1 Corinthians 14:33

For God is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

For {G1063} God {G2316} is {G2076} not {G3756} the author of confusion {G181}, but {G235} of peace {G1515}, as {G5613} in {G1722} all {G3956} churches {G1577} of the saints {G40}.

for God is not a God of unruliness but of shalom.

As in all the congregations of God’s people,

For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace—as in all the churches of the saints.

for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,

Context of 1 Corinthians 14:33

This verse is situated within a larger discussion in 1 Corinthians Chapters 12-14, where the Apostle Paul addresses the proper use of spiritual gifts within the Corinthian church. The believers in Corinth were passionately exercising gifts like speaking in tongues and prophecy, but often in a disorderly fashion, leading to confusion and chaos during their worship gatherings. Paul's aim is to guide them towards an orderly and edifying use of these gifts, ensuring that all things are done for the building up of the church, rather than causing disruption.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Character of Peace: The foundational truth is that God Himself is not the source of disorder or pandemonium. His nature is one of peace, harmony, and order. This is a direct contrast to the chaotic practices Paul observed in Corinth.
  • Orderly Worship: This verse strongly emphasizes the importance of order and decency in Christian worship and church meetings. The presence of God should bring peace, not confusion, to a gathering of believers.
  • Universal Principle: The phrase "as in all churches of the saints" highlights that this principle of order and peace is not unique to Corinth but is a universal standard for all Christian assemblies throughout history. It underscores the unity of practice expected among believers.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated as "confusion" is akatastasia (ἀκαταστασία), which means disorder, instability, disturbance, or even tumult. It describes a state of restless commotion or anarchy. This stands in stark opposition to eirēnē (εἰρήνη), or "peace," which signifies a state of tranquility, harmony, and well-being. Paul uses these terms to vividly contrast the disorderly behavior in Corinth with the inherent nature of God and the desired atmosphere of Christian worship.

Practical Application

1 Corinthians 14:33 remains highly relevant for the church today. It serves as a guiding principle for all aspects of church life and personal conduct:

  • Church Services: It calls for worship services to be conducted with reverence, order, and a focus on edification, allowing for the Holy Spirit to move without creating disarray. This includes respectful participation, clear communication, and thoughtful planning.
  • Personal Life: Believers are encouraged to reflect God's character of peace in their own lives, relationships, and decisions. Just as God is not the author of confusion, Christians should strive to be agents of peace and order in a chaotic world.
  • Decision-Making: When facing choices, both individually and corporately, this verse prompts us to consider whether our actions will lead to peace and clarity or to confusion and division. God's will often brings a sense of peace to our hearts.

Ultimately, this verse reminds us that the divine presence fosters harmony, not chaos, and that our gatherings as believers should be a clear testimony to the orderly and peaceful nature of God.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • James 3:17

    But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

  • James 3:18

    And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:40

    Let all things be done decently and in order.

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:16

    ¶ Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord [be] with you all.

  • Galatians 5:22

    But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

  • 1 Corinthians 11:16

    But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

  • Hebrews 13:20

    Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

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