1 Corinthians 14:27

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Corinthians 14:26-33

In this passage the apostle reproves them for their disorder, and endeavours to correct and regulate their conduct for the future. I. He blames them for the confusion they introduced into the assembly, by ostentation of their gifts (1 Cor. 14:26): When you come together every one hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, etc.; that is, ?You are apt to confound the several parts of worship; and, while one has a psalm to utter by inspiration, another has a doctrine, or revelation;? or else,... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Corinthians 14:26-33

14:26-33 What then emerges from all this, brothers? Whenever you meet together, let each have his psalm, let each have his teaching, let each have his message direct from God, let each have his tongue, let each have his interpretation. Let all things be done for the spiritual upbuilding of the congregation. If anyone speaks with a tongue, let it be two, or at the most three, and let them do it by turns, and let one interpret. If there is no interpreter present, let him who has the gift of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 14:27

If any man speak in an unknown tongue ,.... He begins with the gift of tongues, with speaking in an unknown tongue, as the Hebrew language, because this they were desirous of: and the rule for this he would have observed is, let it be by two, or at most by three, and that by course . The Arabic version reads it, "let him speak to two, or at most three, and separately"; as if it respected the number of persons he was to speak to at a time, and that in a separate and private manner: but... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 14:27

Speak in an unknown tongue - The Hebrew, as has already been conjectured. Let it be by two; or at the most by three, and that by course - Let only two or three in one assembly act in this way, that too much time may not be taken up with one exercise; and let this be done by course, the one after the other, that two may not be speaking at the same time: and let one interpret for all that shall thus speak. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 14:27

Verse 27 27.If any one speak in another tongue He now describes the order and limits the measure. “If you have a mind to speak with other tongues,let only two speak, or, at most, not more than three, and let there be at the same time an interpreter sitting by Without an interpreter, tongues are of no advantage: let them, therefore be dispensed with.” It is to be observed, however, that he does not command, but merely permits; for the Church can, without any inconvenience, dispense with tongues,... 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 14:23-32

How a spectator would regard the tongues; the gracious effects of prophesying; interpretation or silence. Suppose that the whole Church were to assemble in one place (argues the apostle), and all "speak with tongues;" the unchecked energy pouring itself forth in many and discordant volumes, each speaker borne away on the mighty tide of his own transport; no one considerate of another; the car scarcely cognizant of the sound issuing from the lips, the eye insensible to the impression made... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 14:26-33

Rules to check disorderly self-assertion in Christian assemblies. 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 14:27

And that by course; rather, and that in turn. He does not allow more than one glossolalist to speak at a time, and not more than three at the most in any one service. This rule alone tended to extinguish the disorderly exhibition of" tongues." To control the passion which leads to it is, sooner or later, to stop the manifestation—a result which St. Paul would probably have been the last to regret, when its purpose had been accomplished. read more

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