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1 Corinthians 14:31
Verse
Context
Sermons
Shane Idleman
Sandeep Poonen
G.W. North
Zac PoonenZac PoonenSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For ye may--rather, "For ye can [if ye will] all prophesy one by one," giving way to one another. The "for" justifies the precept (Co1 14:30), "let the first hold his peace."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. Meaning either that the doctrines which the prophets deliver, the explanations they give of passages of Scriptures, the revelations they declare, are subject to the examination, judgment, and censure of other prophets; who have a right to try and judge them, either according to a more clear revelation they may have, or rather according to the sure word of prophecy, the Scriptures of truth; and indeed they are subject to the trial and judgment of the whole church, and therefore ought not to be stiff in their own sentiments, and obstinately persist in them, but cheerfully and readily submit them to be examined, and approved or disapproved by others; and particularly when one that sits by signifies he has something revealed to him, which will better explain, or give further light into what the speaker is upon, he ought to submit and give way to him; and thereby truth may be made manifest and established, instruction, edification, and comfort promoted, and peace and order preserved: or else the sense is, that the spiritual gifts of the prophets, and the inspirations and instincts by which they are acted, and the affections which are excited in them, are subject to themselves, so that they can use, or not use those gifts; though they have the word of the Lord they can forbear speaking, as Jeremy did, for a while, and as the case of Jonah shows; or they can refrain themselves and be silent, and wait till they have proper opportunity of speaking, being not like the prophets of false gods, who are acted by an evil spirit, and observe no order or decorum, but with a sort of fury and madness deliver involuntarily what is suggested to them: but such is not the case of true prophets that are influenced and directed by the Spirit of God, who will give way to one another; one will be silent while the other speaks, and by turns prophesy one after another; and where there is not such a subjection, it is a sign that the Spirit of God is not in them, for the reason that follows. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. Meaning either that the doctrines which the prophets deliver, the explanations they give of passages of Scriptures, the revelations they declare, are subject to the examination, judgment, and censure of other prophets; who have a right to try and judge them, either according to a more clear revelation they may have, or rather according to the sure word of prophecy, the Scriptures of truth; and indeed they are subject to the trial and judgment of the whole church, and therefore ought not to be stiff in their own sentiments, and obstinately persist in them, but cheerfully and readily submit them to be examined, and approved or disapproved by others; and particularly when one that sits by signifies he has something revealed to him, which will better explain, or give further light into what the speaker is upon, he ought to submit and give way to him; and thereby truth may be made manifest and established, instruction, edification, and comfort promoted, and peace and order preserved: or else the sense is, that the spiritual gifts of the prophets, and the inspirations and instincts by which they are acted, and the affections which are excited in them, are subject to themselves, so that they can use, or not use those gifts; though they have the word of the Lord they can forbear speaking, as Jeremy did, for a while, and as the case of Jonah shows; or they can refrain themselves and be silent, and wait till they have proper opportunity of speaking, being not like the prophets of false gods, who are acted by an evil spirit, and observe no order or decorum, but with a sort of fury and madness deliver involuntarily what is suggested to them: but such is not the case of true prophets that are influenced and directed by the Spirit of God, who will give way to one another; one will be silent while the other speaks, and by turns prophesy one after another; and where there is not such a subjection, it is a sign that the Spirit of God is not in them, for the reason that follows. 1 Corinthians 14:33 co1 14:33 co1 14:33 co1 14:33For God is not the author of confusion,.... Or disorder, or "tumult", as the Syriac renders it; wherefore he does not inspire and excite his prophets to deliver themselves in a disorderly and tumultuous manner, so as to break in one upon another; but when one speaks, the other is silent, or when one has anything revealed to him, and he signifies it in a proper manner, the other stops and gives way to him, and when he has done another succeeds, and so the rest in order, till the whole opportunity is filled up in an orderly and edifying manner; and whatever is contrary to, or breaks in upon such a method, God is not the author of: for he is the author of peace, harmony, unity, and concord among his prophets and teachers, and so of order, for the former cannot be without the latter; where there is no order in the ministry, there can be no peace among the ministers, nor comfort in the churches; but God is the God of peace, he calls for, requires, disposes, and approves of peace and order among all his people: as in all churches of the saints. The Vulgate Latin reads, "as I teach in all", &c. and so read some copies, and may refer to all that is said before; and the sense be, that all the rules he had prescribed concerning speaking with tongues, and prophesying, were not new ones, but such as he had directed to be observed in all churches he was concerned with, and which consisted of holy and good men; or God is the author, not of confusion, but of peace in all the churches; he orders and disposes peace among them, and they attend to it: peace and order, and not confusion and tumult, prevail in all churches that deserve to be called churches of the saints, and therefore were in this to be imitated by the church at Corinth.
1 Corinthians 14:31
Orderly Worship
30And if a revelation comes to someone who is seated, the first speaker should stop.31For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.32The spirits of prophets are subject to prophets.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Clip) What Is a Prophetic Word? Are They for Today?
By Shane Idleman85410:461CO 12:71CO 14:31CO 14:291CO 14:311CO 14:39EPH 4:111TH 5:201JN 4:1
This sermon discusses the role of prophetic words in the church, emphasizing the importance of genuine messages from God that edify, encourage, and align with Scripture. It explores the cautious yet open approach to receiving prophetic words, highlighting instances where God used individuals to speak into others' lives for healing and guidance. The sermon encourages a healthy balance of discernment and openness to the Holy Spirit's leading in prophetic ministry within the church.
London Question Answer
By Sandeep Poonen5671:18:001CO 14:31
This sermon discusses the importance of encouraging and fellowshipping with individuals of the opposite sex within the context of spiritual growth and prophecy. It emphasizes the need for both men and women to participate in prophesying and supporting one another, while also acknowledging the delicate nature of relationships between men and women. The sermon highlights the role of spiritual guidance in gently restoring and drawing individuals closer to God, promoting a deep devotion to Jesus as the foundation for genuine fellowship. Additionally, it touches on the concept of church leadership and the importance of allowing spiritual growth and maturity to develop before establishing formal structures.
(Through the Bible) 1 Corinthians - Part 2
By Zac Poonen53757:231CO 6:181CO 7:21CO 9:241CO 12:121CO 13:41CO 14:51CO 14:271CO 14:311CO 15:421CO 16:14
This sermon delves into the importance of understanding and applying the teachings from 1 Corinthians, emphasizing the need to overcome temptations, maintain purity in relationships, and operate in the gifts of the Holy Spirit within the context of love and unity in the body of Christ. It highlights the significance of running away from immorality, the purpose of marriage as a protection, the need for self-control and faithfulness, the value of surrendering individual gifts for the benefit of the church, and the essential role of love in all aspects of Christian life and ministry.
The Gift of Prophecy
By G.W. North0Edification of the ChurchThe Gift of ProphecyPRO 9:1JOL 2:28ACT 2:17ROM 12:61CO 12:71CO 14:11CO 14:31EPH 4:111TH 5:201PE 4:11G.W. North emphasizes the paramount importance of the gift of Prophecy in the Church, asserting that it is the highest of spiritual gifts as indicated by the Apostle Paul. He explains that Prophecy serves as the foundational stream from which other gifts like Wisdom and Knowledge flow, and that it is essential for the edification of the Church. North argues that all believers are encouraged to prophesy, making it a common and vital practice during gatherings for worship. He highlights that the purpose of Prophecy is to build up the Church through words of comfort, guidance, and instruction. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a recognition of the significance of Prophecy in the life of the Church.
(The Full Gospel) 22. the Ministry of Melchizedek
By Zac Poonen0GEN 14:14GEN 14:22ISA 45:15LUK 10:20ACT 2:171CO 14:31HEB 7:17Zac Poonen preaches on the priesthood of Melchizedek, emphasizing the importance of quietly blessing others without seeking recognition or honor. He highlights how Melchizedek met Abraham's needs with a prophetic word and practical help, guiding him away from pride and covetousness. Poonen encourages believers to offer sacrifices in secret, stay connected to God, and prophesy with care and concern for others, seeking no personal reputation. He stresses the equality in ministry, urging individuals to be content with anonymity and to rejoice in what God has done for them rather than in their own accomplishments.
The Ministry of Melchizedek
By Zac Poonen0GEN 14:14GEN 14:22PRO 11:2MAT 6:1ACT 2:171CO 14:31HEB 7:17JAS 4:101PE 2:9Zac Poonen preaches on the priesthood of Melchizedek, highlighting how Melchizedek knew God intimately and blessed Abraham with a prophetic word that saved him from pride and covetousness. Melchizedek's quiet ministry of meeting needs without seeking honor or publicity is a model for believers to follow. As high priests after the order of Melchizedek, believers are called to quietly bless others and prophesy with the right word in every meeting, having offered sacrifices to God in secret and keeping a clear conscience.
Truly, Thou Art a God Who Hides Thyself
By Zac Poonen0GEN 14:14ISA 45:15ACT 2:171CO 14:31HEB 7:17Zac Poonen preaches on the characteristic of God's nature to work without seeking recognition, using the example of Melchizedek who quietly blessed Abraham without seeking any credit. He emphasizes the importance of serving others selflessly, providing for their needs spiritually and practically, and then disappearing without seeking honor or publicity. Poonen encourages believers to prophesy like Melchizedek by being priests who offer sacrifices in secret, keep a clear conscience, and have a genuine concern for the welfare of others, without desiring personal reputation or recognition.
Epistle 275
By George Fox0GEN 26:15JOL 2:28JHN 4:6JHN 16:13ACT 7:51ROM 10:101CO 14:312CO 10:141TH 5:20HEB 6:201PE 2:9George Fox emphasizes the importance of not quenching the spirit of God within oneself or in others, as it can lead to spiritual deadness and questioning due to false fear. He urges obedience to the power of the Lord and His spiritual weapons to combat hindrances. Fox encourages believers to embrace the prophetic spirit, allowing everyone to offer spiritual sacrifices and declare God's truths. He highlights the significance of feeling the Holy Spirit, building upon Christ as the foundation, and laboring in God's vineyard with heavenly treasures as rewards for those who diligently serve.
1 Corinthians 14:20
By St. John Chrysostom0PSA 71:7PSA 86:17DAN 2:47ACT 8:201CO 11:221CO 14:261CO 14:291CO 14:311CO 14:331TI 6:9John Chrysostom delivers a sermon urging the congregation to maintain order and reverence in the church, emphasizing the importance of edifying one another through spiritual gifts like prophecy and tongues. He highlights the need for humility and self-control, rebuking those who disrupt the church with worldly conversations and distractions. Chrysostom contrasts the true value of spiritual gifts like prophecy, which edify and bring peace, with the superficiality of seeking after material wealth and indulging in vain pursuits. He calls for a return to the reverence and unity of the early Church, where all things were done for the edification of the body of believers and the glory of God.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For ye may--rather, "For ye can [if ye will] all prophesy one by one," giving way to one another. The "for" justifies the precept (Co1 14:30), "let the first hold his peace."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. Meaning either that the doctrines which the prophets deliver, the explanations they give of passages of Scriptures, the revelations they declare, are subject to the examination, judgment, and censure of other prophets; who have a right to try and judge them, either according to a more clear revelation they may have, or rather according to the sure word of prophecy, the Scriptures of truth; and indeed they are subject to the trial and judgment of the whole church, and therefore ought not to be stiff in their own sentiments, and obstinately persist in them, but cheerfully and readily submit them to be examined, and approved or disapproved by others; and particularly when one that sits by signifies he has something revealed to him, which will better explain, or give further light into what the speaker is upon, he ought to submit and give way to him; and thereby truth may be made manifest and established, instruction, edification, and comfort promoted, and peace and order preserved: or else the sense is, that the spiritual gifts of the prophets, and the inspirations and instincts by which they are acted, and the affections which are excited in them, are subject to themselves, so that they can use, or not use those gifts; though they have the word of the Lord they can forbear speaking, as Jeremy did, for a while, and as the case of Jonah shows; or they can refrain themselves and be silent, and wait till they have proper opportunity of speaking, being not like the prophets of false gods, who are acted by an evil spirit, and observe no order or decorum, but with a sort of fury and madness deliver involuntarily what is suggested to them: but such is not the case of true prophets that are influenced and directed by the Spirit of God, who will give way to one another; one will be silent while the other speaks, and by turns prophesy one after another; and where there is not such a subjection, it is a sign that the Spirit of God is not in them, for the reason that follows. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. Meaning either that the doctrines which the prophets deliver, the explanations they give of passages of Scriptures, the revelations they declare, are subject to the examination, judgment, and censure of other prophets; who have a right to try and judge them, either according to a more clear revelation they may have, or rather according to the sure word of prophecy, the Scriptures of truth; and indeed they are subject to the trial and judgment of the whole church, and therefore ought not to be stiff in their own sentiments, and obstinately persist in them, but cheerfully and readily submit them to be examined, and approved or disapproved by others; and particularly when one that sits by signifies he has something revealed to him, which will better explain, or give further light into what the speaker is upon, he ought to submit and give way to him; and thereby truth may be made manifest and established, instruction, edification, and comfort promoted, and peace and order preserved: or else the sense is, that the spiritual gifts of the prophets, and the inspirations and instincts by which they are acted, and the affections which are excited in them, are subject to themselves, so that they can use, or not use those gifts; though they have the word of the Lord they can forbear speaking, as Jeremy did, for a while, and as the case of Jonah shows; or they can refrain themselves and be silent, and wait till they have proper opportunity of speaking, being not like the prophets of false gods, who are acted by an evil spirit, and observe no order or decorum, but with a sort of fury and madness deliver involuntarily what is suggested to them: but such is not the case of true prophets that are influenced and directed by the Spirit of God, who will give way to one another; one will be silent while the other speaks, and by turns prophesy one after another; and where there is not such a subjection, it is a sign that the Spirit of God is not in them, for the reason that follows. 1 Corinthians 14:33 co1 14:33 co1 14:33 co1 14:33For God is not the author of confusion,.... Or disorder, or "tumult", as the Syriac renders it; wherefore he does not inspire and excite his prophets to deliver themselves in a disorderly and tumultuous manner, so as to break in one upon another; but when one speaks, the other is silent, or when one has anything revealed to him, and he signifies it in a proper manner, the other stops and gives way to him, and when he has done another succeeds, and so the rest in order, till the whole opportunity is filled up in an orderly and edifying manner; and whatever is contrary to, or breaks in upon such a method, God is not the author of: for he is the author of peace, harmony, unity, and concord among his prophets and teachers, and so of order, for the former cannot be without the latter; where there is no order in the ministry, there can be no peace among the ministers, nor comfort in the churches; but God is the God of peace, he calls for, requires, disposes, and approves of peace and order among all his people: as in all churches of the saints. The Vulgate Latin reads, "as I teach in all", &c. and so read some copies, and may refer to all that is said before; and the sense be, that all the rules he had prescribed concerning speaking with tongues, and prophesying, were not new ones, but such as he had directed to be observed in all churches he was concerned with, and which consisted of holy and good men; or God is the author, not of confusion, but of peace in all the churches; he orders and disposes peace among them, and they attend to it: peace and order, and not confusion and tumult, prevail in all churches that deserve to be called churches of the saints, and therefore were in this to be imitated by the church at Corinth.