By Rollin Grams, Bible and Mission.
In Paul’s letters, he not only discusses theology and ethics but also very practical matters for the churches to which he writes. One of these more practical matters appears in 1 Corinthians 14, where Paul discusses ten ways in which the church can and should conduct itself in order to maintain ‘decency and order’. Much of what he says is straight-forward, and perhaps the only section that has caused some confusion is what Paul says about women in this chapter. In this brief article, I will offer my explanation of the verses, but the main purpose for writing it is to highlight the fact that the whole chapter is about practical ways in which the congregation might put into practice the principle of doing all things in decency and in order.
The first check on disorderly worship is that the worship service should not be for someone’s personal, religious experience but for building up, encouraging, and consoling others in the church. For this reason, prophecy is preferred over the speaking of mysteries in some message in tongues that only builds up the individual (14.1-12). Crucially, note that Paul does not establish order by suppressing prophecy and speaking in tongues. Words of prophecy are put in check by making sure that they serve the entire gathering.
The second check on disorderly worship is that it should be understandable. Words spoken in tongues require an interpretation of tongues so that others may understand what is said, and therefore one speaking in tongues in the congregation should pray for an interpretation (14.13-19). Paul quotes Isaiah to make his point: ‘In the law it is written, “By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord”’(1 Corinthians 14.21, Isaiah 28.11, 12). Isaiah was speaking of God’s teaching Israel a lesson through the punishment that would come through the foreign armies of Assyria. Paul’s use of the text is at the level of implication: a lesson in a foreign tongue does not bring about obedience. That is, a lesson in an unknown language does not lead to reform when it is not understandable. Thus, Christian worship can only lead unbelievers to conviction and repentance if they understand what is being said.