1 Corinthians 14:26-35

Orderly Worship

It seems there was a large group of Christians desiring to participate in the worship. There were apparently several who possessed each of the gifts. Paul knew it was the Lord's will that everything done in worship to God be done in a manner that would edify. So, he said to limit the number of tongue speakers to three. He directed that they should go one at a time, and only speak with the aid of an interpreter. Without an interpreter, a tongue speaker could not edify (1 Corinthians 14:26-28).

Only two or three prophets would be allowed to speak at each assembly, according to the apostle's instructions. The other prophets were then to judge the truthfulness of the prophecy. If, while one prophet was speaking, another prophet received a revelation, he should make it known so the other could conclude and only one speak at a time. Paul's words make it clear the prophet still had control over his actions. The Spirit did not take over and force him to act like a puppet. Otherwise, he could not have been expected to stop speaking and allow another to begin. All the prophets in the audience were to listen to one another since they could each learn from the different revelations given to others (1 Corinthians 14:29-32).

God would not cause several to speak uncontrollably at once. Instead, the Father caused things to be done so that the church might be edified. God would not, and does not today, cause men to be hysterical or frenzied, thus creating a confusion that would not allow edification (1 Corinthians 14:33 a).

During the assemblies where spiritual gifts were used, Paul directed the women to "keep silent." This was a rule to be followed "in all the churches of the saints." The apostle presented two reasons such a rule was appropriate. First, he said the law would require women to be in subjection. In Genesis 3:16, God had said, "Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you." By inspiration, Moses had presented God's law in reference to the vows made by a woman. He said her vows would stand unless her father, when she still lived in his home, or husband heard them and overruled her. Clearly, this shows the submission God intended a woman to exhibit (Numbers 30:3-12).

Second, it was considered shameful for a woman to speak in a public assembly. Apparently the wives of the prophets had interrupted and asked questions as their husbands were prophesying. Paul told those women to quit interrupting and ask their husbands at home (1 Corinthians 14:33-35).