The Law of Divine Release in 1 Corinthians 14:38
The verse 1 Corinthians 14:38 states, "But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant" [1]. This statement concludes a section of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians addressing order in worship, particularly concerning speaking in tongues and prophecy.
The immediate context of 1 Corinthians 14:38 is Paul's instruction regarding women speaking in the church and the proper discernment of prophetic utterances. In verses 34-35, Paul instructs women to remain silent in the churches, stating it is "improper for a woman to speak in church" [1]. He then challenges the Corinthians' understanding of spiritual authority, asking, "What? Was it from you that the word of God went out? Or did it come to you alone?" [2]. This rhetorical question sets the stage for verse 37, where Paul asserts that his instructions are a "command of the Lord." Verse 38 then follows, emphasizing the consequence for those who choose to disregard these divine directives [1].
The phrase "let him be ignorant" (Greek: ἀγνοείτω, agnoeitō) carries significant weight. It is an imperative, indicating a command or strong declaration. The term agnoeitō means "to be ignorant" or "to not know" [1]. In this context, it suggests that if someone chooses to remain ignorant of Paul's authoritative instructions, they are permitted to do so, but with the implication that their ignorance will not excuse them from the consequences of their actions or beliefs. This is not an invitation to ignorance, but rather a declaration that those who refuse to acknowledge the divine origin of Paul's teachings will be left in their self-imposed ignorance [1].
Interpreters have understood this verse in various ways. One perspective is that Paul is expressing a strong dismissal of those who would dispute his apostolic authority. If individuals refuse to recognize his words as from the Lord, Paul essentially says, "so be it" [1]. This interpretation aligns with Paul's earlier assertion in the chapter that "if anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord" [1]. The subsequent verse, 1 Corinthians 14:38, then serves as a stark warning to those who would reject this divine command.
Another view suggests that Paul is not merely dismissing but also highlighting the spiritual danger of such ignorance. To be ignorant of God's commands, especially those concerning the proper order of worship and the exercise of spiritual gifts, is to place oneself outside the sphere of divine understanding and blessing [1]. This aligns with the broader theme in 1 Corinthians of correcting disorder and promoting edification within the church [1]. Paul consistently emphasizes the importance of order and understanding in worship, contrasting it with confusion and chaos [1].
The "law of divine release" is not a specific phrase found in the biblical text itself, but rather an interpretive concept that some may apply to verses like 1 Corinthians 14:38. It could be understood as the principle that God, through his apostles, establishes certain commands, and those who choose to disregard them are "released" to their own ignorance or consequences. This concept is distinct from other "laws" mentioned in Paul's letters, such as "the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2), which involves carrying one another's burdens and is fulfilled by love [3, 5], or the Mosaic Law, which requires obedience to every regulation for those seeking righteousness through it [4].
The broader context of 1 Corinthians 14 emphasizes the importance of order, intelligibility, and edification in corporate worship. Paul desires that all things be done "decently and in order" [6]. The instructions regarding prophecy, tongues, and the role of women are all geared towards ensuring that worship is beneficial for all participants and glorifies God [1]. Therefore, 1 Corinthians 14:38 serves as a concluding statement to this section, underscoring the seriousness of Paul's directives and the spiritual peril of ignoring them.
Sources
- 1 Corinthians “But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant. -- 1 Corinthians 14:38”
- 1 Corinthians “What? Was it from you that the word of God went out? Or did it come to you alone? -- 1 Corinthians 14:36”
- Galatians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Galatians 6:2: 6:2 Carrying each other’s burdens (6:1) fulfills the law of Christ to love one another (5:13-14; see also Lev 19:18; Matt 22:36-40; John 13:34; 15:12; 1 Jn 3:23).”
- Galatians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Galatians 5:3: 5:3 Those who seek righteousness through the law must obey every regulation of it (see 2:15-16; cp. Jas 2:10).”
- Galatians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Galatians 5:14: all the law--Greek, "the whole law," namely, the Mosaic law. Love to God is presupposed as the root from which love to our neighbor springs; and it is in this tense the latter precept (so "word" means here) is said to be the fulfilling of "all the law" (Lev 19:18). Love is "the law of Christ" (Gal 6:2; Mat 7:12; Mat 22:39-40; Rom 13:9-10). is fulfilled--Not as received text "is being fulfilled," but as the oldest manuscripts read, "has been fulfilled"; and so "receives its full perfection," as rudimentary teachings are fulfilled by the more perfec”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 14:40: Let, &c.--The oldest manuscripts read, "But let," &c. This verse is connected with Co1 14:39, "But (while desiring prophecy, and not forbidding tongues) let all things be done decently." "Church government is the best security for Christian liberty" [J. NEWTON]. (Compare Co1 14:23, Co1 14:26-33). Next: 1 Corinthians Chapter 15”