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Commentary on 1 Corinthians 14 verses 36–40
In these verses the apostle closes his argument, 1. With a just rebuke of the Corinthians for their extravagant pride and self-conceit: they so managed with their spiritual gifts as no church did like them; they behaved in a manner by themselves, and would not easily endure control nor regulation. Now, says the apostle, to beat down this arrogant humour, "Came the gospel out from you? Or came it to you only? Co1 14:36. Did Christianity come our of Corinth? was its original among you? Or, if not, is it now limited and confined to you? are you the only church favoured with divine revelations, that you will depart from the decent usages of all other churches, and, to make ostentation of your spiritual gifts, bring confusion into Christian assemblies? How intolerably assuming is this behaviour! Pray bethink yourselves." When it was needful or proper the apostle could rebuke with all authority; and surely his rebukes, if ever, were proper here. Note, Those must be reproved and humbled whose spiritual pride and self-conceit throw Christian churches and assemblies into confusion, though such men will hardly bear even the rebukes of an apostle. 2. He lets them know that what he said to them was the command of God; nor durst any true prophet, any one really inspired, deny it (Co1 14:37): "If any man think himself a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge, etc., nay, let him be tried by this very rule. If he will not own what I deliver on this head to be the will of Christ, he himself never had the Spirit of Christ. The Spirit of Christ can never contradict itself; if it speak in me, and in them, it must speak the same things in both. If their revelations contradict mine, they do not come from the same Spirit; either I or they must be false prophets. By this therefore you may know them. If they say that my directions in this matter are no divine commandments, you may depend upon it they are not divinely inspired. But if any continue after all, through prejudice or obstinacy, uncertain or ignorant whether they or I speak by the Spirit of God, they must be left under the power of this ignorance. If their pretences to inspiration can stand in competition with the apostolical character and powers which I have, I have lost all my authority and influence; and the persons who allow of this competition against me are out of the reach of conviction, and must be left to themselves." Note, It is just with God to leave those to the blindness of their own minds who wilfully shut out the light. Those who would be ignorant in so plain a case were justly left under the power of their mistake. 3. He sums up all in two general advices: - (1.) That though they should not despise the gift of tongues, nor altogether disuse it, under the regulations mentioned, yet they should prefer prophesying. This is indeed the scope of the whole argument. It was to be preferred to the other, because it was the more useful gift. (2.) He charges them to let all things be done decently and in order (Co1 14:40), that is, that they should avoid every thing that was manifestly indecent and disorderly. Not that they should hence take occasion to bring into the Christian church and worship any thing that a vain mind might think ornamental to it, or that would help to set it off. Such indecencies and disorders as he had remarked upon were especially to be shunned. They must do nothing that was manifestly childish (Co1 14:20), or that would give occasion to say they were mad (Co1 14:23), nor must they act so as to breed confusion, Co1 14:33. This would be utterly indecent; it would make a tumult and mob of a Christian assembly. But they were to do things in order; they were to speak one after another, and not all at once; take their turns, and not interrupt one another. To do otherwise was to destroy the end of a Christians ministry, and all assemblies for Christian worship. Note, Manifest indecencies and disorders are to be carefully kept out of all Christian churches, and every part of divine worship. They should have nothing in them that is childish, absurd, ridiculous, wild, or tumultuous; but all parts of divine worship should be carried on in a manly, grave, rational, composed, and orderly manner. God is not to be dishonoured, nor his worship disgraced, by our unbecoming and disorderly performance of it and attendance at it.
Paul is alluding to the false apostles mentioned above, by whom they had been misled. They were teaching things which people wanted to hear but which were not of God. By saying that he was handing on nothing of his own, Paul was trying to indicate that what he was saying came from God and not from men. He therefore preaches consistently, with a clear conscience because he does not desire to please men but God.
Next, what is strongest of all he puts last, saying, "God ordains these things even at this time by me."
"If any man thinketh himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him take knowledge of the things which I write unto you that they are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man is ignorant, let him be ignorant."
And wherefore did he add this? Intimating that he is not using violence nor contention, which is a sign of them who wish not to set up their own things, but aim at what is profitable to others. Wherefore also in another place he saith, "But if any man seemeth to be contentious, we have no such custom." (1 Cor. 11:16) But he doth not this everywhere, but only where the offences are not very great, and then rather as putting them to shame. Since when he discourses of other sins, he speaks not thus. But how? "Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor effeminate, shall inherit the kingdom of God." (1 Cor. 6:9-10) And again, "Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye receive circumcision, Christ will profit you nothing." (Gal. 5:2.) But here, since his discourse was of silence, he doth not very keenly inveigh against them, by this very thing attracting them the more.
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SUMMARY
First Corinthians 14:37 serves as a definitive statement from the Apostle Paul, asserting the divine authority of his instructions regarding spiritual gifts and church order within the Corinthian assembly. Paul directly challenges anyone claiming prophetic insight or spiritual giftedness to recognize that his written directives are not merely human counsel but are, in fact, the very commandments of the Lord, thereby establishing an indispensable criterion for genuine spiritual authenticity and submission to divine truth.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is strategically placed at the culmination of Paul's extensive discourse in 1 Corinthians 12-14, where he addresses the chaotic and often self-serving exercise of spiritual gifts within the Corinthian church. Having previously emphasized the unity of the Spirit in diversity of gifts (1 Corinthians 12), the supremacy of love (1 Corinthians 13), and the priority of prophecy over tongues for edification (1 Corinthians 14:1-25), Paul then provides practical regulations for public worship. He mandates order for speaking in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:27-28) and prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:29-33), concluding with a controversial instruction regarding women's conduct (1 Corinthians 14:34-35). Verse 37, therefore, acts as a powerful, non-negotiable seal on all these preceding instructions, demanding their acceptance as divine mandates.
Historical & Cultural Context: The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub known for its wealth, diverse religious practices, and moral laxity. The Corinthian church, a relatively young congregation, was deeply influenced by the surrounding culture, which often valued ecstatic experiences and rhetorical prowess. This environment contributed to the church's struggles with internal divisions, moral compromises, and a disordered approach to spiritual gifts, particularly the public display of speaking in tongues without interpretation. Paul's letter addresses these specific issues, seeking to bring the church into alignment with gospel principles and orderly Christian conduct. His assertion of authority in verse 37 was crucial in a context where individual spiritual experiences were potentially prioritized over communal edification and apostolic teaching.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent throughout 1 Corinthians. Firstly, it underscores Apostolic Authority, asserting Paul's unique role as an inspired apostle whose teachings carry the weight of divine command, not merely human opinion. Secondly, it highlights the theme of Order and Decency in Worship, which is the overarching concern of 1 Corinthians 14, ensuring that all practices contribute to the edification of the body, as stated in 1 Corinthians 14:26. Thirdly, it introduces a critical principle of Discernment and Testing of Spiritual Claims, providing a litmus test for genuine prophetic or spiritual giftedness: submission to the revealed will of God through His appointed apostles. This theme is echoed in other New Testament passages that warn against false prophets and spirits, such as 1 John 4:1.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in 1 Corinthians 14:37. The most prominent is Apostolic Authority, where Paul unequivocally asserts his divinely given right to instruct the church. This is not a humble suggestion but a direct, unyielding declaration of the divine origin of his words. This assertion functions as a Litmus Test or Criterion of Authenticity: true prophets or genuinely spiritual individuals will demonstrate their authenticity by acknowledging and submitting to Paul's inspired teachings. The verse also contains a strong Rhetorical Challenge, directly confronting those who might pride themselves on their spiritual gifts but resist order. Paul's use of "If any man think himself..." sets up a conditional clause that leads to an inescapable conclusion, forcing self-proclaimed spiritual leaders to align their claims with obedience to revealed truth. The overall tone is Didactic and Authoritative, reflecting Paul's role as a foundational teacher and apostle.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First Corinthians 14:37 is profoundly significant for understanding the nature of biblical authority and the inspiration of Scripture. Paul's declaration that his words are "the commandments of the Lord" establishes a foundational principle: the apostolic writings are not mere human opinions but are divinely inspired and therefore binding on all believers. This verse underscores the continuity between the Old Testament concept of God speaking through His prophets and the New Testament reality of God speaking through His apostles. It implies that genuine spirituality is characterized not by ecstatic display alone, but by humble submission to God's revealed will as articulated by His appointed messengers. This principle has far-reaching implications for how the church understands and applies the entire New Testament canon.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Corinthians 14:37 provides a timeless challenge for believers today, urging us to critically examine the source and authority of all spiritual claims and teachings. In an age saturated with diverse voices and spiritual experiences, Paul's words remind us that true spirituality is ultimately defined by submission to God's revealed Word. This verse calls us to cultivate a discerning spirit, grounding our faith and practice firmly in the inspired Scriptures rather than subjective feelings or charismatic displays alone. It encourages us to value order, clarity, and edification in our corporate worship, ensuring that all activities align with biblical principles and build up the body of Christ. Ultimately, it reinforces the profound truth that God continues to speak authoritatively through His written Word, which remains the ultimate standard for faith and life.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does 1 Corinthians 14:37 mean that Paul's words are equal to God's words?
Answer: Yes, precisely. Paul's declaration "are the commandments of the Lord" asserts the divine inspiration and authority of his apostolic writings. He is not claiming to be God, but rather that his message, as an apostle, is directly from God and carries divine authority. This is a foundational claim for the inspiration of the New Testament. Just as Old Testament prophets spoke "thus says the Lord," Paul, as an apostle, conveys God's will and commands. This aligns with other New Testament passages that affirm the divine origin of apostolic teaching, such as 2 Peter 3:15-16, where Peter includes Paul's letters among "the other Scriptures."
How does this verse relate to the concept of biblical inerrancy?
Answer: This verse strongly supports the doctrine of biblical inerrancy, which states that the Bible, in its original manuscripts, is without error in all that it affirms. If Paul's writings are "the commandments of the Lord," then they are inherently true and without error, as God Himself is truth and cannot err. This means that Paul's instructions, whether on theology, ethics, or church order, are divinely authoritative and reliable. It establishes a high view of Scripture as the infallible Word of God, providing a solid foundation for Christian faith and practice.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 14:37 primarily addresses the authority of Paul's apostolic teaching, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the Living Word and the embodiment of all divine commandments. Paul's authority, and indeed all biblical authority, derives from Christ Himself, who commissioned the apostles and empowered them by His Spirit to speak His truth. Jesus declared, "If you love me, keep my commandments," and His entire life was one of perfect obedience to the Father's will, culminating in His sacrificial death and resurrection. The "commandments of the Lord" that Paul writes are not arbitrary rules but expressions of God's holy character and His redemptive purposes, all centered in Christ. Ultimately, the order and edification Paul seeks in the church reflect the perfect order and glory of Christ's kingdom. To acknowledge Paul's words as the Lord's commandments is to acknowledge Christ as the supreme Lord and Head of the Church, whose authority is mediated through His inspired Word and His Spirit, leading His people into conformity with His image and purpose (Ephesians 4:11-16).