1 Corinthians 14:33

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

As in all the congregations of God’s people,

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 14:33 declares a foundational truth about God's character, asserting that He is not the source of chaos or disorder, but rather the author of peace and harmony. This principle is not confined to the Corinthian context but is presented as a universal standard for the conduct and atmosphere of all Christian assemblies, emphasizing that divine presence fosters tranquility and edification, not confusion or tumult.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Paul's extensive discussion on spiritual gifts in [1 Corinthians 12-14](/1-corinthians/12-14 "1 Corinthians 12-14 - Spiritual Gifts and Orderly Worship"). The Corinthian church was enthusiastic in exercising gifts like speaking in tongues and prophecy, but often without proper order, interpretation, or consideration for others, leading to significant disruption and confusion during their gatherings. Paul's preceding instructions in [1 Corinthians 14:26-32](/1-corinthians/14-26-32 "1 Corinthians 14:26-32 - Guidelines for Prophecy and Tongues") provide specific guidelines for the orderly use of tongues and prophecy, ensuring that everything contributes to the [edification of the church](/1-corinthians/14-26 "1 Corinthians 14:26 - Edification of the Church"). Verse 33 serves as a theological grounding and overarching principle for these practical regulations, stating that the very nature of God demands order, not chaos, in His worship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, known for its diverse religious practices, philosophical schools, and often, moral laxity. The early Christian community there, composed of both Jews and Gentiles, brought various cultural backgrounds and understandings of worship into the church. Some pagan cults involved ecstatic, disorderly rituals, which might have influenced the Corinthian believers' approach to spiritual manifestations. Furthermore, the nascent church lacked established traditions and clear guidelines for corporate worship, making Paul's apostolic instruction crucial. The internal strife and divisions Paul addresses throughout [1 Corinthians](/1-corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians - Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians") (e.g., factions, lawsuits, misuse of the Lord's Supper) underscore a broader problem of disorder and immaturity that extended beyond the exercise of spiritual gifts.

* **Key Themes:** First Corinthians 14:33 contributes significantly to several key themes within [Paul's first letter to the Corinthians](/1-corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians - Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians"). Firstly, it underscores the **character of God** as inherently orderly and peaceful, a stark contrast to the chaotic practices Paul observed. This divine nature serves as the ultimate standard for all Christian conduct and worship. Secondly, the verse highlights the critical importance of **order and decency in corporate worship**, emphasizing that church gatherings should reflect God's character and be conducive to spiritual growth, not confusion. Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of **edification**, as orderly worship allows for clearer teaching and greater spiritual benefit for all participants, in line with Paul's directive for all things to be done for the [building up of the church](/1-corinthians/14-12 "1 Corinthians 14:12 - Building Up the Church"). Finally, the phrase "as in all churches of the saints" establishes the **universality** of this principle, indicating that the need for order and peace is not unique to Corinth but is a foundational expectation for all Christian communities.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **confusion (Greek, _akatastasía'_):** This term, derived from _akatastatos_ (unstable, restless), signifies instability, disorder, disturbance, or tumult. It describes a state of restless commotion, anarchy, or even a violent uprising. In the context of 1 Corinthians 14, it vividly portrays the chaotic and unedifying atmosphere that resulted from the disorderly exercise of spiritual gifts, where multiple people might be speaking at once without interpretation or proper turn-taking.
* **peace (Greek, _eirḗnē'_):** Originating from a verb meaning "to join," _eirḗnē_ denotes a state of tranquility, harmony, and well-being. It implies the absence of strife and the presence of wholeness, order, and concord. In biblical usage, it often encompasses not just the cessation of conflict but a positive state of flourishing and right relationship. Paul contrasts this divine attribute directly with "confusion," presenting it as the desired and natural outcome of God's presence and work.
* **churches (Greek, _ekklēsía'_):** This word literally means "a calling out" and refers to a popular assembly or, specifically in the New Testament, a religious congregation. It can denote a local assembly of believers, the universal body of Christ, or even the assembly of saints in heaven. Here, "all churches of the saints" emphasizes the universal application of the principle of order and peace, indicating that this is God's expectation for every Christian community, not just a specific rule for Corinth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For God is not [the author] of confusion":** This opening clause establishes a profound theological truth about the very nature of God. Paul asserts that God, by His inherent character and design, is utterly opposed to chaos, disorder, or tumult. The parenthetical "the author" is supplied in English translations to clarify that God is not the source, instigator, or producer of such disarray. Instead, any confusion present in worship or Christian life stems from human failing, misunderstanding, or disobedience, not from divine prompting.
* **"but of peace":** In direct antithesis to confusion, God's nature is fundamentally characterized by peace. This peace (Greek _eirḗnē_) encompasses not merely the absence of strife but a positive state of harmony, order, and well-being. It implies that God's presence and work naturally bring about tranquility, coherence, and a sense of divine arrangement. This clause provides the positive standard against which the Corinthian practices are measured and found wanting.
* **"as in all churches of the saints":** This concluding phrase broadens the scope of the preceding declaration, transforming it from a specific corrective for Corinth into a universal principle for all Christian communities. The "saints" (Greek _hágios_) refers to those set apart by God, His holy people. Paul indicates that the orderly, peaceful atmosphere reflective of God's character is not an optional preference but a consistent expectation for every assembly of believers, everywhere. It underscores the unity and common standard expected across the nascent Christian movement.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several effective **literary devices** in 1 Corinthians 14:33 to convey his message with clarity and force. The most prominent is **antithesis**, directly contrasting "confusion" (Greek _akatastasía_) with "peace" (Greek _eirḗnē_). This stark opposition highlights the two mutually exclusive states and unequivocally positions God as the source of one and not the other. By presenting these opposing concepts, Paul emphasizes the desired atmosphere of Christian worship and the nature of God Himself. Furthermore, there is an element of **metonymy** in the phrase "God is not the author of confusion," where "author" stands in for "source" or "originator." This implies that confusion does not proceed from God's character or will. Finally, Paul uses **universalization** by extending the principle "as in all churches of the saints." This device elevates the specific instruction for Corinth into a timeless and global truth, establishing a normative standard for Christian assemblies across all times and places, reinforcing the unity of practice expected among believers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound theological truth embedded in 1 Corinthians 14:33 is that God's very being is characterized by order and peace, not chaos or disarray. This revelation of God's nature has immense implications for how believers ought to conduct themselves, both individually and corporately. If God is a God of peace, then His presence in a gathering should naturally foster harmony, clarity, and constructive interaction, rather than competition or confusion. This principle extends beyond the immediate context of spiritual gifts to encompass all aspects of church life, including leadership, decision-making, and interpersonal relationships. It suggests that true spirituality, guided by the Holy Spirit, will always align with divine order, leading to edification and not disruption.

* [Romans 15:33](/romans/15-33 "Romans 15:33 - The God of Peace") – "Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen."
* [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God") – "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
* [Colossians 3:15](/colossians/3-15 "Colossians 3:15 - Let the Peace of Christ Rule") – "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Corinthians 14:33 serves as a timeless guiding principle for the church and individual believers, reminding us that our gatherings and lives should reflect the orderly and peaceful character of God. In an often chaotic world, the church is called to be a beacon of divine order and harmony, providing a counter-cultural witness to God's nature. This means that worship services should be conducted with reverence, intentionality, and a focus on edification, allowing for the Holy Spirit's movement without devolving into disarray. It calls for thoughtful planning, respectful participation, and a spirit of unity that prioritizes the common good over individual expression. Beyond corporate worship, this verse challenges believers to embody God's peace in their personal lives, relationships, and decision-making. Just as God is not the author of confusion, Christians are called to be agents of peace, clarity, and reconciliation in their homes, workplaces, and communities, seeking to bring order out of chaos and harmony out of discord. When faced with choices, we should consider whether our actions will lead to peace and clarity or to confusion and division, trusting that God's will ultimately brings a profound sense of tranquility to our hearts and circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do my personal actions and attitudes contribute to either peace or confusion in my relationships and environment?**
* **How can our church community more intentionally cultivate an atmosphere of peace and order that genuinely reflects God's character during our gatherings?**
* **When faced with internal or external chaos, how does remembering that "God is not the author of confusion, but of peace" influence my response and trust in His sovereignty?**

### FAQ
**Does "confusion" in this verse refer only to the misuse of spiritual gifts, or does it have broader implications for church life?**

Answer: While the immediate literary context of [1 Corinthians 14](/1-corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Orderly Worship") specifically addresses the disorderly exercise of spiritual gifts like tongues and prophecy, the principle articulated in [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1-corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God of Peace, Not Confusion") is foundational and extends beyond this specific issue. Paul states that God's nature is "of peace, as in all churches of the saints," indicating a universal standard for all aspects of Christian assembly and life. This means that any form of disorder, whether in worship, church governance, interpersonal relationships, or even personal conduct, is contrary to God's character. The verse calls for an overall atmosphere of peace, order, and edification in everything the church does, reflecting the very nature of the God they worship.

**Is this verse a command for rigid uniformity in worship or a suppression of spontaneous spiritual expression?**

Answer: No, [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1-corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God of Peace, Not Confusion") is not a call for rigid uniformity or the suppression of genuine spiritual expression. Rather, it is a call for order, decency, and edification within the context of spiritual freedom. Paul's preceding instructions in [1 Corinthians 14:26-32](/1-corinthians/14-26-32 "1 Corinthians 14:26-32 - Guidelines for Prophecy and Tongues") provide guidelines that allow for multiple expressions of gifts (e.g., two or three prophets speaking in turn), but always with the caveat that they be done "decently and in order" ([1 Corinthians 14:40](/1-corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Let All Things Be Done Decently and in Order")). The goal is not to stifle the Holy Spirit, but to ensure that His work brings clarity and building up, not chaos or confusion that would hinder understanding or discredit the gospel to outsiders. It emphasizes that true spiritual vitality is compatible with, and indeed enhanced by, divine order.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Corinthians 14:33, declaring God as the author of peace and not confusion, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of divine peace, heralded as the [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace") in Old Testament prophecy. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ established peace between God and humanity, enabling us to have [peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace Through Christ"). Furthermore, Jesus Himself promised His disciples, "Peace I leave with you, [my peace I give unto you](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Gift of Peace")" (John 14:27), indicating that the tranquility and order inherent in God's nature are freely bestowed upon His followers. The Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent, is also the [Spirit of peace and order](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - Fruit of the Spirit"), manifesting the fruit of peace and guiding the church into truth and harmony. As the [head of the church](/ephesians/5-23 "Ephesians 5:23 - Christ, Head of the Church"), Christ desires His body to reflect His own character of peace and order to a watching world, demonstrating that the divine presence brings coherence and not chaos, unity and not division. Thus, the call for peace and order in the church is fundamentally a call to live out the reality of Christ's reign and the Spirit's work within us.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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,