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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadBob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - 1 Corinthians 14
Verse Commentaries:
Chapter Level Commentary:
(1Co_11:2 to 1Co_14:40)
Their Perspective Importance in the Community
FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five modern translations. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one main subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS TO 1Co_14:1-40
A. This continues Paul's guidelines for gathered worship begun in chapter 11. The church at Corinth was worshiping in inappropriate, non-standard ways in several areas.
B. The main criteria for evaluation of worship practices is, "Does this edify the whole church?" Gathered worship has two foci:
1. the needs of the lost who are present
2. the needs of the believers who are present
This follows Jesus' Great Commission (cf. Mat_28:19-20). Hard Sayings of the Bible says,
"Paul's operative principle for congregational life and worship is constant. Whatever hinders the movement of the gospel, causes confusion rather than growth, offends rather than encourages or strengthens, builds up the self at the expense of others-all this is contrary to God's intention. And insofar as the women in Corinth and elsewhere in the young churches used their gifts contrary to God's intention, the injunction to silence is an appropriate, authoritative word. The principle which underlies the injunction is authoritative for both men and women in all churches" (p. 616).
C. Now about the contentious issue of women's participation in gathered worship. If you read five commentators you get five different views. The problem seems to be that we all come to this chapter with personal, denominational, experiential, and hermeneutical agendas! None of us is neutral. We take the Bible seriously, but in the Bible, even Paul speaks with two voices (cf. 1Co_11:5 1 Corinthians 14 :1Co_14:34).
Some commentators even try to remove 1Co_14:34-35 as scribal additions (MSS D, F, G put these verses after 1Co_14:40) or relegate them to Paul quoting a slogan of the false teachers. Either way these approaches make the chapter say exactly opposite of what it seems to say.
D. Paul's words in 1Co_14:34-35 fit Jewish custom and Greco-Roman culture. However, in many significant ways Paul's ministry is against Jewish customs and Greco-Roman culture.
E. The first century Mediterranean world was a society based on slavery and male domination. For Jesus or Paul to have radically altered either of these social institutions would have negatively affected the church's growth, even its survival. Both Jesus and Paul affirm the dignity and worth of all humans. The gospel in time will destroy both aspects of abuse. It is safe to say that they spoke to their day with inspired power and that their words pointed to a future day of dignity and equality.
F. Women or slave leaders in the early church would have negatively affected evangelism. The same is true today, but from the opposite end. In our society articulate women gifted for ministry will reach an aspect of our society more effectively than others. This in no way is to desire a majority feminine clergy, but the realization that all believers are called, gifted, gospel ministers; all believers! I am not advocating women for any particular ministry task, but forcefully asserting the ministry of all believers (cf. Eph_4:12).
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
1. What are the three criteria for judging spiritual gifts?
a.
b.
c.
2. Why are tongues depreciated in this chapter to prophesy? Are tongues an inferior spiritual gift?
3. How is the mind related to tongues?
4. What is the problem with 1Co_14:22?
5. Is the church at Corinth to be used as a guideline for all churches?
6. Are women to be quiet in church? Explain your answer comparing 1Co_11:5 and 1Co_14:34.