Instructions for Tongues Speakers

I Corinthians 14:26–40
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

In a Peanuts cartoon Lucy demanded that Linus change TV channels, threatening him with her fist if he didn’t. “What makes you think you can walk right in here and take over?” asks Linus. “These five fingers,” says Lucy. “Individually they’re nothing … More

Organization

Two things are specifically emphasized in this passage:

“Let all things be done unto edifying“ (v. 26).
“Let all things be done decently and in order“ (v. 40).

This has been the theme in this chapter and continues in Paul’s thinking as he gives instruction for worship in the church. Worship services in the early church do not seem to have been dominated by one individual, but open to free participation by all who would choose to participate. It is evident that the Corinthian church was having special problems with disorders in their public meetings. Furthermore, it seems that the tongues speakers were the ones causing the most trouble, so Paul addressed himself to them and gave specific instructions for the church to follow in their services.

There must never be more than three speaking in tongues in any one meeting (v. 27).
To speak in tongues without an interpreter is forbidden (v. 28).
Women are not permitted to speak in tongues in the church services (v.34).

Paul said that women should be silent during the Church meetings (v. 34). He was not saying that women had no right to pray or share God’s Word in the church, because he had already given instructions as to how she was to do this (11:5). This must have reference to speaking in tongues. Paul says that if the women have questions they need to ask them to their husbands at home (v. 35).

Application

Lord, help me to be on the lookout as to how I can edify other Christians and to always be organized to the point that others will feel comfortable in the things I do.

I Corinthians 14:26-40 (English Standard Version)

What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church. Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are you the only ones it has reached? If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord. If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But all things should be done decently and in order.

View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway) »

Do you have any questions or thoughts about this?
Post your comment or question below.

*Screen Name:
Question or comment:
	This is a private message or question
	Notify me of follow up comments via e-mail

	* denotes required field

More I Corinthians commentaries

Instructions for Tongues Speakers

I Corinthians 14:26–40» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

Application

I Corinthians 14:26-40 (English Standard Version)

I Corinthians 14:26–40
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)