1 Corinthians 14:29-31

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 14:29

Let the prophets speak, two or three ,.... The apostle having finished the rules for streaking with an unknown tongue, proceeds to lay down some for the gift of prophesying; and observes, that where there are a number of prophets, as very likely there were in the church at Corinth, two or three of them might prophesy, or explain the prophecies of the Old Testament, or preach the Gospel at one opportunity or meeting: he does not use that restrictive clause, "at most", as before, because if... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 14:30

If anything be revealed to another that sitteth by ,.... To another prophet that sits, and hears, and tries, and judges what he hears; if he has a clearer revelation made to him of what the other is speaking of, and has a more distinct knowledge of it, and is capable of removing any difficulty that attends it, and of expressing it more plainly, and of proving it more largely, and of setting it in an easier light to the understandings of men: let the first hold his peace ; be that was... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 14:31

For ye may all prophesy one by one ,.... Not every member of the church, but everyone that had the gift of prophecy; so that they were not confined to two or three prophets at a meeting, but as many as would, or as had anything to deliver, and as time would allow; only care must be taken that confusion be avoided, and order preserved by exercising in turns one after another. This was agreeably to the custom of the Jewish synagogue, in which more might read and speak, though but one at a... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 14:29

Let the prophets - Those who have the gift of speaking to men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort; 1 Corinthians 14:3 . Two or three - As prophesying implied psalmody, teaching, and exhortation, Dr. Lightfoot thinks that the meaning of the place is this: Let one sing who has a psalm; let another teach who has a doctrine; and let a third exhort, or comfort, who has a gift of that kind. And let the other judge - The other prophets, or qualified persons, judge of the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 14:30

Be revealed to another that sitteth by - Probably those who were teachers sat on a particular seat, or place, from which they might most readily address the people; and this may be the meaning of sitting by. If such a person could say, I have just received a particular revelation from God, then let him have the liberty immediately to speak it; as it might possibly relate to the circumstances of that time and place. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 14:31

For ye may all prophesy one by one - The gifts which God grants are given for the purpose of edification; but there can be no edification where there is confusion; therefore let them speak one by one. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 14:29

Verse 29 29.Prophets, two or three. As to prophecy, too, he prescribes limits, because “multitude,” as they commonly say, “breeds confusion.” This is true, for we know it by every day’s experience. He does not, however, restrict the number so definitely, as when he was treating of tongues, for there is less danger, in the event of their applying themselves for a longer time to prophesyings, nay more, continued application would be the most desirable thing of all; but Paul considered what the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 14:30

Verse 30 30.But if anything be revealed to another. Here is another advantage — that whenever there will be occasion, the way will also be open to them. (866) Hence they have no longer any occasion to complain, that the Spirit is bound, or that his mouth is shut. For all have opportunity and liberty allowed them of speaking, when there is occasion for it, provided only no one unseasonably intrudes — having it in view to please himself, rather than to serve some useful purpose. Now he requires... read more

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