This chapter is a continuation of the subject commenced in 1 Corinthians 12 and pursued through 1 Corinthians 13:1. In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul had entered on the discussion of the various endowments which the Holy Spirit confers on Christians, and had shown that these endowments were bestowed in a dif... [ Continue Reading ]
FOLLOW AFTER CHARITY - Pursue love 1 Corinthians 13:1; that is, earnestly desire it; strive to possess it; make it the object of your anxious and constant solicitude to obtain it, and to be influenced by it always. Cultivate it in your own hearts, as the richest and best endowment of the Holy Spirit... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR HE THAT SPEAKETH IN AN UNKNOWN TONGUE - This verse is designed to show that the faculty of speaking intelligibly, and to the edification of the church, is of more value than the power of speaking a foreign language. The reason is, that however valuable may be the endowment in itself, and however... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT HE THAT PROPHESIETH - See the note at 1 Corinthians 14:1. He that speaks under the influence of inspiration in the common language of his hearers. This seems to be the difference between those who spoke in foreign languages and those who prophesied. Both were under the influence of the Holy Spir... [ Continue Reading ]
EDIFIETH HIMSELF - That is, the truths which are communicated to him by the Spirit, and which he utters in an unknown language, may be valuable, and may be the means of strengthening his faith, and building him up in the hopes of the gospel, but they can he of no use to others. His own holy affectio... [ Continue Reading ]
I WOULD THAT YE ALL SPAKE WITH TONGUES - “It is an important endowment, and is not, in its place, to be undervalued. It maybe of great service in the cause of truth, and if properly regulated, and not abused, I would rejoice if these extraordinary endowments were conferred on all. I have no envy aga... [ Continue Reading ]
NOW, BRETHREN, IF I COME UNTO YOU ... - The truth which the apostle had been illustrating in an abstract manner, he proceeds to illustrate by applying it to himself. If he should come among them speaking foreign languages, it could be of no use unless it were interpreted to them. SPEAKING WITH TONG... [ Continue Reading ]
THINGS WITHOUT LIFE - Instruments of music. WHETHER PIPE - This instrument (αὐλὸς aulos) was usually made of reeds, and probably had a resemblance to a flageolet. OR HARP - This instrument (κιθάρα kithara) was a stringed instrument, and was made in the same way as a modern harp. It usually had... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR IF THE TRUMPET GIVE AN UNCERTAIN SOUND - The trumpet was used commonly in war. It is a well-known wind instrument, and was made of brass, silver, etc. It was used for various purposes in war - to summon the soldiers; to animate them in their march; to call them forth to battle; to sound a retrea... [ Continue Reading ]
SO LIKEWISE YE ... - To apply the case. If you use a foreign language, how shall it be known what is said, or of what use will it be, unless it is made intelligible by interpretation? UTTER BY THE TONGUE - Unless you speak. WORDS EASY TO BE UNDERSTOOD - Significant words (margin), words to which y... [ Continue Reading ]
THERE ARE IT MAY BE ... - There has been considerable variety in the interpertation of this expression. Rosenmuller renders it, “for the sake of example.” Grotius supposes that Paul meant to indicate that there were, perhaps, or might be, as many languages as the Jews supposed, to wit, seventy. Beza... [ Continue Reading ]
THE MEANING OF THE VOICE - Of the language that is uttered, or the sounds that are made. I SHALL BE UNTO HIM ... - What I say will be unintelligible to him, and what he says will be unintelligible to me. We cannot understand one another any more than people can who speak different languages. A BAR... [ Continue Reading ]
EVEN SO YE - Since you desire spiritual gifts, I may urge it upon you to seek to he able to speak in a clear and intelligible manner, that you may edify the church. This is one of the most valuable endowments of the Spirit; and this should be earnestly desired. FORASMUCH AS YE ARE ZEALOUS - Since y... [ Continue Reading ]
PRAY THAT HE MAY INTERPRET - Let him ask of God ability that he may explain it clearly to the church. It would seem probable that the power of speaking foreign languages, and the power of conveying truth in a clear and distinct manner, were not always found in the same person, and that the one did n... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR IF I PRAY ... - The reference to prayer here, and to singing in 1 Corinthians 14:15, is designed to illustrate the propriety of the general sentiment which he is defending, that public worship should be conducted in a language that would be intelligible to the people. However well meant it might... [ Continue Reading ]
WHAT IS IT THEN? - What shall I do? What is the proper course for me to pursue? What is my practice and my desire; see the same form of expression in Romans 3:9, and Romans 6:15. It indicates the “conclusion” to which the reasoning had conducted him, or the course which he would pursue in view of al... [ Continue Reading ]
ELSE - (Ἐπεί Epei). Since; if this is not done; if what is said is not intelligible, how shall the unlearned be able appropriately to express his assent, and join in your devotions? WHEN THOU SHALT BLESS - When thou shalt bless God, or give thanks to him. If thou shalt lead the devotions of the p... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THOU VERILY GIVEST THANKS WELL - That is, even if you use a foreign language. You do it with the heart; and it is accepted by God as your offering; but the other, who cannot understand it, cannot be benefited by it.... [ Continue Reading ]
I THANK MY GOD - Paul here shows that he did not undervalue or despise the power of speaking foreign languages. It was with him a subject of thanksgiving that he could speak so many; but he felt that there were more valuable endowments than this; see the next verse. WITH TONGUES MORE THAN YE ALL -... [ Continue Reading ]
YET IN THE CHURCH - In the Christian assembly. The word “church” does not refer to the “edifice” where Christians worshipped, but to the organized body of Christians. I HAD RATHER ... - It is probable that in the Christian assembly, usually, there were few who understood foreign languages. Paul, th... [ Continue Reading ]
BRETHREN, BE NOT CHILDREN IN UNDERSTANDING - Be not childish; do not behave like little children. They admire, and are astonished at what is striking, novel, and what may be of no real utility. They are pleased with anything that will amuse them, and at little things that afford them play and pastim... [ Continue Reading ]
IN THE LAW IT IS WRITTEN - This passage is found in Isaiah 38:11. The word “law” here seems to mean the same as revelation; or is used to denote the Old Testament in general. A similar use occurs in John 10:34, and John 15:25. WITH MEN OF OTHER TONGUES ... - This passage, where it occurs in Isaiah,... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEREFORE - Thus, (Ὥστε Hōste), or wherefore. The apostle does not mean to say that what he was about to state was a direct conclusion from the passage of Scripture which he had quoted, but that it followed from all that he had said, and from the whole view of the subject. “The true statement or... [ Continue Reading ]
BE COME TOGETHER INTO ONE PLACE - For public worship. AND ALL SPEAK WITH TONGUES - All speak with a variety of unknown tongues; all speak foreign languages. The idea is, that the church would usually speak the same language with the people among whom they dwelt; and if they made use of foreign lang... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT IF ALL PROPHESY - See the note at 1 Corinthians 14:1. If all, in proper order and time, shall utter the truths of religion in a language intelligible to all. OR ONE UNLEARNED - One unacquainted with the nature of Christianity, or the truths of the gospel. HE IS CONVINCED OF ALL - He will be con... [ Continue Reading ]
AND THUS ARE THE SECRETS OF HIS HEART MADE MANIFEST - Made manifest to himself in a surprising and remarkable manner. He shall be led to see the “real” designs and motives of his heart. His conscience would be awakened; he would recall his former course of life; he would see that it was evil; and th... [ Continue Reading ]
HOW IS IT THEN, BRETHREN? - See the note at 1 Corinthians 14:15. What is the fact? What actually occurs among you? Does that state of things exist which I have described? Is there that order in your public worship which is demanded and proper? It is implied in his asking this question that there mig... [ Continue Reading ]
LET IT BE BY TWO, OR AT THE MOST BY THREE - That is, two, or at most three in one day, or in one meeting. So Grotius, Rosenmuller, Doddridge, Bloomfield, and Locke, understand it. It is probable that many were endowed with the gift of tongues; and it is certain that they were disposed to exercise th... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT IF THERE BE NO INTERPRETER - If there be no one present who has the gift of interpretation. AND LET HIM SPEAK TO HIMSELF AND TO GOD - See the note at 1 Corinthians 14:2, note at 1 Corinthians 14:4. Let him commune with himself, and with God; let him meditate on the truths which are revealed to... [ Continue Reading ]
LET THE PROPHETS - See the note at 1 Corinthians 14:1. SPEAK TWO OR THREE - On the same days, or at the same meeting; see the note at 1 Corinthians 14:27. AND LET THE OTHER JUDGE - The word “other” (οἱ ἄλλοι hoi alloi, “the others”), Bloomfield supposes refers to the other prophets; and that the... [ Continue Reading ]
IF ANYTHING BE REVEALED TO ANOTHER - If, while one is speaking, an important truth is revealed to another, or is suggested to his mind by the Holy Spirit, which he feels it to be important to communicate. LET THE FIRST HOLD HIS PEACE - That is, let him that was speaking conclude his discourse, and l... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR YE MAY ALL PROPHECY ... - There is time enough for all; there is no need of speaking in confusion and disorder. Every person may have an opportunity of expressing his sentiments at the proper time. THAT ALL MAY LEARN - In such a manner that there may be edification. This might be done if they w... [ Continue Reading ]
AND THE SPIRITS OF THE PROPHETS - See in 1 Corinthians 14:1 for the meaning of the word prophets. The evident meaning of this is, that they were able to control their inclination to speak; they were not under a necessity of speaking, even though they might be inspired. There was no need of disorder.... [ Continue Reading ]
GOD IS NOT THE AUTHOR OF CONFUSION - Margin, “Tumult,” or “unquietness.” His religion cannot tend to produce disorder. He is the God of peace; and his religion will tend to promote order. It is calm, peaceful, thoughtful. It is not boisterous and disorderly. AS IN ALL CHURCHES OF THE SAINTS - As wa... [ Continue Reading ]
LET YOUR WOMEN KEEP SILENCE ... - This rule is positive, explicit, and universal. There is no ambiguity in the expressions; and there can be no difference of opinion, one would suppose, in regard to their meaning. The sense evidently is, that in all those things which he had specified, the women wer... [ Continue Reading ]
AND IF THEY WILL LEARN ANYTHING - If anything has been spoken which they do not understand; or if on any particular subject they desire more full information, let them inquire of their husbands in their own dwelling. They may there converse freely; and their inquiries will not be attended with the i... [ Continue Reading ]
WHAT! CAME THE WORD OF GOD OUT FROM YOU? - The meaning of this is, “Is the church at Corinth the “mother church?” Was it first established; or has it been alone in sending forth the Word of God? You have adopted customs which are unusual. You have permitted women to speak in a manner unknown to othe... [ Continue Reading ]
IF ANY MAN THINK HIMSELF TO BE A PROPHET - See the note at 1 Corinthians 14:1. If any man claim to be divinely endowed. Macknight renders it, “be really a prophet.” But the more correct meaning here is, doubtless, “If any man “profess” to be a prophet; or is “reputed” to be a prophet.” Bloomfield. T... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT IF ANY BE IGNORANT ... - If anyone affects to be ignorant of my authority, or whether I have a right to command. If he affects to doubt whether I am inspired, and whether what I utter is in accordance with the will of God. LET HIM BE IGNORANT - At his own peril, let him remain so, and abide the... [ Continue Reading ]
COVET TO PROPHESY - See the note at 1 Corinthians 14:1. This is the “summing up” of all that he had said. It was “desirable” that a man should wish to be able to speak, under the teaching of the Holy Spirit, in such a manner as to edify the church. AND FORBID NOT ... - Do not suppose that the power... [ Continue Reading ]
LET ALL THINGS BE DONE DECENTLY AND IN ORDER - Let all things be done in an “appropriate” and “becoming” manner; “decorously,” as becomes the worship of God. Let all be done in “order, regularly;” without confusion, discord, tumult. The word used here (κατὰ τάξιν kata taxin) is properly a military... [ Continue Reading ]