The ordering of the women 14:34-35Paul had formerly acknowledged that women could share a word from the Lord in the church meetings (1 Corinthians 11:4-16). Now he clarified one point about their participation in this context of prophesying. read more
(e) Spiritual Gifts(iii) The Gift of Tongues subordinate to ProphecyThe Apostle in this chapter deals with the abuse of the gift of tongues which characterised the Corinthians, and declares that it is inferior to the gift of prophecy, though valuable enough in itself if kept in proper control. Speaking with tongues is a phenomenon we meet with in the NT. only here and in the Acts of the Apostles. The gift as recorded in Acts 2 seems to have been the power to speak in foreign languages. We are... read more
(34) But they are commanded to be under obedience.—Better (as in some of the best MSS.), but let them be under obedience. The original precept laid down in Genesis 3:16 teaches this. “The law” stands for the Old Testament generally. read more
1 Corinthians 14:1 In his letter to the Governor of Edinburgh Castle (12th Sept. 1650), on the Scottish preachers' objections to lay preaching, Cromwell asks: 'Where do you find in the Scripture a ground to warrant such an assertion, That Preaching is exclusively your function? Though an Approbation from men hath order in it, and may do well; yet he that hath no better warrant than that, hath none at all. I hope He that ascended up on high may give His gifts to whom He pleases.... You know who... read more
Chapter 20SPIRITUAL GIFTS AND PUBLIC WORSHIPIs the first twenty-five verses of this chapter Paul gives his estimate of the comparative value of the two chief spiritual gifts: speaking with tongues and prophesying; in the latter half of the chapter he lays down certain rules which were to guide the exercise of these gifts and certain principles on which all the worship and public services of the Church should proceed.A difficulty, however, meets us at the outset. We have no opportunity of... read more
4. Prophecy and Speaking with a Tongue. CHAPTER 14 1. Prophecy the better gift. (1 Corinthians 14:1-13 .) 2. Intelligibility demanded. (1 Corinthians 14:14-25 .) 3. Practical instructions for the public use of these gifts. (1 Corinthians 14:26-40 .) It is evident from the contents of this chapter that the Corinthians had unduly magnified the gift of speaking in a strange tongue. It had a spectacular aspect which they enjoyed. He therefore shows them that the gift of prophecy is more to be... read more
14:34 {15} Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but [they are commanded] to be under obedience, as also saith the law.(15) Women are commanded to be silent in public assemblies, and they are commanded to ask of their husbands at home. read more
Chapter 12 has shown the placing of every gift in its own place in the body by the Spirit of God. Chapter 13 insists on love as the pervading influence for unity and peace in the functioning of the body. It has been likened to the oil that lubricates machinery to enable it to run smoothly and without friction. Now chapter 14 deals with the actual functioning of the body, each member in service toward each other. Along with love, it is good to desire spiritual gifts, but prophesying is... read more
SPIRITUAL GIFTS The theme of this lesson is closely related to the preceding, for the church disorders included not only unbecoming conduct of the women in the public assembly, and an unworthy observance of the Lord’s supper, but an unholy emulation in the matter of spiritual gifts. After a brief introduction (1 Corinthians 12:1-3 ), the apostle discusses the origin of these gifts as not natural to the believer, but the special bestowment of God. God the Father is the worker of them, God the... read more
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Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Corinthians 14:34
The word translated "silent" (Gr. sige) means just that, namely, to keep silent or to hold one’s tongue. However in 1 Corinthians 11:5 Paul spoke as though women prophesying in the church was a common and acceptable practice. I think the best explanation of this apparent contradiction comes out of the context, as is usually true. Paul had just permitted others in the congregation to evaluate the comments that a prophet made (1 Corinthians 14:29). Now he qualified this by saying the women should... read more