Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Corinthians 14:33

Albert Barnes Commentary

1 Corinthians 14:33

1798–1870
Presbyterian
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes Commentary

1 Corinthians 14:33

1798–1870
Presbyterian
SCRIPTURE

"for God is not [a God] of confusion, but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints," — 1 Corinthians 14:33 (ASV)

God is not the author of confusion. In the margin: Tumult, or unquietness. His religion cannot tend to produce disorder. He is the God of peace; and his religion will tend to promote order. It is calm, peaceful, thoughtful. It is not boisterous and disorderly.

As in all churches of the saints. As was everywhere apparent in the churches. Paul here appeals to them, and says that this was the fact wherever the true religion was spread, that it tended to produce peace and order. This is as true now as it was then. And we may learn, therefore:

  1. That where there is disorder, there is little religion. Religion does not produce it; and the tendency of tumult and confusion is to drive religion away.
  2. True religion will not lead to tumult, to outcries, or to irregularity. It will not prompt many to speak or pray at once; nor will it justify tumultuous and noisy assemblages.
  3. Christians should regard God as the Author of peace. They should always in the sanctuary demean themselves in a reverent manner, and with such decorum as befits them when they are in the presence of a holy and pure God, and engaged in his worship.
  4. All those pretended conversions, however sudden and striking they may be, which are attended with disorder, and confusion, and public outcries, are to be suspected. Such excitement may be connected with genuine piety, but it is no part of pure religion. That is calm, serious, orderly, heavenly. No one who is under its influence is disposed to engage in scenes of confusion and disorder. Grateful they may be, and they may and will express their gratitude; prayerful they will be, and they will pray; anxious for others they will be, and they will express that anxiety; but it will be with seriousness, tenderness, love; with a desire for the order of God's house, and not with a desire to break in upon and disturb all the solemnities of public worship.