Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Corinthians 14:26

"What is it then, brethren? When ye come together, each one hath a psalm, hath a teaching, hath a revelation, hath a tongue, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying." — 1 Corinthians 14:26 (ASV)

How is it then, brothers? (See Barnes on 1 Corinthians 14:15).

What is the fact? What actually occurs among you? Does that state of things exist which I have described? Is there that order in your public worship which is demanded and proper? It is implied in his asking this question that there might be some things among them which were improper and which deserved reproof.

When you come together for worship.

Every one of you, and so on. This means that all the things specified would be found among them. It is evidently not meant that all these things would be found in the same person, but that they would all exist at the same time; and thus confusion and disorder would be inevitable.

Instead of waiting for an indication from the presiding officer in the assembly, or speaking in succession and in order, each one probably regarded himself as under the influence of the Holy Spirit, as having an important message to communicate, or as being called on to celebrate the praises of God; and thus confusion and disorder would prevail.

Many would be speaking at the same time, and a most unfavorable impression would be made on the minds of any strangers who might be present (1 Corinthians 14:23). This implied reproof of the Corinthians is certainly also a reproof of those public assemblies where many speak at the same time, or where some are engaged in praying while others are exhorting.

Nor can it be argued that in such cases those who engage in these exercises are under the influence of the Holy Spirit. For, however true that may be, it is no more true than it was in Corinth, and yet the apostle reproved the practice there. The Holy Spirit is the Author of order, and not of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33); and true religion prompts peace and regularity, not discord and tumult.

Has a psalm. He is disposed to sing; is inclined to praise; and, however irregular or improper, expresses his thanks in a public manner. (See Barnes on 1 Corinthians 14:16).

Has a doctrine. He has some religious truth on his mind which he deems of special importance to inculcate. (See Barnes on 1 Corinthians 14:6).

Has a tongue. He has something made known to him in a foreign language, or has the ability to speak a foreign language, and exercises it, though it produces great confusion.

Has a revelation. This refers to some truth that has been particularly revealed to him: perhaps an explanation of some mystery (Doddridge); or a revelation of some future event (Macknight); or a prophecy (Bloomfield); or an ability to explain some of the truths couched in the types and figures of the Old Testament (Grotius).

Has an interpretation. This is an explanation of something that has been uttered by another in a foreign language. (See Barnes on 1 Corinthians 12:10).

Let all things be done unto edifying. Let this be the great principle: to promote the edification of the church. (See Barnes on 1 Corinthians 14:12).

If this rule were followed, it would prevent confusion and disorder.