Charles Ellicott 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, brethren?—From a discussion about the relative value of the gift of tongue and that of prophecy, the Apostle now turns to practical instructions about the method of their use in public church gatherings. He first gives directions regarding the tongues (1 Corinthians 14:27–28), then regarding prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:29–36), and the concluding verses of this chapter contain a summary and brief repetition of what has already been stated. In this verse, he introduces the practical application of the truths he has been emphasizing, with the question How is it, then?—that is, what should follow from all these arguments? Instead of answering the question directly, he first recalls the existing state of confusion in their public gatherings, which made necessary the teaching of the previous verses, and which is to be corrected by the practical instructions that now follow.

When ye come together, every one of you hath . . .—Better, when ye are assembling together each one of you hath a psalm, etc. The foremost thought in each mind as you gather for public worship is the individual gift that he possesses. One had the gift of pouring forth a psalm of praise; another could deliver a doctrinal discourse; another could speak to God in a tongue; another had some deep insight into the spiritual world; another could interpret the tongue. If these varied gifts were used by each for his own gratification, or even for his own spiritual advancement, they would not be used in a manner worthy of the occasion. In public, these gifts were to be exercised not by each one for himself, but for the building up of the whole Church.