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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 14:39

Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy ,.... The apostle now draws to a conclusion, and reassumes the exhortation he gave in the beginning of the chapter, pressing the members of this church to desire the gift of prophecy, that being the most eligible and preferable to others, particularly to speaking with tongues, since it was the most useful and edifying, as he abundantly proves: and forbid not to speak with tongues ; such as have that gift, and are desirous of exercising it, provided... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 14:39

Covet to prophesy - Let it be your endeavor and prayer to be able to teach the way of God to the ignorant; this is the most valuable, because the most useful gift of the Spirit. And forbid not to speak with tongues - Let every gift have its own place and operation; let none envy another; nor prevent him from doing that part of the work to which God, by giving the qualification, has evidently called him. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 14:39

Verse 39 39.Wherefore, brethren This is the conclusion in connection with the principal question — that prophecy is to be preferred to other gifts, because it is the most useful gift of all, while at the same time other gifts ought not to be despised. We must observe, however, his manner of speaking. For he intimates, that prophecy is worthy of being eagerly and ardently aspired at by all. In the meantime, he exhorts them not to envy others the rarer gift, (892) which is not so much to be... 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 14:39

Wherefore. The final conclusion. Covet… forbid not. The power to preach is to be desired; all that can be said of glossolaly is that it is not to be absolutely forbidden so long as the conditions which St. Paul has laid down for its regulation are observed. But glossolaly is hardly possible under conditions of order, decorum, and self suppression, and we are not surprised that we hear no more of it in the Church, but only in the wild excitement of fanatical sects. The suppression, however,... read more

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