Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Corinthians 14:36-40

In these verses the apostle closes his argument, 1. With a just rebuke of the Corinthians for their extravagant pride and self-conceit: they so managed with their spiritual gifts as no church did like them; they behaved in a manner by themselves, and would not easily endure control nor regulation. Now, says the apostle, to beat down this arrogant humour, ?Came the gospel out from you? Or came it to you only? 1 Cor. 14:36. Did Christianity come our of Corinth? was its original among you? Or, if... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Corinthians 14:34-40

14:34-40 Let women keep silent in the congregation, for it is not permitted to them to speak, but let them be in subjection even as the law says. If they wish to learn about anything, let them question their husbands at home. It is a shameful thing for a woman to speak in the congregation. Was it from you that God's word went out? Or, was it to you alone that it came? If anyone thinks that he is a forthteller of the truth, or that he has a special spiritual gift, let him understand... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 14:38

But if any man be ignorant ,.... Of "these" words, as the Arabic version adds, and does not know and own them to be the commandments of Christ; though he may profess himself to be a prophet, or a spiritual man, he is a very ignorant one, and has not the Spirit of God he pretends to: and if he will not be convinced, but goes on to doubt, and call in question the truth of these things, and obstinately persist in his ignorance, let him be ignorant : let him be treated and despised as an... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 14:38

But if any man be ignorant - If he affect to be so, or pretend that he is ignorant; let him be ignorant - let him be so at his peril. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 14:38

Verse 38 38.But if any man be ignorant The old translation reads thus: He that knows not this, will be unknown; (889) but this is a mistake. For Paul had it in view to cut off every handle from contentious persons, who make no end of disputing, and that, under the pretense of inquiring — as if the matter were not yet clear; or at least he intimates in general terms, that he regarded as of no account any one that would call in question what he said. “If any one is ignorant, I do not stop to take... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 14:1-40

Grace and gifts. "Follow after charity," etc. There are many separate verses in this chapter implying or suggesting thoughts capable of being wrought out into sermonic sketches, but my purpose now is to take a homiletical glance at the whole. The following general propositions will bring all the parts into a logical connection:— I. THE GRACE OF CHARITY IS SUPERIOR TO ALL ENDOWMENTS . I say "charity," for I prefer the word to the word "love," which the New Version... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 14:26-40

Decency and order in the Church. I. REFLECT UPON WHAT THE CHURCH IS . 1. It is the "Church of the living God" ( 1 Timothy 3:15 ). In its worship it worships the Eternal. It is the depository of his truth. It is the "temple of God" ( 1 Corinthians 3:16 ). 2. It is the Church of Christ. "My Church" ( Matthew 16:18 ). It 3. The abiding place of the Holy Ghost. ( 1 Corinthians 3:16 .) 4. The great instrumentality for the conversion of the ungodly. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 14:33-40

Concluding views. If edification was to be the rule of conduct in everything, it is plain that the prophets must govern themselves. No matter how sincere and truthful their zeal, or how honest and excellent their purpose, feelings, and even the best feelings, must be held under firm restraint. They had this power, and it was from God; for he is "not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all Churches of the saints." St. Paul directs further that "women keep silence in the Churches."... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 14:38

Let him be ignorant. The formula seems to fall under the idiom which refuses to say anything more about a subject ("If I perish, I perish;" "What I have written, I have written;" "He that is filthy, let him be filthy still," etc.). The readings vary considerably ("He is ignored;" "He has been ignored;" "He shall be ignored;" "Let him be ignored"). These other readings would be a statement of retribution in kind—of God "sprinkling penal blindnesses on forbidden lusts." But the reading of our... read more

Group of Brands