1 Corinthians 14:37
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Paul doesn't just assume spiritual people will agree with him; he challenges them to test their spirituality against his apostolic teaching. True spiritual insight, he insists, will always align with God's authoritative word, which he's communicating right here. So, if someone claims deep spiritual understanding, their real test is whether they recognize these instructions as divinely ordained commands.
If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing the chaotic worship services happening in Corinth, where people are using spiritual gifts, especially speaking in tongues, in ways that are confusing and unedifying to the whole church. He's been laying out principles for orderly and understandable worship, emphasizing that gifts are for building up the community, and here he’s firmly asserting that his apostolic instruction is not just his opinion, but divinely authoritative. To disregard his words on proper spiritual practice is to disregard the Lord Himself.
Ever questioned if what you're reading in the Bible is really God speaking? Paul addresses this head-on, especially when his own words are involved.
Paul confronts a potential attitude in Corinth: some might have felt they were so spiritually gifted, they could disregard his instructions. He elevates his own writings, not because he's arrogant, but because he's channeling divine authority.
Divine Mandate
Paul asserts that his message isn't just friendly advice; it's a command of the Lord. This is a crucial distinction. When we read Paul's letters, especially passages like this, we're not just getting a historical perspective, but direct instruction from God delivered through His chosen apostle. The Holy Spirit inspired these words, making them authoritative for the church then and now.
In Corinth, spiritual gifts were a hot topic, sometimes leading to pride. Paul calls out those who might be mistaking their own feelings for divine insight.
Paul is speaking to people who likely prided themselves on their spiritual status – perhaps claiming to be prophets or 'spiritual' individuals. He challenges them: true spirituality doesn't lead you to dismiss God's authoritative word; it leads you to recognize and submit to it.
The Test of True Spirituality
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Paul’s point is that genuine spiritual maturity isn't about feeling superior or picking and choosing which divine instructions to follow. It's about humility – acknowledging that God’s communicated will, even through the written word of an apostle like Paul, is the ultimate standard. If you truly possess spiritual discernment, you will readily affirm that Paul's commands are from God.
Understand the original words
prophētēs · Greek Noun
One who speaks under the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s will, encourage, or edify the church, often involving foretelling or forth-telling truth.
pneumatikos · Greek Adjective
Possessing the gifts or influence of the Holy Spirit; acting in accordance with God’s Spirit rather than worldly or fleshly nature.
entolē tou Kyriou · Greek Noun
A formal, authoritative instruction or mandate given by Christ, carrying His full weight and expectation of obedience.
epiginōsketō · Greek Verb
To know fully, discern, or publicly acknowledge; implies a relational recognition or approval of status and truth.
Paul is asserting his God-given authority to correct the church's practices, particularly concerning spiritual gifts and prophecy, which were causing disorder. He insists his apostolic writings carry the same weight as direct commands from the Lord.
c. AD 45-49
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul, along with Barnabas, travels through Asia Minor, establishing churches and encountering various spiritual gifts and challenges. This period lays groundwork for his later teachings.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul revisits the churches in Asia Minor and travels into Europe, founding churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth. He spends considerable time in Corinth.
c. AD 53-57
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul spends extended periods in Ephesus and then travels again to Corinth. During this time, he likely writes 1 Corinthians.
c. AD 55— this verse
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians
From Ephesus, Paul writes his first letter to the Corinthian church to address serious issues of division, immorality, and misuse of spiritual gifts.
c. AD 56
Paul Visits Corinth
Paul makes a brief, painful visit to Corinth, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 12:14. He likely corrects issues directly during this visit.
c. AD 56
Paul Writes 2 Corinthians
Following his difficult visit, Paul writes 2 Corinthians, likely from Macedonia, expressing his deep emotions and further addressing the church's response to his apostolic authority.
This passage highlights the purpose of spiritual gifts, especially prophecy, which is to build up the church, directly relating to Paul's authority as he lays down commands for their use.
Deuteronomy 18:18-22This Old Testament passage sets the standard for identifying a true prophet – their words must align with God's commands, reinforcing Paul's assertion that his inspired writings are divine commands.
John 14:26Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will teach the disciples all things and remind them of His words, underscoring the divine origin and authority of the apostles' teachings, including Paul's.
2 Timothy 3:16-17This verse states that all Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, confirming that Paul's writings, penned under the Spirit's inspiration, carry the authority of God's Word.
Paul doesn't just assume spiritual people will agree with him; he challenges them to test their spirituality against his apostolic teaching. True spiritual insight, he insists, will always align with God's authoritative word, which he's communicating right here. So, if someone claims deep spiritual understanding, their real test is whether they recognize these instructions as divinely ordained commands.
Paul is addressing the chaotic worship services happening in Corinth, where people are using spiritual gifts, especially speaking in tongues, in ways that are confusing and unedifying to the whole church. He's been laying out principles for orderly and understandable worship, emphasizing that gifts are for building up the community, and here he’s firmly asserting that his apostolic instruction is not just his opinion, but divinely authoritative. To disregard his words on proper spiritual practice is to disregard the Lord Himself.
Paul is addressing the chaotic worship services happening in Corinth, where people are using spiritual gifts, especially speaking in tongues, in ways that are confusing and unedifying to the whole church. He's been laying out principles for orderly and understandable worship, emphasizing that gifts are for building up the community, and here he’s firmly asserting that his apostolic instruction is not just his opinion, but divinely authoritative. To disregard his words on proper spiritual practice is to disregard the Lord Himself.
"If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord." — Paul doesn't just assume spiritual people will agree with him; he challenges them to test their spirituality against his apostolic teaching. True spiritual insight, he insists, will always align wi…
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Last reviewed October 2026
