1 Corinthians 14:26
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Paul's observation about everyone having something to contribute—a hymn, a lesson, a revelation—isn't just a description; it's a setup for his point that all of these gifts, no matter how exciting or spiritual they seem, must be evaluated by their ability to build up the community. The real spirituality isn't in the gift itself, but in how it serves the collective growth of the church.
What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing the chaotic and often self-serving way the Corinthian church was using spiritual gifts during their worship services. He's just spent a chapter talking about speaking in tongues and prophecy, and now he's giving practical guidance, explaining that when everyone brings their "contribution," the focus must be on strengthening the entire community, not just displaying individual talents.
Imagine walking into a worship service where everyone has something unique to share – a song, a teaching, a fresh insight from God. That's the scene Paul paints in Corinth!
Embracing Diverse Gifts
Paul isn't criticizing the Corinthians here; he's guiding them. He acknowledges that when they gather, diverse spiritual gifts are present. Each person brings something valuable:
This shows that God equips everyone in the community to contribute to the corporate gathering. It’s not just for a few leaders; it’s for the whole body.
With all these individual contributions flowing, how do you make sure the gathering doesn't descend into chaos? Paul gives us a crystal-clear measuring stick.
The Ultimate Goal
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The core of Paul's instruction lies in the final phrase: "Let all things be done for building up." This is the non-negotiable standard for every activity, every gift, every word spoken in the gathered church.
Understand the original words
adelphoi · Greek Noun
A term of endearment and identification used within the New Testament to describe the relationship between believers, emphasizing their spiritual equality and unity as members of the same family under God.
psalmon · Greek Noun
A song of praise directed toward God, often used in corporate worship to express devotion, theology, and thanksgiving.
didachēn · Greek Noun
A teaching or instruction intended to communicate the truth of God's Word, aiming to guide believers in doctrine and practice.
apokalypsin · Greek Noun
An unveiling or disclosure of divine truth from God to an individual, often involving insights into God's will or mysteries previously unknown.
glōssan · Greek Noun
A supernatural gift of speaking in languages not learned by the speaker, intended as a sign or for personal edification in prayer.
hermēneian · Greek Noun
The supernatural ability to translate or explain the content of a message given in an unknown tongue so that the congregation can understand and be edified.
oikodomēn · Greek Noun
The process of maturing, strengthening, and fostering spiritual growth within the body of Christ, ensuring the church is stabilized and advanced in the faith.
Paul is addressing a specific problem in Corinth where individual expressions of spiritual gifts during worship were causing chaos, rather than unity and growth.
c. AD 49-50
Paul Founds the Church in Corinth
The Apostle Paul establishes a Christian community in the bustling, cosmopolitan city of Corinth during his second missionary journey. This city was known for its wealth, trade, and diverse cultural influences.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians Written
While Paul was in Ephesus, he received reports of divisions and various problems within the Corinthian church, prompting him to write his first letter to address these issues.
c. AD 55— this verse
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians
Paul pens this letter from Ephesus to correct serious issues in the Corinthian church, including divisions, immorality, and disorder in their worship services, as described in this chapter.
Mid-1st Century AD
Spiritual Gifts Manifest in Corinth
The Corinthian church experienced vibrant outpourings of the Holy Spirit through various spiritual gifts, such as speaking in tongues, prophecy, and knowledge. However, these gifts were often exercised in ways that lacked order and edification.
Mid-1st Century AD
Disputes Over Worship Practices
Concerns arose within the Corinthian church about the proper use of spiritual gifts during their gatherings. Some practices led to confusion and failed to build up the community, creating a need for Paul's guidance.
This verse highlights that spiritual gifts are given for the common good, echoing the 'building up' principle emphasized in 1 Corinthians 14:26 for all church activities.
Ephesians 4:11-12Paul explains that spiritual leaders are given to equip God's people for works of service and to build up the body of Christ, aligning with the purpose of all activities mentioned in 1 Corinthians 14:26.
Colossians 3:16This passage directly links teaching, admonishing, and singing with spiritual wisdom and 'building each other up,' showing the practical application of the principle in 1 Corinthians 14:26.
Romans 15:2It states that believers should please their neighbors for their good, to build them up, providing a foundational ethical principle that underpins the church's gathering and use of gifts as described in 1 Corinthians 14:26.
Paul's observation about everyone having something to contribute—a hymn, a lesson, a revelation—isn't just a description; it's a setup for his point that all of these gifts, no matter how exciting or spiritual they seem, must be evaluated by their ability to build up the community. The real spirituality isn't in the gift itself, but in how it serves the collective growth of the church.
Paul is addressing the chaotic and often self-serving way the Corinthian church was using spiritual gifts during their worship services. He's just spent a chapter talking about speaking in tongues and prophecy, and now he's giving practical guidance, explaining that when everyone brings their "contribution," the focus must be on strengthening the entire community, not just displaying individual talents.
Paul is addressing the chaotic and often self-serving way the Corinthian church was using spiritual gifts during their worship services. He's just spent a chapter talking about speaking in tongues and prophecy, and now he's giving practical guidance, explaining that when everyone brings their "contribution," the focus must be on strengthening the entire community, not just displaying individual talents.
"What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up." — Paul's observation about everyone having something to contribute—a hymn, a lesson, a revelation—isn't just a description; it's a setup for his point that all of these gifts, no matter how exciting…
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Last reviewed October 2026
