Introductory remarks:
In chapter fourteen Paul continues with the subject of spiritual gifts. In chapter twelve Paul introduced the Corinthians to spiritual gifts, that they were bestowed by the Holy Spirit, and that they were given for His purpose. In chapter thirteen Paul puts the gifts in proper perspective by teaching them that love is the motive that should master the church in all its endeavors. Paul continues here in chapter fourteen saying that the church should follow after love. "Cultivate love and desire the gift of prophesy. Speaking in tongues brings honor to the speaker, but prophecy helps the hearer. Without an interpreter, speaking in tongues helps nobody. Tongues are a sign to unbelievers but prophecy is for believers. If there is no interpreter then don't speak in tongues in church. Speak one at a time and orderly in church. If a woman has a question, she must ask it at home and not seem to be usurping man's authority." (A Survey of 1 Corinthians - By Brenda). This chapter may be outlined as follows: Tongues and prophecy vv. 1-25; All things to be done in order vv. 26-40.
Tongues and Prophecy
Verse 1, "Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy."
LGT "Pursue love, and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may keep on prophesying."
Pursue love: "The verb phrase "follow after", properly signifies - to pursue with an eagerness like that which hunters follow after their game. And it may be intended to intimate [suggest] how hard it is to obtain and preserve such a truly benevolent [compassionate spirit in the main series of life; considering, on the one hand, how many provocations [irritations] we are like to meet with, and on the other, the force of self-love, which will in so many instances be ready to break in upon it" (Doddridge - quoted by the editor of Calvin's Commentary). And earnestly desire after spiritual gifts: Paul says that after love it was fitting and proper that they earnestly desire these gifts to the church. In order to understand the gifts, we must keep in mind the reason they were given. As I have noted before, the gifts were given before the Bible was complete, and so these gifts were given for their edification and learning until the Word was completed. To attempt at applying them today would be simply to pretend with self-deception. But rather that ye may keep on prophesying: prophesying was teaching with special Holy Spirit inspiration. This gift was at the top of the Holy Spirits list. Today we have the inspired Word of God we can share with one another to the edification of the whole body.
Verse 2, "For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries."
LGT "For the one who speaks with a tongue, not to man speaks, but to God: for no one hears, but in spirit he speaks mysteries."
For the one who speaks with a tongue: the word "unknown" is not in the original. These tongues were a foreign language. The Corinthians were coveting the gift of tongues because they believed it stimulated admiration from the hearers. They wanted to be able to grandstand their gift. Paul uses the tongues as an illustration to put the gifts in their proper perspective. Not to man speaks, but to God: the reason he speaks to God and not man is because no one understands. For no one hears: that is, no one hears with understanding. But in spirit he speaks mysteries: the mysteries, which no one yet could understand.
Verse 3, "But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort."
LGT "But the one who prophesies, to man speaks, [for] building up, and encouragement, and consolation."
But the one who prophesies: one who speaks by inspiration of the Holy Spirit the common language of the hearers. To man speaks: while tongues are hidden from the common man, prophecy is spoken directly to him. For building up: he speaks to enlighten and strengthen the brethren. And encouragement: the inspired speaker teaches the promises and eternal hopes of every believer. And consolation: the inspired teacher took care that sound doctrine would only be taught in the first church, and this had to be very comforting to them all.
Verse 4, "He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church."
LGT "The one who speaks with a tongue, builds himself up: but the one who prophesies builds up [the] assembly."
The one who speaks with a tongue: speaks in a foreign language. Builds himself up: this gift is for the edification of the one who speaks in a tongue. But the one who prophesies: teaches under inspiration. Builds up the assembly: edifies the entire assembly meeting.
Verse 5, "I would rather that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret that the church may receive edifying."
LGT "Now I desire all you to speak with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy: and greater is the one who prophesies, than the one who speaks with tongues, unless he should interpret, in order that the assembly may receive building up."
Now I desire all you to speak with tongues: Paul was careful not to devalue the gift of tongues. Foreign languages were of some value to the assemblies. But rather that ye should prophesy. Paul was careful to point out that although tongues had their usefulness, teaching was the more profitable gift for the whole assembly. And greater is the one who prophesies, than the one who speaks with tongues: "The power of speaking in an unknown tongue was certainly a more striking endowment than the speaking so as to be useful, and yet the apostle tells us that the latter is the more valuable. So it is always. A man who is useful, however humble and unknown he may be, really occupies a more elevated and venerable [respected] rank than the man of most splendid eloquence, who accomplishes nothing in the saving of the souls of men" (Barnes). Unless he should interpret: speaking with tongues should never be done in the midst of the assembly without an interpreter. In order that the assembly may receive building up: this is a very logical conclusion that without an interpreter tongues are useless except for the one speaking.
Verse 6, "Now brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?"
LGT "And now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, unless to you I speak either in revelation, or in knowledge, or in prophecy, or in teaching:"
If I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you: without an interpreter tongues have absolutely no value for the assembly. Unless to you I speak either in revelation: revelation is the means Paul received the doctrine to pass on through prophesying and, or, teaching of doctrine. Or in knowledge: the appropriation of divine viewpoint. Or in prophecy: teaching by divine inspiration. Or in teaching: this is teaching doctrine, which is equal with prophesying. The first two, revelation and knowledge are grouped together, while prophesying and teaching are also grouped together.
Verse 7, "And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?"
LGT "Even the lifeless things giving a sound, whether pipe or harp, if they give not a difference to the sounds, how shall be known that being piped or being harped?"
Even the lifeless things giving a sound: things without a soul or life. Whether pipe or harp: the pipe a wind instrument, and the harp a stringed instrument. If they give not a difference to the sound: if they were played randomly, a notable melody would not be distinguishable. How shall be known that being piped or harped: without a designed plan no music would be played, and no emotions of joy or sorrow would be produced.
Verse 8, "For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?"
LGT "For also if a trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself for war?"
"It is well known that trumpets were exclusively employed in almost all ancient armies, for the purpose of directing the movements of the soldiers, and for informing them what they were to do - as when to attack, advance, or retreat. This was the custom in even the most early Jewish armies, as the Law directed two silver trumpets to be made for the purpose. (Num. 10:1, 2, 9.) Of course, a distinction of tones was necessary, to express the various intimations which were in this manner conveyed; and if the trumpeter did not give the proper intonation (cadence), the soldiers could not tell how to act, or were in danger, from misconception, of acting wrongly" (Illustrated Commentary).
Verse 9, "So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be know what is spoken? For ye shall speak into the air."
LGT "So also ye, by means of the tongue, unless ye give an intelligible speech, how shall be known that being spoken? For ye will be speaking into [the] air."
Paul used this same illustration of a boxer beating the air with his fists (1 Cor. 9:26); here the person speaking in a foreign language without an interpreter gets the same results; his voice neither reaches man nor God, but disappears into thin air.
Barnes makes a good parallel here to the Roman Church:
"It may be observed here, that the practice of the papists accords with what the apostle here condemns, where worship is conducted in a language not understood by the people; and that there is much of this same kind of speaking now, where unintelligible terms are used, or words are employed that are above the comprehension of the people; or where doctrines are discussed which are unintelligible, and which are regarded by them without interest. All preaching should be plain, simple, perspicuous [plain to the understanding], and adapted to the capacity of the hearers."
Verse 10, "There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification."
LGT "So many, it may be, kinds of sounds there are in [the] world, and none without [distinct] sound."
The word sounds is a word play meaning voices: so many kinds of voices and none voiceless. There are many languages that have meaning only to those who speak that language.
Verse 11, "Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me."
LGT "Therefore if I know not the power of the sound, I shall be to the one who speaks a barbarian, and the one who speaks, for me a barbarian."
The Egyptians as well as the Greeks considered everyone who did not speak their language, barbarians. They considered anyone that spoke a language they did not understand, barbarous. By the Corinthians desiring the gift of tongues, they were not seeking to edify the assembly.
Verse 12, "Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church."
LGT "So also ye, since obsessive ye are of spiritual gifts, seek for the building up of the assembly, in order that ye may abound."
Paul says here that whatever they were seeking it must be for the edification of the whole assembly or it would benefit no one. In another passage Paul says, "Whatever ye do in word or deed, ye should do it for the glory of the Lord." A good measurement to tell if you are doing something to the glory of the Lord or not is to ask yourself, "am I doing this for my own glory; if not, maybe you are doing it for the glory of the Lord.
Verse 13, "Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret."
LGT "Wherefore the one who speaks with a tongue, let him pray in order that he may interpret"
It was forbidden in the early church for anyone to speak with a tongue without an interpreter present, which was another gift by itself (1 Cor. 12:10).
Verse 14, "For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful."
LGT "For if I pray with a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful."
For if I pray with a tongue: this is to frame a prayer in a foreign language. My spirit prays: this is the human spirit inspired by the Holy Spirit with the gift of tongues; the believing human spirit is influenced by the Holy Spirit. But my understanding is unfruitful: it will be unfruitful to the assembly because without understanding there can be no blessing. "That, my friend, is the answer to those who say that they speak in tongues for their private devotions. If the 'understanding is unfruitful,' you don't get a spiritual lift out of it; that is, the Holy Spirit is not ministering to you. If you get a lift, it is merely psychological. Paul says your understanding is unfruitful" (McGee).
Verse 15, "What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also."
LGT "What then is it? I will pray with the spirit, but I will pray also with the understanding: I will sing psalms in the spirit, but also I will sing psalms with understanding."
What then is it: what shall my practice be? What course shall I take? I will pray with the spirit: Paul is definitely in favor of the intellect being connected with prayer. But I will also pray with understanding: prayer is an intelligent exercise of the mind. What good is a prayer that is not understood but vain repetition and babbling? I will sing psalms in the spirit: what could be more glorifying to God than to sing psalms that are inspired by God Himself; we have no words to glorify God; so what could be better than to give Him back the Words He gave us? But also I will sing psalms with understanding: the psalms do not only stir the intellect, but they also stir the emotions. The so-called music in the organized assemblies today, stirs up rage among the intelligent class, but it gives the nominal Christian a sense of belonging to the church without giving up the world. It does absolutely no good to try and reason with the "contemporary music crowd," because they have already made up their minds that their music is designed to reach the lost. The truth of the matter is, their music has divided the believers from the unbelieving churchgoers, so in effect, they have done the true believer a great service. I say, keep it up, for there will come a day when God will separate the sheep from the goats.
Verse 16, "Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?"
LGT "Else if thou bless with the spirit, the one who fills the place of the uninstructed, how shall he say the Amen at the giving of thanks? Since what thou sayest is not known:"
Else if thou bless with the spirit: if this is not done in an intelligible manner. The one who fills the place of the uninstructed: this means that the one who speaks in a foreign language before those who are not acquainted with it. How shall he say the Amen at the giving of thanks: to say the Amen is to say truly, truly; that is to make mental assent. There can be fellowship in public prayer, at dinner for instance, where all present may say amen to the prayer being offered; if, however, the prayer is being offered in a foreign language, how will those who have not the foggiest notion what he is saying, enter into fellowship with that prayer. Since what thou sayest is not known: where there is not understanding, there can be no fellowship.
Verse 17, "For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is edified."
LGT "For thou indeed give thanks well, but the other is not built up."
Paul says that praying in a foreign language may come from the heart and benefit the one praying, but to those who do not understand it profits nothing because they cannot enter into fellowship with the one praying.
Verse 18, "I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:"
LGT "I thank my God, I speak with a tongue more than all of you:"
Paul says here that he does not depreciate the gift of tongues, as if he lacked the gift; but he says that in his missionary tours he is able to communicate to the ones who have a different tongue than his own. So he says that he possesses the gift of tongues more than anyone else, in order that he may serve God's purpose for him.
Verse 19, "Yet in church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue."
LGT "But in [the] assembly I desire five words with my understanding, in order that also others I may instruct, than ten thousand words in a tongue."
But in the assembly: this is the body of believers who meet for fellowship, not an organization or a meeting place. I desire five words with my understanding: Paul would not speak a foreign language to a group of believers he knew would not understand him, but he would speak to their understanding and edification. In order that others I may instruct: Paul taught doctrine, and he would be amiss if they did not understand him. Than ten thousand words in a tongue: Paul is correcting a misconception of some in the Corinthian assembly who desired passionately the sign gift of tongues; he said without understanding they would be a "sounding brass and clanging cymbal".
Verse 20, "Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men."
LGT "Brethren, be not children in [your] minds, but in malice be babes, but in [your] minds be full grown."
Brethren: Paul always identifies himself in this way to all God's family. Be not children in your minds: stop acting like little children with your childish mental attitude toward speaking a foreign language. There was little value in this gift, but some of the Corinthian believers desired the admiration of their brothers by being able to speak in a foreign tongue. But in malice be babes: in the respect that little babes feel no malice toward others; they have not yet developed their sin natures toward hating others as the adults have. But in your minds be full grown: be fully mature in this matter of tongues; as little children play childish games, you Christians need to be mature in your minds, thinking with the divine perspective that only the Word of God is able to supply.
Verse 21, "In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord."
LGT "In the law it has been written [and stands written], By other tongues, and by other lips I will speak to this people, and not even thus will they hear me, says the Lord."
In the law it has been written [and stands written]: Paul freely quotes Isaiah 28:11, 12. "The point of the quotation is that speech in strange tongues was a chastisement for the unbelief of God's ancient people, by which they were made to hear His voice 'speaking in the harsh commands of the foreign invader.' So in the Corinthian Church, the intelligible revelation of God has not been properly received" (Vincent). By other tongues, and by other lips I will to this people, and thus will they hear me, says the Lord: "The sense is, as God accomplished an important purpose by the use of a foreign language in regard to his ancient people, as recorded in Isaiah, so he will make use of foreign languages to accomplish important purposes still. They shall be used in the Christian church to effect important objects, though not in the same manner, nor for the same end, as in the time of the captivity" (Barnes).
Calvin makes this keen observation regarding Popery:
"The Pope, inasmuch as it is easier to govern asses than men, gives orders, under pretext of simplicity, that all under him shall remain uninstructed [in ignorance and stupidity]. Let us from this draw a comparison between the dominion of Popery, and the institution of Christ, and see how far they agree [For being born to Christ, we ought to grow, and not to be 'children in understanding.' Hence it appears what sort of Christianity there is in connection with Popery, in which the pastors labor as strenuously as they can to keep the people in infancy]."
Verse 22, "Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them that believe."
LGT So that the tongues are for a sign, not to the ones who believe, but to the unbelievers, but prophesy is not to the unbelievers, but to the ones who believe."
First and foremost we must remember that prophesy in this context refers to teaching Bible Doctrine, and not foretelling of future events. With this in mind Paul says that the speaking in foreign tongues was God's method of getting the Gospel out in the first century, and that is why he says tongues were not designed for the believer, but for the unbeliever. Another interesting thing to note is, teaching Bible Doctrine is for the edification of the body of Christ and not for the unbelieving world. Today the organized churches feel it necessary to use their services to appeal to the world, with the same dress, music and slang, etc. etc. etc. in order to win the world to Christ. This was not accomplished in the first century, nor will it ever be accomplished; our service should be motivated by Christ's love for us, and we should be willing to submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit by the Word of God, and let Him 'seek and to save that which is lost'; the Lord does not need our assistance, only our fellowship.
Verse 23, "If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will not they say that ye are mad."
LGT "If therefore the whole assembly come together in one place, and all should speak with tongues, and uninstructed ones or unbelievers come in, will they not say ye are mad"?
If therefore the whole assembly come together in one place: come together for public worship. This is not to be confused with organizing. And all should speak with tongues: all would be speaking a foreign language. And uninstructed ones: believers that have not studied or heard Bible Doctrine. Or unbelievers come in: unbelievers often would come and listen to the teaching in the Christian assemblies: sometimes out of curiosity, and sometimes with relatives who belonged to the assembly. Will they not say ye are mad: they will not be able to understand, because of the confusion, and therefore it would be of no use to anyone, and the purpose of meeting together as a family would be lost.
Verse 24, "But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:"
LGT "But if all prophesy, and should come in some unbeliever or unlearned, he is convicted by all, he is examined by all:"
But if all prophesy: here Paul is contrasting the teaching of Bible Doctrine with speaking a foreign tongue. And should come in some unbeliever or unlearned: this was covered in the previous verse. He is convinced of all, he is judged by all: the unbeliever is convicted through the Word, and the believer to seek further instruction. What I appreciate in this teaching is that it is the emphasis on the Word of God.
Verse 25, "And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face, he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth."
LGT "The secrets of his heart become manifest, and thus, falling upon [his] face, he will do homage to God, declaring that God is among you."
The verse that comes to my mind in relation to this verse is Heb. 4:12, "The Word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword; piercing to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow - a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." What I would emphasize here is that it is the Word of God that convicts men, and not men convicting men. The humanist gospel that is being preached today centers on what man can do for God, and not what God can do through man, by the work of the Holy Spirit in the Word of God.
All Things to be Done in Order
Verse 26, "How is it then, brethren? When ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying."
LGT "What then is it, brethren? When ye come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation: let all things be done for building up."
What then is it: Paul now explains the proper order of the gifts. If they all practiced their gifts at one time, verse 23 would be the result. When ye come together: in public fellowship. Each of you has a psalm: not all possessed all the gifts, but each one had a gift. This gift was that of singing psalm praises to the Lord. Has a teaching: that is teaching Bible doctrine. Has a revelation: a mystery not yet revealed to the church. Has a tongue: the gift of speaking foreign languages. Has an interpretation: tongues should never have been practiced without someone to interpret. Let all things be done for building up: everything should be done in a proper manner; otherwise confusion would be the result. If the motive were for the building up of the body of Christ, there would be no need for Paul to reprimand them.
Verse 27, "If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret."
LGT "If anyone speak with a tongue, [let it be] by two or the most three, and in succession, and let one interpret."
If any one speak with a tongue: if anyone stands up to speak a foreign language. Let it be by two or the most three: that is two, or the most three in one day. And in succession: let one speak at a time. And let one interpret: the foreign language would not be for the building up of the church if it was not interpreted, for there would be no understanding, and without understanding there is no blessing.
Verse 28, "But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God."
LGT "And if there be not an interpreter, let him be silent in an assembly, but to himself let him speak, and to God."
And if there be not an interpreter: if no one with the gift of interpretation were present. Let him be silent in an assembly: this was a hard and fast rule in order to maintain order. Also it proves that the church was not organized, otherwise there would always be an interpreter present. But to himself let him speak, and to God: let him privately thank God for his gift, and when an opportunity is presented in public he will be able to share his gift, and therefore edify the assembly, that is, he can share his gift this way to their benefit.
Verse 29, "Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge."
LGT "And let two or three prophets speak, and let the others discern."
And let two or three prophets speak: teaching doctrine under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and one at a time of course. And let the others discern: see to it that what is being taught lines up with God's wonderful grace.
Verse 30, "If anything be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace."
LGT "But if to another sitting by should be a revelation, let the first be silent."
Paul says here that if a revelation should come to one sitting in the assembly, the one standing at the time speaking should give way to him. This is common courtesy of one teacher giving way to another for the building up of the assembly. Today we have one so-called pastor who stands up and speaks as if he were inspired by the Holy Spirit; and everyone else must keep silent, as in the case of the Romanist, for we are all much too stupid to be able to understand the Word by ourselves.
Verse 31, "For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted."
LGT "For ye can one by one all prophesy, in order that all may learn, and all may be convinced."
For ye can one by one all prophesy: all those with the spiritual gift of teaching Bible Doctrine. But the order is one at a time. Paul is not inferring that every one has this gift. In order that all may learn: the understanding of the whole assembly is manifest. And all may be convinced: all may be assured that they are being taught by the Holy Spirit. Today we have the completed Scriptures to check out our teachers, that we also may be convinced they are teaching the sound doctrines of grace.
Verse 32, "And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets."
LGT "And spirits of prophets are subject to prophets."
In the exercise of this gift, the possessor had a free will to teach, but he was to do it in order and not be a spiritual bully, and forget common courtesy. In the Old Testament the prophets had no choice but to speak. The words spoken by these gifted men were open to scrutiny by the others to make sure they were from God. The gifts were replaced by the Word of God, and we now have the grace of God to put its teaching to the test.
Verse 33, "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints."
LGT "For He is not the God of disorder, but of peace. As in all the assemblies of the saints."
This is a proper conclusion to his argument (Robertson). Some people attend a Bible study primed for an argument; it seems as though this is the only reason they attend, that is, to either show off how much they know, or to put down the one who is leading. I have experienced a very different attitude as of late within our family Bible study. It seems to me that every one seems to want to offer what they have studied to the benefit of all, and what a sincere pleasure this has become to this old man. I say to you all, Keep it up.
Verse 34, "Let your women keep silent in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also the law."
LGT "Your women in the assemblies let them be silent: for it is not allowed to them to speak, but to be in subjection, just as also the law says."
Before I began my exposition on this verse, I would like to remind you that Paul is speaking to a Spirit endowed assembly; remember, the context is tongues and prophesying. Today we have the completed Word of God, and we do not have authorities set over us; this is what is so beautiful about our family Bible study. Your women in the assemblies let them be silent: the women were not to take a position of authority in the assemblies. For it is not allowed to them to speak: they were not allowed to speak in tongues or to teach doctrine. Today in the age of grace it is not only permitted, but also encouraged for women to teach, but they are never to place themselves up in a position of authority over men. McGee remarks that if women today were not to speak in tongues, there would be no tongues movement. But to be in subjection: we must keep in mind that Paul is speaking to Christian men and women, and it still proper for the man to take a leadership role in the home. Just as also the laws says: Paul has in mind Genesis 3:16, "And thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee." This is one of God's Divine Institutions that has never been repealed.
Verse 35, "And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church."
LGT "But if they wish to learn anything, let then ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in assembly."
But if they wish to learn anything: under the apostolic dispensation women were not to usurp their authority over the man. Let them ask their husbands at home: They were not to make a scene if they did not understand something that was being taught; rather, they were to seek help from their husband in the privacy of the home. For it is a shame for a women to speak in assembly: A woman's station was to display modesty and humility, and in the first church they were not permitted to speak in public. Today, we are under grace and there is not authority save Jesus Christ as revealed in His Word; therefore, woman have as much right in a family setting to speak as a man. When it comes to the household, that has already been determined by God that the man should be the final court of appeal, and it is to the detriment of the family when these roles are reversed. Women should obey their husbands, and the husbands should love their wives as Christ loved the Church, and gave Himself for it. Now if we are honest, we both, men and women have failed.
Verse 36, "What? Came the word of God out from you? Or came it unto you only?"
LGT "Or went out the Word of God from you, or to you only did it arrive?"
Or went out the Word of God from you: Paul is asking if the Corinthian Church believed they were the first Church, or mother church, because they were allowing so many of these things to take place in their assemblies, such as, women speaking in public worship services, and men speaking out of turn etc. Or to you only did it arrive? You were actually one of the last churches Paul established. Paul has sent the same gospel of grace to all the churches in Asia Minor.
Verse 37, "If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord."
LGT "If anyone thinks [himself] to be a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize the things I write to you, that of the Lord they are commands."
If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet: Paul says if any man profess to be a divinely inspired teacher. Let him recognize: be in complete agreement; [with] the things I write to you: I, Paul, am a called apostle of Jesus Christ, therefore, if what a teacher claims to you, it must be in full agreement with all that I have written to you; if it doesn't, reject it. That of the Lord they are commands: the Holy Spirit inspires all that I have written to you.
Verse 38, "But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant."
LGT "But if any be ignorant, he is not known."
If any man comes to you with the claim of having a gift of pastor teacher, and his teaching does not line up with the gospel of grace, he is not known; or better yet, he is a false teacher, and not inspired.
Verse 39, "Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues."
LGT "So that, [my] brethren, be desirous to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with a tongue."
Paul says that the gift that is most beneficial is that of teaching, but they should not look down on the ones who speak a foreign language, although it is a more rare gift and is not as beneficial as that of prophecy.
Verse 40, "Let all things be done decently and in order."
LGT "But let all things be done becomingly and with order."
Paul concludes this section with this exhortation that the entire fellowship in the assemblies was to be done with respect of these rules he has just laid down for them. Our Lord is not the Author of confusion, and they must remember that it is to His honor and glory that they are meeting.
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