1 Corinthians 14:31
For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Notice the verse doesn't just say people can speak for God, but that they should do so "one by one." This deliberate order ensures the message isn't a jumbled mess, but a clear, shared experience where everyone gets a chance to learn and be strengthened. It's about communal growth, not a competition of who can speak loudest or longest.
Paul is addressing the chaotic way the Corinthian church is using spiritual gifts, particularly speaking in tongues. He's just explained that if someone speaks in an unknown language without an interpreter, it benefits no one. Now, he's contrasting that with prophecy, which he encourages them to do in an orderly fashion so everyone can benefit from learning and encouragement.
The Corinthian church was buzzing with spiritual gifts, especially prophecy. But what was the purpose of all this speaking forth God's word? Paul clarifies it wasn't just for the speaker.
Everyone Can Share, Everyone Can Grow
Paul's instruction here is radical. He's saying that the gift of prophecy isn't just for a select few super-apostles. It's a gift that God intends for many in the church to exercise. And when it's exercised correctly, its primary goal is for everyone to learn and everyone to be encouraged.
Think about it: this means the message isn't just for the 'spiritual elite.' It's for the whole body. When someone prophesies, it should bring clarity, understanding, and strength to all who are listening. It's a shared experience of God's truth being revealed and applied.
Imagine a modern church service with everyone shouting out prophecies at once! Chaos, right? Paul offers a simple, yet profound, solution that underpins healthy communication.
Structured Spiritual Expression
Paul’s emphasis on 'one by one' isn't about limiting God’s Spirit; it’s about order and receptivity. When spiritual gifts, especially those involving speaking, are exercised in a chaotic way, the message gets lost. The focus shifts from the message itself to the disorder of its delivery.
By saying 'one by one,' Paul is advocating for a process where:
This principle ensures that the gift functions as intended – to build up the church, not to create confusion.
Understand the original words
prophēteuēte · Greek Verb
To speak under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, declaring God's message or revelation to the gathered body of believers for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.
The instruction for orderly prophecy in 1 Corinthians 14:31 was a direct response to the chaotic and disruptive worship services happening in the Corinthian church, where uncontrolled ecstatic utterances were hindering understanding and edification.
c. AD 47-49
Paul Founds Church in Corinth
The Apostle Paul establishes the church in Corinth during his second missionary journey, a vibrant but morally complex city.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians
While still in Ephesus, Paul writes his first letter to the church in Corinth, addressing issues like division, immorality, and the use of spiritual gifts.
c. AD 53-55
Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians
Paul writes his second letter, likely from Macedonia, following up on the situation in Corinth and dealing with the fallout from his previous letter.
c. AD 55— this verse
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians from Ephesus
Paul pens 1 Corinthians during a prolonged stay in Ephesus, responding to reports and a letter from the Corinthian believers about various church issues.
This passage also speaks about using spiritual gifts, including prophecy, for the common good and building up the church.
1 Corinthians 14:3It directly states the purpose of prophecy is to speak to people for their strengthening, encouraging, and comfort, echoing the learning and encouragement mentioned in verse 31.
1 Thessalonians 5:20This verse encourages not to despise prophecies but to test everything, implying that prophecy was a regular and valued practice in the early church, as described in 1 Corinthians 14.
Acts 2:17-18Quoting Joel, Peter describes a future outpouring of the Spirit where God's people would prophesy, prophesy, and see visions, showing God's intention for this gift to be widespread.
Notice the verse doesn't just say people can speak for God, but that they should do so "one by one." This deliberate order ensures the message isn't a jumbled mess, but a clear, shared experience where everyone gets a chance to learn and be strengthened. It's about communal growth, not a competition of who can speak loudest or longest.
Paul is addressing the chaotic way the Corinthian church is using spiritual gifts, particularly speaking in tongues. He's just explained that if someone speaks in an unknown language without an interpreter, it benefits no one. Now, he's contrasting that with prophecy, which he encourages them to do in an orderly fashion so everyone can benefit from learning and encouragement.
Paul is addressing the chaotic way the Corinthian church is using spiritual gifts, particularly speaking in tongues. He's just explained that if someone speaks in an unknown language without an interpreter, it benefits no one. Now, he's contrasting that with prophecy, which he encourages them to do in an orderly fashion so everyone can benefit from learning and encouragement.
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c. AD 55
Addressing Disorderly Worship
A significant portion of 1 Corinthians, including chapter 14, addresses how the Corinthian church is conducting its worship services, specifically the chaotic use of spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues.
c. AD 57
Dissemination of 1 Corinthians
The letter is delivered to the Corinthian church, intended to correct their practices and encourage unity and order in their gatherings.
"For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged," — Notice the verse doesn't just say people can speak for God, but that they should do so "one by one." This deliberate order ensures the message isn't a jumbled mess, but a clear, shared experience w…
