1 Corinthians 14:26-40

The proper use of spiritual gifts -- 1 Corinthians 14:26-40: Paul wanted it understood that when the church met for worship that everything that was done must be done for the good of all that were present. One would sing, another teaches and another speaks in a language, another interprets and all do so for the edification of the church. When tongues were spoken it was to be done orderly with one speaking a few words and another interpreting. If no one was present with the gift to interpret then tongues were not to be spoken. Even the prophets were to speak orderly; only two or three speaking at the same gathering. "The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets." There would be no excuse for the assembly being disorderly. "God is not the author of confusion, but of peace." The assembly must be a place of edification and not of confusion.

In Paul's attempt to restore order in the church he told the wives of those men with the spiritual gifts to remain silent in the church. They were not to speak; they were to be in subjection. Their wives were to be in silent subjection while their husbands exercised their gifts. If there was something they wanted to know they could ask their husbands at home instead of causing confusion in the church.

The Corinthians should never have been puffed up. The word of God did not originate with them or go forth from them. Paul wanted it understood that the truly spiritual person would know that what he was writing was from God. They were to pay no attention to those that ignored his writings. He taught the brethren to "desire earnestly" to prophesy, but not to forbid the other spiritual gifts. The conclusion of the entire matter was that confusion must not exist in the church.