1 Corinthians 14:24

But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or [one] unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

But {G1161} if {G1437} all {G3956} prophesy {G4395}, and {G1161} there come in {G1525} one {G5100} that believeth not {G571}, or {G2228} one unlearned {G2399}, he is convinced {G1651} of {G5259} all {G3956}, he is judged {G350} of {G5259} all {G3956}:

But if you all prophesy, and some unbeliever or uninstructed person enters, he is convicted of sin by all, he is brought under judgment by all,

But if an unbeliever or uninstructed person comes in while everyone is prophesying, he will be convicted and called to account by all,

But if all prophesy, and there come in one unbelieving or unlearned, he is reproved by all, he is judged by all;

Commentary

1 Corinthians 14:24 is a pivotal verse in Paul’s discussion on spiritual gifts, particularly distinguishing between tongues and prophecy in public worship. Here, Paul highlights the transformative power of prophecy when exercised clearly and orderly, demonstrating its profound impact on those new to the faith or unfamiliar with Christian teaching.

Context

This verse is situated within Paul's lengthy instructions to the Corinthian church concerning the proper use and prioritization of spiritual gifts in corporate gatherings (1 Corinthians chapters 12-14). The Corinthians were enthusiastic in their exercise of gifts, but often lacked order and an understanding of how these gifts should serve the entire body and outsiders. Paul’s overarching concern is the edification of the church. While uninterpreted tongues might lead an unbeliever to conclude the church is mad (1 Corinthians 14:23), prophecy, as the clear speaking of God's truth, has an entirely different, positive effect. Paul has already established that prophecy is for edification, exhortation, and comfort.

Key Themes

  • Clarity and Understanding: Unlike uninterpreted tongues, prophecy communicates God's truth in a way that is directly understandable. This clarity is essential for spiritual impact and evangelism.
  • Divine Conviction: When God's word is proclaimed, it has the power to penetrate the human heart, revealing inner thoughts, motives, and sins. This conviction is not merely condemnation but a divine exposure that leads to truth.
  • Evangelistic Effectiveness: Orderly and powerful prophecy serves as a compelling witness to unbelievers and the unlearned, demonstrating the living presence and knowledge of God within the Christian assembly.
  • Orderly Worship: This verse reinforces Paul's emphasis on worship that is accessible, meaningful, and beneficial for all attendees, including those new to or outside the faith.

Linguistic Insights

The term "prophesy" (Greek: prophēteuō - προφητεύω) in this context refers to speaking forth God's message, which includes declaring divine truth, exhortation, instruction, or comfort, not solely predicting the future. The "unlearned" (Greek: idiōtēs - ἰδιώτης) describes someone who is a "layman" or "uninitiated," an outsider who is unfamiliar with Christian teachings or practices, rather than someone unintelligent. The word "convinced" (Greek: elenkhetai - ἐλέγχεται) implies being exposed, rebuked, or proven guilty, often leading to a recognition of truth or personal sin. "Judged" (Greek: anakrinetai - ἀνακρίνεται) means to be examined, discerned, or brought to light, indicating that the prophetic word brings a thorough revelation of one's inner state.

Practical Application

This passage offers vital guidance for contemporary church gatherings. It underscores the importance of clear, understandable communication of God's Word in sermons, teachings, and testimonies. When the truth of the Gospel is presented powerfully and accessibly, it has the capacity to transcend cultural and intellectual barriers, piercing hearts and revealing hidden realities. This makes church services not only places of spiritual growth for believers but also powerful environments for evangelism, where the presence of God can lead unbelievers to fall down and worship God, confessing that He is truly among them.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hebrews 4:12

    For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

  • Hebrews 4:13

    Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things [are] naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

  • Acts 2:37

    ¶ Now when they heard [this], they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men [and] brethren, what shall we do?

  • 1 Corinthians 2:15

    But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

  • John 1:47

    Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!

  • John 1:49

    Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.

  • John 4:29

    Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?
← Back