Ordered worship
1 Corinthians 14:26-40
26 What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. 28 If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God.
29 Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. 30 And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. 31 For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. 32 The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. 33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.
34 Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. 35 If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.
36 Or did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? 37 If anyone thinks they are a prophet or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. 38 But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored.
39 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
In this passage we see that the church of Corinth had become a pretty chaotic place, with people speaking over each other and not listening to each other. In particular, three key groups of people were using their God-given gifts out of turn, so that rather than building each other up, these gifts were creating confusion.
- Those who speak in tongues. When tongues are spoken publicly, before the congregation, this needs to be interpreted. If there is no one who can interpret, the speaker should remain silent.
- Those who prophecy. Prophecies are God-given messages for the instruction and encouragement of others. Therefore, each should take their turn when they prophecy, listening to each other before speaking.
- Women. I think the ‘Message’ version of this part of the passage is particularly telling – women are instructed to not disrupt worship by talking through it, to keep their questions for an appropriate time.
In the church in Corinth, it seems these three groups of people were contributing in specific ways to an atmosphere of chaos and confusion, and so Paul specifically addresses them. But it is also clear that all three of these groups of people have key roles to play in the church and Paul finished by encouraging them to continue to use their spiritual gifts, but to do so in a way that builds up the church. For our God is a God of peace and order, and therefore so is His house of worship.
Lord, thank you for the peace that order brings. Thank you that you are a giver of good, miraculous gifts. Help us to be good stewards of these gifts, using them for their intended purpose – to build and encourage each other as members of your church.
Written by Rhiannon Mellor