John Calvin Commentary 1 Corinthians 14:40

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

All things decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40). Here we have a more general conclusion, which not only concisely includes the entire matter but also its different parts. Furthermore, it is a rule by which we must regulate everything concerning external polity.

As he had discussed, in various instances, concerning rites, he wished to sum up everything here in a brief summary: that decorum should be observed and that confusion should be avoided. This statement shows that he did not wish to bind consciences by these precepts, as if they were in themselves necessary, but only insofar as they served propriety and peace.

From this we gather (as I have said) a doctrine that is always valid, concerning the purpose to which the polity of the Church should be directed. The Lord has left external rites to our discretion with this intention: that we may not think that His worship consists entirely in these things.

In the meantime, He has not allowed us an unrestrained and unbridled liberty, but has enclosed it (so to speak) with boundaries. Or at least, He has restricted the liberty He granted, so that ultimately, it is only from His word that we can judge what is right.

This passage, therefore, when properly considered, will show the difference between the tyrannical edicts of the Pope, which oppress men’s consciences with a dreadful bondage, and the godly regulations of the Church, by which discipline and order are maintained. Furthermore, we may easily infer from this that these godly regulations are not to be regarded as human traditions, since they are founded upon this general command and have a clear approval, as it were, from Christ Himself.