1 Corinthians 14:36

What? was it from you that the word of God went forth? or came it unto you alone?

'Some wouldn't like like that. And some would suggest (maybe argue) that Paul wasn't the only prophet. He had no right to settle the matter. And Paul responds to that kind of attitude in 36.' (McGuiggan p. 185)

'was it from you that the word of God went forth?' -'did God's message to the world originate with you.' (TCNT) The truth of course was that Paul had brought the word of God to them.

'or came it unto you alone?' -'or that you have. monopoly of God's truth' (Phi) Paul in this letter has repeatedly reminded them of the consistent teaching and practice found in all congregations of God's people (1 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Corinthians 7:17; 1 Corinthians 11:16). They were acting like some "elite" congregation that could make up their own rules. They were acting as if God's truth had ONLY come to them.

These verses imply that the Corinthians thought everyone else was "out of step", when the truth of the matter was, they were the congregation that was acting "out of line." If the Corinthians were expected by an Apostle to bring their practices into line with the practices of other NT congregations. Then the letters sent to these congregations are intended as. pattern or blueprint to be followed by other congregations of the Lord's church.