Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Corinthians 14:40

"But let all things be done decently and in order." — 1 Corinthians 14:40 (ASV)

Let all things be done decently.—The former verse reiterates in a condensed sentence the principles laid down regarding the gifts in the first part of the chapter (1 Corinthians 14:1–25). This verse similarly deals with the general principle laid down in the latter part of the chapter regarding the style and order of public worship.

The object of all church assemblies is to be the building up of the Body of Christ, which is His Church; and therefore, propriety and ordered regularity are absolutely necessary for this end.

Here again, as in so many other instances in this Epistle, while the particular and unique circumstances that prompted the apostolic instructions have for centuries passed away, the writings of St. Paul are of permanent and enduring application, because of the general and eternal principles on which his instructions are based.

The strange outbursts of incoherent fanaticism that have occurred from time to time in the subsequent history of the Church are condemned by the principle with which St. Paul combated the disorder of the gift of tongues in Corinth. Furthermore, the practice of the Roman Church, in performing her public services in a tongue not “understanded of the people,” conflicts with the principle that St. Paul reiterates with varied emphasis in this chapter: that all public utterance of prayer and praise should be such that those present can join in, not only with an emotional heart but also with a clear and understanding intellect.