Chapter 14

14:1  Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

rather

The subject is still the pneumatika. Chapter 12, described the gifts and the Body; Chapter 13. the love which alone gives ministry of gift any value; Chapter 14. regulates the ministry of gift in the primitive, apostolic assembly of saints.

(1) The important gift is that of prophecy ( 1 Corinthians 1:1 )). The N.T. prophet was not merely a preacher, but an inspired preacher, through whom, until the N.T. was written, new revelations suited to the new dispensation were given 1 Corinthians 14:29 1 Corinthians 14:30 .

(2) Tongues and the sign gifts are to cease, and meantime must be used with restraint, and only if an interpreter be present 1 Corinthians 14:1-19 1 Corinthians 14:27 1 Corinthians 14:28 .

(3) In the primitive church there was liberty for the ministry of all the gifts which might be present, but for prophecy more especially 1 Corinthians 14:23-26 1 Corinthians 14:31 1 Corinthians 14:39 .

(4) In such meetings, when "the whole church" came together "in one place," women were required to keep silence 1 Corinthians 14:34 1 Corinthians 14:35 ; 11:3-16 ; 1 Timothy 2:11-14 .

(5) These injunctions are declared to be "the commandments of the Lord" 1 Corinthians 14:36 1 Corinthians 14:37 .

14:2  For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

an unknown

Or, a tongue; and so in 1Co 14: 4,13,14,19,27.

14:20  Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

be not children (Greek - Admivn , youths).

be ye children babies.

14:34  Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

obedience

Cf. Genesis 3:16 .