Day 211: Meeting together - 1 Corinthians 14 vs 26 – 40
26 Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you. 27-28 No more than two or three should speak in tongues. They must speak one at a time, and someone must interpret what they say. But if no one is present who can interpret, they must be silent in your church meeting and speak in tongues to God privately.
29-31 Let two or three people prophesy, and let the others evaluate what is said. But if someone is prophesying and another person receives a revelation from the Lord, the one who is speaking must stop. In this way, all who prophesy will have a turn to speak, one after the other, so that everyone will learn and be encouraged. 32 Remember that people who prophesy are in control of their spirit and can take turns - for God is not a God of disorder but of peace.
33-36 As in all the meetings of God’s holy people, women should be silent during the church meetings. It is not proper for them to speak. They should be submissive, just as the law says. If they have any questions, they should ask their husbands at home, for it is improper for women to speak in church meetings. Or do you think God’s word originated with you Corinthians? Are you the only ones to whom it was given? 37-38 If you claim to be a prophet or think you are spiritual, you should recognize that what I am saying is a command from the Lord himself. But if you do not recognize this, you yourself will not be recognized. 39-40 So, my dear brothers, be eager to prophesy, and don’t forbid speaking in tongues. But be sure that everything is done properly and in order. 1 Corinthians 14:26-40 From the New Living Translation (English Standard Version link)
Experience shows people have different ideas of who should lead and what should happen at a Church gathering, as well as how many should take part, and even what the main purpose of a meeting is. We see that at Corinth it wasn't a 'one man show' but many took part in one way or another. What did Paul say the various activities should result in? (vs 26)
So a big reason for meeting together is to strengthen one another. To be built up in faith and love for God. What do vs 29-31 teach regarding those who wanted to share something they believe God had revealed to them?
In Paul's day it probably referred to those who'd been given a gift of prophesying, but what he says would still apply today to anyone who 'brings a message' at a meeting. We see that people shouldn’t try and 'hog' the platform, and that whatever they say should be evaluated by others. This is important. We shouldn't just accept anything that people say or do at a meeting but should test all things by what God has given in the Bible. One such issue emerges in vs 33-36. What do you think these verses imply?
Some suggest Paul was referring to women chattering during the meeting. There’s something in that because he says 'they can ask questions later'. But we know from what he says in other letters that he held to the pattern God gave for man and woman in Genesis. In 1 Timothy 2:11-12 we read: “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I don't permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve.” Although women aren't called to lead and teach men, 1 Corinthians 11 spoke of them praying, even prophesying, in a meeting, provided they had a covering on their head. Women will find a vital role in all the caring that takes place through the week.
What comes out Paul's letter here is that Church is a time to meet together to build each other up. But the focus should never be on ourselves - or any one person. It would include praying and songs of praise, as well as instruction and encouragement. What about worship? Yes, we also gather to worship our triune God. But worship isn't just for one day a week. We’re called to offer our bodies as living sacrifices to God continually as our “true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1)