Matthew Henry Commentary


Matthew Henry Commentary
"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. If any man speaketh in a tongue, [let it be] by two, or at the most three, and [that] in turn; and let one interpret: but if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. And let the prophets speak [by] two or three, and let the others discern. But if a revelation be made to another sitting by, let the first keep silence. For ye all can prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be exhorted; and the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets; for God is not [a God] of confusion, but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints," — 1 Corinthians 14:26-33 (ASV)
Religious exercises in public assemblies should have this aim: Let all be done to edifying. As for speaking in an unknown tongue, if someone else were present who could interpret, two miraculous gifts might be exercised at once. In this way, the church would be edified, and the faith of the hearers confirmed at the same time. As for prophesying, only two or three should speak in one meeting, and they should do so one after another, not all at once. The one who is inspired by the Spirit of God will observe order and decency in delivering their revelations. God never teaches people to neglect their duties, or to act in any way unbecoming their age or station.