1 Corinthians 14:39,40 – full stop!

So that, my brethren, be zealous to be prophesying, and the speaking in languages do not forbid. Yet let all occur respectably and in order.

We have come to the end of Paul’s discussion of the state of affairs in the Corinthian meetings. For the majority of chapter 14 he compared prophesying with ‘speaking in languages.’ Certainly, the expiration date of both expressions would soon expire, as he argued earlier (13: 8). But until that time, the Corinthians would be aware that not ‘speaking in languages’ but prophesying is preferable in the ecclesia. One would commit to prophesying and not obstruct speaking in languages. And with that the subject is subtly and concisely summarized.

Much was wrong with the meetings in Corinth. Women cast off the veil that they used to wear. During meals, one was drunk and the other hungry. Almost nobody understood anything of the popular ‘speaking in languages’. And then there were women who started lecturing men publicly. All in all an embarrassing and disorderly display. Paul hopes to have it corrected. Full stop. Time for the climax of the letter: 1 Corinthians 15!

Delen: