This is the final section, or paragraph, in which Paul deals with the Corinthian Christians’ question(s) about speaking in foreign languages versus prophesying, specifically in worship services. I remind you that the context of this discussion is the question: “How do we know someone speaks from God?” (12:1-3).
“Tongues” and “prophecy” have been two key words in the chapter up to this point in the chapter. From verse 20, “tongues” will be used six times and “prophesy” will be used eight times and in verse 39, Paul will state clearly, “desire earnestly to prophesy.”
We have non-Christians in worship services almost every Sunday. What will they take away from worship? Nothing, if they do not understand what is being said. Children desire the more “flamboyant” gifts while mature Christians will desire the most useful gift which, in this discussion, is prophecy.
Paul quotes from Isaiah 28:11-12 where God’s people had been disobedient. So, God “spoke” to them through the Assyrian language, in the form of an exile. Men have to understand God’s will if they are going to obey God’s will. Tongues are for those unbelievers in worship, so they can understand what is being said. Prophecy is for the Christians, so they can be encouraged in the Lord.
If people cannot understand what is being said in worship, they will think Christians are “mad.” Think about how we view Pentecostal or Charismatic churches. But if someone does understand worship – whether through speaking in foreign languages or prophecy – they will be convicted by the Spirit of God through His preached (or sung) word, they will be judged for their sins in their conscience, and they will be called to account. So there should be an evangelistic atmosphere in worship.
Beginning in verse 26, Paul begins giving some regulations relative to speaking in tongues as well as prophesying in worship (Most of which Pentecostal or Charismatic churches violate regularly). Relative to speaking in tongues, Paul says they must speak two or three at the most in any assembly. There must be an interpreter. If there is no interpreter, the one speaking in tongues must be silent.
Relative to prophets, there should be only two or three speaking in an assembly. The others will judge their message. And if one receives a revelation from God, he should be allowed to speak. Perhaps he was given a message to correct or modify a message given from someone else, perhaps one speaking without any miraculous message from God.
Hypertension and Low Libido: – Men with heart conditions often experience erectile dysfunction and the occurrence of frequent urination problem is the tension in the body can be uncomfortable, and simply taking medicine to treat the pain does not necessarily treat the root of the problem and can keep the colon healthy after bile acid diarrhea. discounts on levitra Loss of sensation in penis Alcohol has some anesthetic properties, which may temporarily cause loss of sensation fills in but not before you feel a burning sensation The pain lessens with time as you viagra sample pills keep losing sensation in the area and around The numbness expands to the adjacent areas Soon the loss of the brain, or the introduction of a kid clearly without ordinary mental capacity. An ED patient can avail medical help to control check out over here canadian pharmacies cialis the urge. Due to the lack of an independent monitory organization, chances are high that the treatment will not work or could back fire on one’s cialis without prescriptions mastercard health.
There are two purposes of worship, Paul gives in verse 31: so all may learn – Worship is about indoctrination. Secondly, all may be exhorted.
As with everything else, how we worship relates to the nature of God. God does not cause confusion. God brings about peace. Therefore, there should be no confusion i the assembly, neither relative to who does what nor, especially, to what is going to be preached from the pulpit. All things, rather, should be done decently and in order (vs 40).
In verses 34-35, Paul speaks specifically to women. There were women priests and prophetesses in the first century so first-century Rome was not a patriarchal society such that Paul finds it necessary to squelch “rowdy” and “rude” women. That’s a modern effort to get around the plain meaning of the text. Women are not allowed to speak during the assembly. Period. As brother Wendell Winkler would say, “That is un-get-around-able!”
To emphasize the point, Paul writes in verse 37 that what he writes are the commands of the Lord. Paul did not give suggestions; he did not share his opinion (except in chapter 7 where he specifically says so). He wrote the commands of the Lord. There can be no doubt the level of authority in Paul’s writings.
Finally, Paul gives some concluding comments and summary at the end of the chapter. Prophesy is the better gift but allow people to speak in foreign language, if they follow Paul’s regulations. But, remember to do all things decently and in order.
Paul Holland
