By Timothy W. Burnett
All scripture is profitable. That's what it says. They are profitable in three ways, for doctrine, reproof and correction. The underlying purpose is for instruction in righteousness. Isn't that so simple? When people read and believe God's word, they will profit from it as doctrine, as reproof, and as correction. Doctrine basically refers to right teaching. Reproof shows where people believe wrongly. Correction returns people back to right believing.
The epistles can be divided into these three areas. Romans, Ephesians and Thessalonians are primarily doctrinal epistles. 1&2Corinthians and Colossians are reproof epistles. Galatians and Philippians are correction epistles. While all epistles will include doctrine, reproof and correction, each has a primary focus on one of the three. As we continue in 1Corinthians chapter 14, let us keep in mind that the letters to the churches in Corinth were to show where they were believing wrongly.
We now come to verses 27-33. Here, more information is given concerning the orderly assembly of believers. "If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three. And that by course, and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter let him keep silence in the church, and let him speak to himself and to God" (verses 27-28). If the believers meeting includes speaking in tongues there must be at least two or three present. Those who speak in tongues must take turns. Each one must believe to give the interpretation of what he spoke. Those who do not yet believe to give the interpretation must keep silent. They can speak in tongues under their breath without being heard by the others. In the phrase "let one interpret," the word "one" refers to the one who speaks. This fits perfectly with 1Corinthians 14:13, "Wherefore let him that speaks in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret."
Verses 29-31 addresses another part of the believer meetings which involves words of prophesy, "Let the prophets speak by two, or three, and let the other judge. If anything be revealed to another that sits by, let the first hold his peace. For you may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted." Once again, there must be at least two or three present in the assembly when believers manifest holy spirit by words of prophesy. To "judge" does not mean to judge in order to punish someone. Instead it simply means to judge whether or not the spoken words are according to truth. Notice that it says that all may prophesy. This fits perfecty with chapter 12:7 where it says, "but the manifestation of the spirit is given to every man to profit withal." It is available for every spirit filled person to give words of prophesy during and assembly of believers.
Verses 32-33 gives some very important information, "And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints." This is very significant because one of the popular beliefs among Christians is that the spirit of God convicts or possesses people. The truth is, when the prophet opens his mouth to speak, that is when the words are given. When God gives revelation to be spoken during an assembly, the prophet is not convicted or forced into speaking. Instead that one speaks by his own will. This is true for both inspiration and revelation prophesy. And alas, we learn a beautiful truth that God in heaven is not the author of confusion, but of peace.
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