – so that others also might be instructed 776 – rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.

775	I would rather speak five words with my mind: Or, with understanding, mind in action, intelligible. Paul suggests that tongues without a proper translator is not upbuilding or useful.

776	So that others also might be instructed: One of the two reasons for the Christian congregation: instruction and encouragement.

1 Corinthians 14:20-33 – What Is to Be Done at Meetings?

1CO14:20 Brothers, do not become little boys in mental powers, 777 but be babes regarding harmful things. 778 Rather, become mature in mental powers. 779

777

Brothers, do not become little boys in mental powers: Or, KJV: children in understanding; WMS children in intelligence; KNX: think childish thoughts. The Greek is PAIDIA meaning “little boys.” Paul is speaking primarily to the men in Corinth. By referring to such spiritual infants Paul may allude back to what he had said in 1 Corinthians 3:1 and 1 Corinthians 13:11.

778	Be babes regarding harmful things: Or, KJV: in malice be ye children; RSV: babes in evil; KNX: keep the innocence of children. [Jeremiah 4:22; Romans 16:19]

779

Become mature in mental powers: Or, KJV: in understanding be men; NEB: be grown-up in your thinking; GDS: mentally be mature; ABU: in your understanding be full grown; TCN: in understanding show yourselves men. [Philippians 3:15; Hebrews 5:14; 1 Peter 2:2] Here Paul uses TELEIOI as he did elsewhere in this epistle.

1CO14:21 In the Law is has been written, 780 “‘In different languages and in different speech I shall speak to this people, and yet they will not listen to me,’ says YHWH.” [Isaiah 28:11]

780

In the Law is has been written: Paul now quotes from the Prophets, though he calls this the Law, Isaiah 28:11. Note the word “Law” in 1 Corinthians 14:34. On the word “Law” compare its occurrence in Psalm 119. Paul applies Isaiah 28:11 to the gift of tongues which is something of an inspired interpretative paraphrase. It will be noted the Greek for “Lord” is without the article here and thus it is likely YHWH occurred in this location as it does in Isaiah 28:11.

1CO14:22 And so, the tongues are a sign, not to those who believe, but to the unbelievers. 781 However, the prophecy is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. 782

781

The tongues are a sign, not to those who believe, but to the unbelievers: Paul’s explains the main purpose of the gift of tongues. Since he has already stated that it is the “Jews who look for signs, while the Greeks seek wisdom,” it follows that the original purpose of tongues was as a sign to foreign speaking Jews, proof God’s Pneuma had abandoned the Jews and not rested on the Nazarene movement. Compare the context of the first use of tongues at Acts 2:5ff.

782	Prophecy is not for unbelievers but for those who believe: The main purpose of speaking within the congregation is to instruct and encourage believers. Most often unbelievers have their first contact with Christian evangelism outside the congregation.

1CO14:23 Therefore, whenever you should come together as a congregation to the very same place 783 – and if all of you may be speaking in tongues 784 – and common people or unbelievers enter – will they not say you are all out of your minds? 785

783	Whenever you should come together as a congregation to the very same place: This was usually in a home, or following the Nazarene, in an outdoor location. [Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Colossians 4:15; Philemon 2] There is no evidence in the Christian Bible of disciples building churches.

784

If all of you may be speaking in tongues: It would seem that the Pneumatic pressure easily fell on a believer to use tongues so that a whole congregation might do this without any degree of control. Paul cautions against this as useless as a sign to unbelievers. Note the reaction of the foreign-speaking Jews in Acts 2:4ff.

785	All out of your minds: Or, mad, demented, raving, fanatical, crazy. The Greek is the word from which the English “manic” is drawn.

1CO14:24 However, if you should all be prophesying 786 the unbeliever or common man will be reproved by everyone 787 since he is being scrutinized by everyone. 788

786	All be prophesying: It is likely Paul means those two or three men he next mentions below. As shown above “prophesying” is a matter of speaking to others.

787	Common man will be reproved by everyone: Or, convicted, convinced. Note the word “common man” is from the Greek IDIOTES, something the apostles were also called. [Acts 4:13]

788

He is being scrutinized by everyone: Or, judged. [Ephesians 5:13] Often when a stranger attends a Christian meeting he is met by all present, as the groups are small. Not only what is heard by the Christian prophets or speakers, but also godly conversation that follows may prove to the truth of the Christian message. Often Christian women are very effective here.

1CO14:25 The hidden secrets of his heart will become manifest 789 and so he will fall on his face and render worship to The God. He will report: “The God is really among you!” 790 [Isaiah 45:14]

789	The hidden secrets of his heart will become manifest: Or, secret depths. It is really the Word of God that does this. [Hebrews 4:12, 13] The first step toward Christ after knowledge is repentance, or a change of mind and heart.

790	The God is really among you: Paul puts the words of Isaiah 45:14 in this new believers mouth. This may also allude to Zechariah 8:23, thus possibly showing the inspired interpretation of this text to the early Church with its Jews and Greeks.

1 Corinthians 14:26-33a – Orderly Meetings

1CO14:26 Therefore, what is to be done, brothers? 791 Whenever you assemble for a meeting: 792 one man has a hymn, 793 one man has a teaching, 794 one man has a revelation, 795 one man has a tongue, 796 and one man has a translation. 797 Let everything occur with a constructive purpose. 798

791

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.

792

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.

793

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]

794

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.

795

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]

796

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.

797

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.

798	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.

1CO14:27 And if anyone speaks in tongues let it be limited to two or three 799 (and one at a time) 800 and let a man translate.

799

If anyone speaks in tongues let it be limited to two or three: As in the first case of the apostles speaking in tongues to the twelve languages present in Acts 2:4ff it is possible persons of other languages would be visiting the assembly and there would be a particular need for more than one tongue or foreign language.

800	And one at a time: Never would more than one speak at the same time as another as is often observed in some modern churches who claim the gift of tongues.

1CO14:28 But, if there is no man to translate, let him remain silent in the congregation, 801 though he may speak to himself and to The God.

801	Let him remain silent in the congregation: Or, not speak out loud. This indicates there was control over whether one exercised this gift. The word for “silent” here is SIGATO and is the same word used later of women at 1 Corinthians 14:34, thus “silent” means not to speak at all.

1CO14:29 Let two or three prophets speak 802 and let the rest [of the congregation] discern the meaning. 803

802

Let two or three prophets speak: It seems clear the Corinthian congregation was rather larger with a sizeable group of men to share in the meetings. Though “partial prophesying” is to be done away, prophets would remain in the Church until the end-times. [1 Corinthians 13:8] See notes above on 1 Corinthians 12:28. Thus, a meeting in a large congregation would not necessarily be limited to the preaching of one man, but many could share in the instruction and encouragement.

803

Let the rest [of the congregation] discern the meaning: Or, KJV judge; PME: think over what is being said; GDS: let the rest weigh what is said. Such was done with Paul’s preaching. [Acts 17:3, 11] This would include the sisters, the youth, and visitors. Nowhere does Paul indicate as part of his instructions in the Master’s commandment that all the congregation could share by speaking up in the meeting.

1CO14:30 But, if ever something might be revealed to another person sitting [in the congregation], 804 let the first man remain silent. 805

804

Something might be revealed to another person sitting [in the congregation]: Likely Paul means an elder or mature Christian man may have a specific thought which he may speak from his seat, just as Jesus did in Luke 4:16-21. In the Jewish synagogue visiting elders were asked to speak a word of encouragement or exhortation. Compare Acts 13:15, 16.

805	Let the first man remain silent: In other words, two men should not be talking at the same time as this is ill-mannered and lacks order. [1 Corinthians 14:33]

1CO14:31 For you [men] all may prophesy one at a time 806 so that everyone may learn and be encouraged. 807

806	For you [men] all may prophesy one at a time: Thus the “order” of 1 Corinthians 14:33.

807	So that everyone may learn and be encouraged: Or, receive instruction. The two main reasons for the meetings: instruction and encouragement. [Hebrews 10:25]

1CO14:32 Also the inspirations of the prophets should be subjected to the prophets. 808

808

Also the inspirations of the prophets should be subjected to the prophets: Or, KJV: the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets; PME: the spirit of a true preacher is under the preacher’s control; TAY: a person who has a message from God has the power to stop himself and wait his turn; CON: and the gift of prophecy does not take from the prophets the control of their own spirits. This may mean that each prophet may exercise his own wisdom on what and how he wishes to deliver his message; or, each preacher should learn to control what and how he delivers his message.

1CO14:33a For The God is not disorganized 809 but peacefully [arranged]. 810

809	For The God is not disorganized: Or, KJV: author of confusion; NEB: disorder. One may read the Book of Numbers and see the divine organization which prevailed among the Israelites.

810	But peacefully [arranged]: Or, peace, harmony. He is called the “God of peace.” [Philippians 4:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:20] Compare Romans 15:33. Meetings in the congregation are orderly and well-arranged according to the general outline Paul has presented above.

1 Corinthians 14:33b-36 – Women Learn Submissively

1Co14:33b As in all the congregations of the Saints 811

811

As in all the congregations of the Saints: Or, churches, assemblies. Paul is about to give another of the Master’s commandments [1 Corinthians 14:37] which has proved unsettling to some modern Christian women. Others, wanting to tickle the ears of female members of the Church, have tried to argue that the following words are really those of the Corinthians. These charge that these words are not Paul’s but something of a question from the Corinthians. On this matter see below.

1CO14:34 let the women in the congregation keep silent, 812 because it is not permitted for them to speak. 813 But rather let them be subjecting themselves [Genesis 3:17 LXX] just as the Law says. 814

812

Let the women in the congregation keep silent: Or, KJV: let your women keep silence in the churches; NEB: women should not address the meeting; TCN: married women should remain silent; RHM: let them be silent; NJB: women are to remain quiet in the assemblies. The word “silent” here is the same as that with regard to the prophet above. [1 Corinthians 14:28] So, Paul is not saying “silent” or “quiet” with regard to a certain argumentative attitude, but not speaking at all, just as in the case in 1 Corinthians 14:28. Compare notes on 1 Timothy 2:11-13. For details on other arguments on this matter see the Biblical Article The Biblical Woman in Nazarene Commentary 2000© under the subject of 1 Corinthians 14:34.

813

It is not permitted for them to speak: Or, NJB: since they have not permission to speak. [1 Timothy 2:11-13] Thus, women would not be among the apostles, prophets, or teachers mentioned earlier in 1 Corinthians 12:28. Nor would they have been included in those above who had a psalm, teaching, revelation, or a tongue. As in the case of the Jewish synagogue before – which was something of a precursor of the Christian assembly – women did not share in the spiritual program. Judging from Titus chapter 2 the work of women is in the home, training their own children, as well as younger women. This Gospel work of women is among the most important which befalls the Church – the preparation of he next generation. It has been often overlooked in importance. God, for His own reasons – some mentioned by Paul in 1 Corinthians 11 and 1 Timothy 2 – has appointed only mature Christian men to carry the burden of church teaching and administration.

814

Let them be subjecting themselves just as the Law says: Or, KJV: they are commanded to be under obedience; BER: must take the secondary place; NJB: subordinate. By “the Law” Paul may mean the general tenor of it. Or, he may allude to Genesis 3:17 which reads in the LXX: “Your submission shall be to your husband and he will rule over you.” It is worthy of note that the Nazarene never included women in his selection of apostles or the Seventy. They did accompany him on occasion as ministers to his material needs. [Luke 8:1-3]

1CO14:35 However, if they want to learn something let them question their own husbands at home, 815 because it is disgraceful for a woman to be speaking in the congregation. 816

815

If they want to learn something let them question their own husbands at home: The women were not to raise questions in the assembly or argue with the elders and other men. They were to present their questions to their godly husbands at home. In this culture few women lived alone and were normally under the roof of a family. Some will raise the question of those Christian women with unbelieving husbands, and though Paul does not deal with this problem, certainly the principles found in 1 Peter 3:1-7 may be brought to bear. How such questions of unmarried women without even a godly father can be left to the local elders to determine. Often, it is not the question, but the attitude of someone who does not want to learn – possibly thinking no one can teach them anything – and not the sincere question itself. The responsibility falls upon the Christian husband to find the answer to her question. He may need to seek the aid of the elders in some matters.

816

It is disgraceful for a woman to be speaking in the congregation: Or, KJV: it is a shame; NEB: it is a socking thing that a woman should address the congregation; TAY: it is wrong for women to express their opinions in church meetings; NOR: for it is considered a disgrace for women to speak in the church. It is not likely that a woman who was formerly Jewish would speak in the assembly as the Jews did not permit this. More likely this is a Greek problem as their women did participate as oracles and priestesses in pagan rituals. Possibly some women in Corinth were asserting themselves, trying to bring within the congregation pagan practices. Paul makes it clear it is “disgraceful” for a Christian woman to speak up in the congregation. He uses the same word he uses earlier in 1 Corinthians 11:6 regarding a woman shaved of her hair. There is no case of a female speaking to a Christian assembly, or raising her voice at all within the assembly. Women are encouraged to be “teachers of goodness, so that they may encourage the young women to be fond of males, fond of their children, sound of mind, pure, workers at home, good, subjecting themselves to their own husbands, lest the Word of The God be spoken about evilly.” [Titus 2:3-5 NCMM]

1CO14:36 Or, did the word of The God originate from you? 817 Or did it reach only as far as you? 818

817	Or, did the word of The God originate from you: That is as if Corinth should determine Church tradition and order as if they were the original source.

818	Or did it reach only as far as you: That is, does the Word of God stop with them as though they were the final arbitrators.

1 Corinthians 14:37-40 – Decent Arrangement

1CO14:37 If anyone thinks they are a prophet or a pneumatic person, 819 let that man acknowledge these things I am writing to all of you, 820 because it is the Master’s commandment. 821

819

If anyone thinks they are a prophet or a pneumatic person: Or, spiritually gifted. He is speaking to what he will call “super-fine apostles” in 2 Corinthians chapter 11. These elders had determined that the practice of female influence – as it existed in pagan rituals – would continue in the Christian congregation. They thought highly of themselves, and Paul is being a bit sarcastic.

820	Let that man acknowledge these things I am writing to all of you: Or, KNX: let him prove it by recognizing this message to you. Such an elder, or elders would have to recognize Paul’s authority and come in line with the general standard of the Church.

821

Because it is the Master’s commandment: Or, Lord’s authority, Lord’s injunction. This makes it most serious. How far this “commandment” covers everything Paul has said, it surely covers the last item: the place of women in the Church. This is not just Paul’s opinion as expressed elsewhere in 1 Corinthians. Paul may either refer to something revealed to him from the Master Jesus; or, he may again allude back to Genesis 3:17 and its stated principle.

1CO14:38 But, if anyone wishes to ignore these, he should be ignored. 822

822

If anyone wishes to ignore these, he should be ignored: Or, KJV: if any man be ignorant let him be ignorant; RSV: does not recognize; CON: refuse this acknowledgement; GDS: pays no attention; NEB: he himself should not be recognized; CON: let him refuse it at his peril; GDS: pay no attention to him. Any elder or Christian man who insists women should have equal authority within the Church – or that they should have the right to openly teach or express themselves – should not be recognized but ignored as being ignorant. The words are weighty and can hardly be ignored as if to rationalize a view contrary to the “Master’s commandment.”

1CO14:39 And so, my brothers, all of you continue to zealously seek prophesying, 823 and yet do not forbid tongues.

823	My brothers, all of you continue to zealously seek prophesying: In view of the above Paul means the qualified men under Pneumatic Pressure. All Christian men ought to strive to become preachers of the Gospel.

1CO14:40 But, let everything occur according to good manners and order. 824

824

Let everything occur according to good manners and order: Or, KJV: decently and in order; BER: with propriety and in orderly fashion; KNX: suitably and with right order; WMS: everything must always be done in a proper and orderly way. The elder is to be “orderly” according to 1 Timothy 3:2. Paul’s injunctions require a proper degree of preparation in Christian meetings. “Good manners” ought to characterize everything the elder does before the congregation.

Review Questions on Chapter Fourteen