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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadCambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - 1 Corinthians 14:23 - 14:23
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
23. ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτό. The usual word for the place of assembly, as in ch. 1Co 11:20; Act 2:1. However well calculated the gift of tongues might be to arrest and compel attention when used properly, it is clear, says the Apostle, that its introduction at the public assemblies of the Church was not a proper use of it, unless (1Co 14:27) it were restricted in its use by wise rules. If not so restricted, so far from its being a sign to unbelievers, it would give them, as well as the great body of the Christian laity, occasion of complaint, and even ridicule.
πάντες. Not necessarily all together, as some have supposed, but that no other means of communication was adopted by any but the unknown tongue. Meyer.
λαλῶσιν. Observe the present. ‘If the Church shall have been gathered together, and (when thus gathered) all are speaking with tongues, and there shall have entered strangers or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?’