©2002 Pastor Tom Miles

Paul continues in verses 27 and 28 saying that only two or three should speak in a service at a time in tongues and each should speak in turn not all at the same time and only if there is an interpreter present--otherwise they should be silent and speak only to self and to God! The reason for this as Paul reiterates is so that hearers may understand what is being said.

Continuing with his explanatory response to the Corinth Believers Paul says that only two or three of the prophets should discern the things that are said at the meeting and it should be one after the other as the Spirit gives utterance.  If another is speaking and some one else receives a word from the Spirit which he feels edifying to the body let him orderly make it known to the one speaking so that his message can be concluded or paused for the other to speak.  Verses 31 to 33 tells us that all that have the gift can use it and also that all may learn from it when used properly.  The Holy Spirit grants gifts for the purpose of edifying the body of Christ, which is the church.  All the gifts of prophecy, tongues, etc. will flow together and will urge the spirit of other Believers flowing in them to pause their discourse so another can speak.  Basically Paul is saying that the gifts of the Holy Spirit do not take away a person's control over self but actually increases it and directs them flow more smoothly in the things of God.  In this manner you do not have two or more speaking at the same time causing confusion.  God is not the author of confusion and the Holy Spirit does not approve of confusion or inspire it.  God desires order, harmony, peace, and love within the Body.  We could also say that God is not the author of disorder!  And this pertains to all the assemblies of the saints or Believers.

Now with the balance of this chapter explanation becomes more difficult because verse 34 seems to be out of place with the normal flow of the previous.  If you look closely you will see that verse 37 flows more smoothly following verse 33 instead of verse 36.  The word silent or silence is used three times, in verse 28, 30, and 34.  In the first two instances the word refers only to the situation being talked about.  The people in question are not asked to never speak but simply to follow the moving and prompting of the Spirit.  And in verse 34 it does not mean for a woman to be silent at church never speaking otherwise it would go against what Paul taught in 1 Timothy 2:12.  And we must also look at some other possible explanations as to this discourse--one being that in the early church men sat on one side and women sat on the other side and the woman would yell across to their husbands asking questions and wanting things explained to them thus causing confusion etc.  Paul is saying that this should wait till the meeting is over and then discuss the matter at home.  Now one more thing we must consider and this I personally feel is perhaps the true explanation to these verses:  The word “what?” begins verse 36 and it is a question.  We must now remind ourselves that Paul is responding to a message given to him--so Paul is at many times quoting back to the Corinthians their own words-and in this instance I feel that Paul is saying, “What?” (In reference to the women being silent always in church) “came the word of God out from you?” (This is Paul's response back to them.  Paul is saying, did you write the Word of God?  So I believe here that if the order of scripture follows the way it is or if it is somehow out of order the part of women being silent is what the Corinthian Believers are telling Paul they have set in operation in the Church and Paul does not agree with it as being God's will.

What was said in Joel 2:28-30?  28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: 29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.  God doesn't lie!  Why would he say He's going to pour out His Spirit on basically all people willing and wanting to receive it--if He wasn't going to do it?  As I said at the beginning of this paragraph relating to these last verses, I feel they may be slightly out of order, and also that Paul was not saying for women to be silent but instead he was responding by quoting their words back to them and asking them if they were GOD!  If you put verse 37 as some theologians after 33 and then read from 37 to 40 and back to 34 to 36 there is a smooth flow into chapter 15.  And no matter which way you view it as being in order or out of order it is still Paul quoting the words of the Corinthian Believers as being above others refusing in a sense to respect and follow the leadership and teaching of those in authority anointed and ordained by God to deliver the Gospel to the people!  It is okay to desire after the gifts of the Spirit, we should desire them and as the Word tells us especially the gift of prophesy or teaching.  We are also told to not forbid the use of tongues but to only use them in a proper manner and at the proper time--in other words do not abuse them!  And lastly we need to be sure that we do all things in an orderly and proper manner so as to not cause confusion in the house of God!

Father, thank You for revealing Your Word unto me and for opening my eyes to the truth and simplicity of Your Word!  Your Word is a lamp and light unto my feet and path!  I am still waiting upon You dear Lord for further revelation on this chapter of Your Word and know that as I wait upon you as it says in Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.  And this dear Lord is what I will do--I will meditate on Your Word day and night and I know that I will find the answers to my meditations because Your Word will never return unto You Void!  Thank You for loving me in Jesus name, Amen!

Where Jesus is Lord!
Living Vine Ministries
Pastor Thomas Miles

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