Interpreting 1 Corinthians 14:39 in the Context of Church Order
First Corinthians 14:39, in the King James Version, states, "Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues" [1]. This verse concludes a section of Paul's letter addressing the proper conduct of spiritual gifts, particularly prophecy and speaking in tongues, within the Corinthian church. It serves as a summary statement, encouraging the pursuit of prophecy while also permitting glossolalia, provided it is done in an orderly manner, as emphasized in the subsequent verse, "Let all things be done decently and in order" [2].
The broader context of 1 Corinthians 12-14 deals with the nature and exercise of spiritual gifts within the Christian community. Paul emphasizes that the church is a single body with many members, each having a distinct function determined by God [6, 7, 8, 10]. This unity in diversity is crucial for the church's harmonious functioning [9]. Paul argues that while all gifts are valuable, some, like prophecy, are more beneficial for the edification of the entire church than others, such as speaking in tongues without interpretation [1 Corinthians 14:1-5]. The Corinthian church evidently faced issues with disorderly worship, particularly concerning the use of tongues, which led to confusion rather than edification [1 Corinthians 14:23].
In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul provides specific instructions for the use of tongues and prophecy in public worship. He mandates that if tongues are spoken, there must be an interpreter, and only two or at most three should speak in tongues, each in turn [1 Corinthians 14:27-28]. Similarly, prophets are to speak one by one, and others are to weigh what is said [1 Corinthians 14:29]. This emphasis on order and intelligibility is paramount. The "decency and order" mentioned in 1 Corinthians 14:40 is not limited to the specific issues of tongues and prophecy but extends to all aspects of church life, as suggested by John Gill, who connects it to various instructions throughout the epistle concerning conduct in worship and daily life [11].
The phrase "covet to prophesy" (ζηλοῦτε τὸ λαλεῖν προφητείαν) highlights Paul's preference for prophecy. Prophecy, in this context, is understood as speaking forth God's message in an understandable language for the edification, exhortation, and comfort of the church [1 Corinthians 14:3]. It is a gift that builds up the community directly. The encouragement to "covet" (ζηλοῦτε) indicates a strong desire or earnest pursuit of this gift.
Conversely, "forbid not to speak with tongues" (μὴ κωλύετε λαλειν γλώσσαις) indicates that speaking in tongues is not to be prohibited entirely. While Paul prioritizes prophecy, he acknowledges the legitimacy of glossolalia as a spiritual gift. However, this permission is always qualified by the overarching principle of order and edification. The allowance for tongues is contingent on its proper exercise, which includes interpretation and sequential speaking, preventing chaos in the assembly [1 Corinthians 14:27-28].
The cross-references for 1 Corinthians 14:39 often point back to 1 Corinthians 14:1, which also encourages the pursuit of spiritual gifts, especially prophecy [5]. Other cross-references for 1 Corinthians 14:29, which precedes verse 39, include 1 Thessalonians 5:19 and 1 John 4:1, both of which deal with discerning spirits and not quenching the Spirit, suggesting a need for careful evaluation of spiritual manifestations [4, 3].
Sources
- King James Version “[KJV] 1 Corinthians 14:40 — Let all things be done decently and in order.”
- I Corinthians “I Corinthians 14:40 (KJV) — Let all things be done decently and in order.”
- OpenBible.info “Cross-reference: 1John.4.1 → 1Cor.14.29 (confidence: 19 votes)”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “1 Corinthians 14:29 cross-references: 1 Corinthians 12:10, 1 Corinthians 14:39, 1 Thessalonians 5:19, 1 John 4:1”
- OpenBible.info “Cross-reference: 1Cor.14.1 → 1Cor.14.39 (confidence: 10 votes)”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 12:12: 12:12-31 The church is like a body (see 12:27) composed of many different parts, each with its own function as determined by God (see 12:11, 18, 28; Rom 12:4-5).”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 12:27: members in particular--that is, severally members of it. Each church is in miniature what the whole aggregate of churches is collectively, "the body of Christ" (compare Co1 3:16): and its individual components are members, every one in his assigned place.”
- 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 12:20: But now are they many members,.... Of different make and shape, in different parts and places, and of different use and service: yet but one body; all are united together, and make up one complete body, and which without each of them would not be perfect: so there are many members in the body of Christ, the church; some are teachers, others are hearers; some give, and others receive; but all make up but one church, of which Christ is the head; nor can anyone of them be spared; was anyone wanting, even the meanest, there would be a deficiency, and the church ”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 12:25: 12:25-26 The church is a unified body, so harmony and care for each other in the church is essential.”
- 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 12:14: For the body is not one member - The mystical body, the Church, as well as the natural body, is composed of many members.”
- 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 14:38: Let all things be done decently and in order. Which may refer not only to what is said in this chapter, but in the foregoing part of the epistle; go not to law before the unbelievers; let not a believing yokefellow depart from an unbelieving one; let not him that has knowledge sit in an idol's temple, and eat meat there; let not a man pray with his head covered, and a woman with hers uncovered; come not to the house of God to eat and drink intemperately, thereby reflecting dishonour and scandal on the ordinance of the Lord's supper; let not any speak in an unk”