Website: Studying the Word of GodAuthors: Brian K. McPherson and Scott McPhersonWeb Address (URL): biblestudying.net

1 Cor. 14: A More Detailed Look at Prophecy and Teaching in Church Gatherings

Part 1: Introductory Issues1. Purpose:

a. This outline is a supplement to the material contained in our study articles and the main outline of those articles.

i. The purpose is to do a more detailed exposition of the teaching-oriented nature of the activities Paul discusses in 1 Cor. 14 primarily through an examination of the biblical relationship between teaching and prophecy.

b. Throughout the rest of the New Testament we have seen a consistent emphasis on teaching as the dominant feature of church gatherings and as the major role of the apostles and local church leaders called elders, pastors, or teachers.

c. Tonight’s study will investigate in more detail the question of whether or not Paul’s instructions for church gatherings in 1 Cor. 14 contain an emphasis on teaching-oriented gifts, roles, and activities.

2. Our positiona. Throughout 1 Cor. 12:28-31 and 14, Paul is restricting church gatherings to

teaching-oriented activities like prophecy.b. By “teaching-oriented” we mean a role, gift, or activities that predominantly

serves to remind and instruct God’s people about the teachings and commands of God’s covenant, this may involve rebuke/correction.

i. We believe that this definition of “teaching-oriented” is the biblically accurate description of the activity of a prophet and prophecy.

3. Important questions as we proceeda. Throughout 1 Cor. 14 Paul speaks a lot about prophecy and edifying – are these

teaching-oriented activities or are they not? What are the implications either way for the main purpose of this discussion?

i. If these are teaching-oriented activities, then they provide further proof that Paul is emphasizing teaching-oriented activities.

ii. If they are not, then Paul is emphasizing non-teaching activities in 1 Cor. 14 as well.

a. In order to know if 1 Cor. 14 is emphasizing teaching-oriented activities, and if prophecy and edifying are teaching-oriented, we must first define what teaching is

iii. What is teaching? What does teaching involve? What are some synonyms for teaching?

1. Generally speaking teaching involves instruction and the sharing knowledge for the purposes of helping others to learn or understand.

Teach – 1a: to cause to know something b: to cause to know how c: to accustom to some action or attitude d: to cause to know the disagreeable consequences of some action 2: to guide the studies of 3: to impart the knowledge of 4a: to instruct by precept, example, or experience b:

to make known and accepted 5: to conduct instruction regularly in – Merriam Webster’s Online Dictionary

Teach – 1. to impart knowledge of or skill in; give instruction in: 2. to impart knowledge or skill to; give instruction to: - dictionary.reference.com

Teach - Definition: educate; instill knowledge; Notes: learn means to acquire or gain skill, knowledge or comprehension; teach means to impart skill, knowledge or comprehension to – thesaurus.com, Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition

Teach – 1. To impart knowledge or skill to: 2. To provide knowledge of; instruct in: 3. To condition to a certain action or frame of mind: 4. To cause to learn by example or experience: 5. To advocate or preach: 6. To carry on instruction on a regular basis in: Synonyms: teach, instruct, educate, train, school, discipline, drill – thefreedictionary.com

iv. What do we mean when we talk about teaching in the bible?b. What would we expect...?

v. If 1 Cor. 14 is emphasizing teaching-oriented activities, we’d expect to find an emphasis on and a lot of mentions of teaching-oriented activities

vi. If 1 Cor. 14 is NOT emphasizing teaching-oriented activities, we’d expect to find an emphasis on and a lot of mentions of non-teaching activities.

Part 2: Reasons to Conclude that 1 Cor. 14 is about Teaching-Oriented Activities4. Teaching-oriented activities are plainly emphasized throughout 1 Cor. 14.

a. In 1 Cor. 14, Paul speaks of teaching-oriented activities 6 times (v. 6, 14, 19, 26, 31, 35) showing a clear emphasis.

i. v. 6 – Paul mentions speaking doctrine/teaching (1322) as a means to benefit the church.

ii. v. 14 (with v. 12 and 17) – edification of others is equivalent to our understanding/mind being fruitful (= what we understand being understood or shared with others.)

1. Compare with v. 19 where Paul equates speaking by our understanding to teaching (2727)

iii. v. 19 – Paul states that in the church he prioritizes being able to teach (2727) others from his understanding rather than with tongues

iv. v. 26 – Paul mentions doctrine/teaching (1322)v. v. 31 – the purpose of prophesying is so that all may learn (3129)

vi. v. 35 –learn (3129) 1. To learn is to be taught, to be instructed so as to gain knowledge or

understanding, be informed by someone...Paul is speaking of a teaching related activity.

Learn – to acquire complete knowledge, understanding, or skill in – Merriam Webster’s Online Dictionary

Learn – 1. to acquire knowledge of or skill in by study, instruction, or experience: 2. to become informed of or acquainted with; ascertain: to learn the truth. - dictionary.reference.com

Learn – 1. To gain knowledge, comprehension, or mastery of through experience or study. 2. To fix in the mind or memory; memorize: lea. 3.a. To acquire experience of or an ability or a skill in: b. To become aware: 4. To become informed of; find out. 5. Nonstandard: To cause to acquire knowledge; teach. 6. Obsolete: To give information to. – thefreedictionary.com

5. In 1 Cor. 14, Paul discusses and emphasizes prophecy and edification.a. Edifying (3618, 3619)

i. Paul writes of edifying 7x in 6 verses (2x in v.4) – v. 3, 4, 5, 12, 17, 26ii. Paul instructs that edifying is the essential requirement for church

activities – v. 4, 5-6, 12, 16-17, (19,) 26iii. Important questions

1. What does the word “edify” mean?a. The modern definition of edify involves teaching,

instructing, and educating.b. Edify is listed as synonym for teaching by Roget’s

Thesaurus.

Edify – 1: archaic a: build b: establish 2: to instruct and improve especially in moral and religious knowledge; synonyms: edify, educate – Merriam Webster’s Online Dictionary Edify – Definition: instruct Synonyms: educate, enlighten, improve, teach, uplift – thesaurus.com, Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition

Edify –To instruct especially so as to encourage intellectual, moral, or spiritual improvement. – thefreedictionary.com

Teach - Definition: educate; instill knowledge; Synonyms: edify, enlighten, explain, expound, give instruction, give lessons, give the facts, impart, implant, improve mind, indoctrinate, inform, instruct, lecture; Notes: learn means to acquire or gain skill, knowledge or comprehension; teach means to impart skill, knowledge or comprehension to – thesaurus.com, Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition

2. Questionsa. Based on above, is it fair to I.D. edifying with/as teaching?b. Is our Thursday study group teaching-oriented?c. Have you have been edified by our studies on Thursdays?

iv. In the bible, edifying is a teaching-oriented activity1. Jesus speaks of a man whose faith is built on his words/teachings is

the first use of the Greek words Paul uses in 1 Cor. 14 for edifying, therefore, in the NT edifying is equivalent to “to being built up in Jesus’ teachings”

a. Matt. 7:24-29 (3618, edification “builds” appears in v. 24 and 26) AND Luke 6:47-49 (3618 used in v. 49)

2. Jesus sent the apostles out to teach others all that he had taught them, thus the apostles would be edifying (building up) others in Christ’s teachings – Matt. 28:18-20

3. Paul connects this concept of edifying (3618) to the apostles work and their commission by Jesus to teach his teaching to all men.

a. Romans 15:20, 1 Cor. 3:9-12 (with Eph 2:20-22), and 2 Cor. 10:8, 13:10

b. Eph. 2:20-22 through 3:1-9 – i. Eph. 2:20-22 – the apostles and prophets “build up”

(edify, 3619) the church as a habitation for the HSc. Eph. 3:1-9 – continues from v. 22 of chapter 2

i. For this cause (to edify the church) Paul was sent as an apostle to make the Gentiles understand the revelation (602) and knowledge (4907) of Jesus Christ which has been revealed (601) to the apostles and prophets by the HS by the power of the HS (v7)

d. In 1 Tim. 2:7 and 2 Tim. 1:11i. Paul speaks of his appointment and work as an

apostle as a teacher (1320) of the Gentiles indicating an equivalence between the apostles edifying the church and teaching Gentiles.

4. Eph. 4:7-21, 29, Paul is speaking of the same things he is discussing in 1 Cor. 12-14, parallels Jesus’ words in Matt. 7:24-29 and Luke 6:47-49 and directly states that the work, purpose, and gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, and teachers are for the edifying (3619) of the body of Christ into unity of the Christian faith and the knowledge of Christ so that they are not deceived by other winds and waves of teaching (1319.)

a. Edify (3619) is used in v. 12, 16, 29b. Comparisons to 1 Cor. 12-14

i. Speaking of gifts and of the power of God through the HS (v.7-8)

ii. Speaks of the edifying of the body in love (v. 16 – compared to 1 Cor. 13 and 14)

iii. Speaks of us as members of the body of Christ (v. 16, 25)

iv. Paul lists apostles, prophets, evangelists, and teachers (compare to 1 Cor. 12:28-31)

c. v. 20-21 – Paul discusses how through the teaching of the apostles, prophets, evangelists, teachers we have learned (3129) Christ and been taught (1321) the truth in Jesus – compare to 1 Cor. 14:31

i. (v. 29 – don’t say corrupt things, but only that which edifies (3619) your audience.)

v. Conclusions: 1. Edifying is clearly about teaching someone the doctrine and

commands of Christ.2. Since Paul makes edifying the essential feature required for

activities at church gatherings and edifying is about teaching, Paul is making teaching a requirement and a priority.

3. Earlier we noted that Paul mentions “teaching-related” activities 6 times (doctrine, teaching, and learning), to this we can also add the 7 times (in 6 verses) that Paul mentions edifying and requires it as the essential component of church gathering activities = a total of 13 mentions of teaching-oriented activities.

a. How many times would Paul have to mention the concept of teaching in a single chapter in order to substantiate that it is a central theme and focus?

4. However, if prophecy is not teaching-oriented, then perhaps non-teaching activities are also allowed at church gatherings.

b. Prophecyi. Paul speaks of prophecy 11 times – v. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 22, 24, 29, 31, 32, 37)

ii. Paul prioritizes prophecy 4-5 times – (v. 1, 5, 24, 29-32, 39)1. Paul also prioritizes prophecy alongside apostles and teachers in 1

Cor. 12:28-31 as he tells the Corinthians that he is going to show them the best way to do church gatherings (v. 31.)

iii. Important initial questions about prophecy:1. What is prophecy? What does prophecy involve? What are some

common things we think of prophets doing in the bible?a. Telling the future (perhaps directly from words or through

visions or dreams)i. Positive:

1. The Book of Revelation relays the coming reward and deliverance of God’s people.

2. OT prophesies of Christ’s coming and providing deliverance.

ii. Negative:1. Acts 11:28 – prophesying a famine2. Acts 21:10 – prophesying that Paul would

be imprisoned.b. Giving unknown information by spiritual means (seer)

i. 1 Sam. 9:1-5 – Samuel tells Saul where his father’s lost donkey’s are located.

c. Do we have a lot of biblical instances of prophets giving private citizens personal words about their own future?

2. What types of prophecy might be said to be edifying for the church and how would they be edifying for a Christian to hear?

a. Would negative future prophecy be edifying? b. Would telling someone where their lost donkeys are be

edifying in the faith to the church?

c. Foretelling of God’s future deliverance could be edifying. i. Do we conceive that Paul wanted church gatherings

to be comprised mostly of prophets telling the church about God rewarding them and delivering them in the future?

ii. What kind of new details or information do we imagine the prophets sharing with the church on this matter that might be edifying?

iv. The larger biblical discussion of prophecy indicates that prophecy is heavily involved in teaching and a teaching-oriented activity.

1. Other writings by the same author (Paul) on the same subject – 1 Cor. 12-14 and Ephesians 4

a. In 1 Cor. 12:28-31, Paul places prophets between apostles and teachers.

b. We know that the apostolic role was predominantly about their being commissioned by Christ to teach his teachings to all men.

c. We know that teachers taught.d. In Ephesians 4, Paul is discussing similar issues as 1 Cor.

12-14 and explains that the purpose of apostles, prophets, and teachers was to edify the church in the unity of the faith and knowledge of Christ through doctrinal oversight and warding off false teaching.

e. Clearly for Paul, the prophetic role and work was, like the role of apostles and teachers, a teaching-oriented role.

(Additional NOTES: 1. The fact that teaching was a fundamental component of each of these roles – apostles, prophets, teachers – doesn’t in any way indicate that they are equivalent to one another.2. Apostles were sent, taught, did miracles, and told/saw the future. 3. Prophets weren’t sent like the apostles, but they taught and told/saw the future. 4. Teachers taught, but they weren’t sent, and didn’t tell/see the future.)

2. Key OT information indicates that prophecy was a teaching role – Duet. 18:15-22

a. The purpose of a prophet was to speak God’s word to them as Moses had (v. 15 and 18, implying the teachings and commandments of God’s covenant)

b. The purpose of a prophet telling the future was so that the people would know that God had sent the prophet and would listen to him as he instructed them in the teachings and commands of the covenant (v. 21-22.)

3. Other NT teaching on prophecy identifies it as a teaching role – a. John 14:23-26

i. Focuses on keeping Jesus’ teachings (v. 23-24)

ii. The Holy Spirit is associated with comforting the church (v. 26, 3875) through the work of teaching (1321) reminding (5270, v. 26) men of Jesus’ teaching.

iii. Since the Holy Spirit is active in prophetic work, his role in reminding men of Christ’s teaching is informative for us regarding the nature of prophecy.

b. John 15:26-27 – i. The Holy Spirit as a Comforter (3875) who will

testify (3140) of Jesus and enable to the apostles to testify (3140) about Jesus.

ii. These actions of the apostles testifying by the Holy Spirit are inherently connected to their commission to proclaim Jesus’ teaching to all men (Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 24:47-49, Acts 1:1-8 and also 2 Peter 1:12-18.)

c. John 16:13-15 – i. The work of the Holy Spirit which is associated

with the prophetic abilities to speak what Jesus’ spoke and showing us things to come.

ii. v. 8 – the HS’s role of convicting (1651) d. The role of the apostles and the definition of

witnessing/testifyingi. The role of the apostles by the power of the Holy

Spirit1. Matt. 28:18-20 – “go therefore and teach

(3100) all nations baptizing them in the Holy Spirit and teaching (1321) them all things I have commanded you”

2. Luke 24:47-49 – speaks of the Holy Spirit as the promise of the Father and the apostles being witnesses (3144) of all things pertaining to Jesus.

3. Acts 1:1-8 – Jesus gave commandments to the apostles through the HS and spoke of things pertaining to the kingdom and commanded them to wait for the Holy Spirit so that they could be empowered to be witnesses (3144) of Jesus to the world.

e. Rev. 19:10 – the testimony (3141) of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy

f. 2 Peter 1:12-2:1i. Peter speaks of the apostles’ role as witnesses (v.

16) of Jesus by reminding (5279 in v. 12, 5280 in v. 13, 3420 in 15) the church of what he equates with a word of prophecy (v. 19) comparable to OT

scripture and prophets (v. 20-21) by the power of the Holy Spirit and contrasts with false teachers (5572 = 5571 + 1320) who introduce false understandings (heresies, 139)

g. Hebrews 1:1-2 and 2:1-4i. 1:1-2 – In the OT God spoke through the prophets,

but now has spoken through Jesus.ii. 2:1-4

1. The apostles proclaimed what Jesus spoke to them unto the church being borne witness by the Holy Spirit through miraculous signs and wonders.

2. = comparison of OT prophets to apostlesh. 1 Cor. 2:1-4, 10-13 – the Holy Spirit teaches

i. v. 1-4 – Paul preaching about Christ as testimony (3142) by the power of the Holy Spirit, not of man’s wisdom

ii. v. 10-13 – the Spirit reveals (601) the things of God to us, the apostles spoke to the churches what the Spirit taught us (1318)

4. Conclusions on prophecy from the larger biblical context.a. In the OT and NT, prophecy involved reminding and

instructing people about teachings and commandments of the covenant.

i. The role of miracles, even telling the future, was subservient to the role of speaking God’s teachings to the people.

ii. Miracles and telling the future were intended to promote the teaching and confirm the apostles and prophets that God had sent to teach and instruct his people about his commands and covenant.

v. The local context (Paul’s discussion of prophecy in 1 Corinthians) indicates that prophecy is heavily involved in teaching and a teaching-oriented activity.

1. We have seen that in the NT edifying is predominately about teaching, in 1 Cor. 14 Paul repeatedly indicates that edifying is the essential feature of prophecy which makes it the quintessential activity at church gatherings in contrast to non-edifying activities which are prohibited (v. 5-6, 19, 23, 28)

a. v. 1-3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 16-17, 26 b. If edifying is about teaching, and prophecy is about

edifying, then prophecy is about teaching, and emphasis on prophecy is an emphasis on teaching.

2. Parallels in 1 Cor. 14

a. v. 1-4, prophesy should be done because it does edify, tongues shouldn’t be done because it doesn’t edify when people can’t understand what you’re saying.

b. v. 17-19 – Paul insists on speaking with his understanding for the purposes of teaching rather than speaking in tongues because others won’t be able to understand what he’s saying.

c. v. 27-32 – tongues aren’t allowed when people can’t understand what you’re saying, but prophesy is allowed for the purpose of people learning.

d. Conclusionsi. In each of these sets of verses Paul uses varying

language to express the same thought: 1. The permissibility and value of prophecy

because it edifies.2. The disallowance of tongues because people

can’t understand what you’re saying.ii. The alternating language indicates that for Paul to

say prophecy edified was the same thing as saying prophecy taught and that through prophesy people learned.

1. NOTE: close linguistic parallel…a. v. 3 prophesy for edification (3619)

and exhortation (3874 from 3870)b. v. 31 prophecy for learning (3129),

and comfort (3870)iii. This indicates that Paul has a teaching-oriented

aspect of prophecy from v. 1 through v. 33. 3. Verses 29-32

a. v. 29: “Let the other judge (1252, diakrino)”b. v. 32: “the spirits (4151) of the prophets”

i. What are the others judging? ii. What implications does this instruction to judge

prophecy potentially have on what aspect of prophecy Paul has in mind (telling the future, inspired teaching, personal words)?

c. Comparisons i. 1 John 4:1-4

1. “try the spirits (4151) because many false prophets have gone out into the world”

2. Associates false prophets and their words with “the spirit of antichrist (500)”

ii. 2 John 1:1-101. John’s discussing Jesus’ commandments (v.

5-6) and teachings (1322 used 3x in v. 9-10)

2. Contrasts having Christ’s teaching with antichrists (500) – v. 7

3. v. 10 – those with false doctrine not allowed in churches/houses.

iii. Questions1. What is John telling the church to try/test?2. How does this potential relate to 1 Cor. 14 in

general and 1 Cor. 14:29-32 more specifically?

d. Both John and Paul are talking about prophets and false prophets and teaching and the need to test/try or judge what a prophet says in the church gatherings.

i. = 1 Cor. 14 about judging teachings given by the prophets

ii. = 1 Cor. 14 is NOT about judging personal words or telling the future.

vi. Other things that are mentioned in 1 Cor. 14 are NOT non-teaching activities OR different from prophecy, they are teaching-oriented activities that are synonymous with, results of, or aspects of prophetic teaching.

1. 1 Cor. 14:3, 4, 5 – prophecy edifies (3619), exhorts (3874), and comforts (3889)

a. These are the results of prophecy, things that prophecy accomplishes, they are NOT separate, different activities besides prophecy.

i. If prophecy is teaching-oriented then these things result from teaching-oriented activities.

b. (We have already covered edification.)i. Furthermore, we have already seen that prophecy

edifies in that it builds up in correct doctrine and testifying to the teachings of Jesus (Matthew 7:24-29, Luke 6:47-49, Eph. 2:20-22, 4:11-16.)

1. What biblical or logical justification do we have for necessarily divorcing edification from related NT uses to refer to teaching-oriented activities?

c. Exhortation (3874) is the result of prophetic teaching…i. In 1 Cor. 14:31 Paul explains that the result of

prophecy is comfort/exhortation (3870)ii. Exhortation is associated with the role of the Holy

Spirit as the Comforter (3875) in reminding men of Jesus’ teaching and enabling them to be witness of Jesus’ teaching (John 14:23-26, 15:26, Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 24:47-49, Acts 1:1-8.)

iii. Acts 9:28-31 speaks of Paul speaking boldly in the name of the Lord and going to various churches

edifying them resulting in their being comforted (3874) by the HS.

iv. Acts 13:15 –Paul is asked to teach the synagogue and share any words of exhortation (3874) that he had on the scriptural reading, Paul then teaches them from the OT and about Jesus.

v. Acts 15 :31 – the apostles proclaim the teaching that Gentiles do not have to keep the whole of the Law of Moses and write this to the church in Antioch who calls the apostolic words/teaching a consolation (3874)

vi. 1 Thess. 2:2 – Paul refers to the apostles speaking the gospel as exhortation (3874)

vii. 1 Timothy 4:13 – Paul tells Timothy to attend to reading, exhortation (3874), and teaching (1319)

viii. Hebrews 13:22 – Paul refers to his letter to the Hebrews as a word of exhortation (3874), throughout the letter Paul teaches.

d. Comfort (3889) i. Only occurs here in 1 Cor. 14:3

ii. By context we can assume 1. It bears some similarity to edification and

exhortation.2. Is an aspect or result of prophecy.

2. v. 24 – conviction (1651, rebuke) and judgment (350) are likewise a facet/result of prophecy not an additional activity

a. Since prophecy is teaching-oriented then conviction and judgment result from teaching-oriented actions.

b. 1651, conviction/rebukei. In 2 Tim. 4:2, Paul states that rebuking “1651” is

done with doctrine/teaching (1322)ii. In Titus. 1:9, Paul tells Titus to use what the

apostles taught (1322) and sound doctrine (1319) to rebuke “1651”

c. v. 24-25 – “convicted…and made manifest the secrets of his heart”

i. Hebrews 4:12 – the word of God discerns intents of heart.

ii. Acts 2:37 – after Peter teaches about Jesus as his witness (3144), the crowd’s heart is cut open (2660)

d. The OT prophets often rebuked and corrected God’s people for their disobedience of the teachings and commands of God’s covenant.

3. v. 6 – Speaking by revelation, speaking by knowledge, speaking by prophesying, and speaking by doctrine.

a. According to their usage in 1 Cor. 13-14, all of these 4 words are facets of prophecy.

i. Revelation, v. 6 (602) – 1. 1 Cor. 14:30 – if something is revealed

(601) to one prophet while another speaks, the first should hold his peace

2. = revelation as an aspect or type of prophetic work.

ii. Knowledge, v. 6 (1108)1. 1 Cor. 13:2 – the gifts of prophecy allows

people to understand mysteries (3466) and have all knowledge (1108)

a. Possibly read Rom. 11:25 and 1 Cor 15:51 as examples of mysteries revealed/explained through teaching.

2. 1 Cor. 1:4-7 – miraculous gifts confirming the testimony of Christ so that they were enriched with all knowledge (1108)

a. = knowledge as an aspect or type of prophetic work of the Holy Spirit.

iii. Prophesyingiv. Teaching, v. 6 (1322)

1. 1 Cor. 14:6 and 19 – teaching (1322, 2727) seems to be a synonymous term that can be used to describe prophecy (compare with 1 Cor. 13:1-2, 8, 1 Cor. 14:1-5, 22-25, 27-32)

2. = teaching as an aspect or type of prophetic work.

b. According to their contextual usage in 1 Cor. 13-14, all of these 4 words are synonymous with prophecy.

i. In 1 Cor. 14:5-6 – prophecy is used interchangeably with speaking by revelation, knowledge, prophecy, doctrine.

1. Verse 5a. Paul explains that prophecy is better

than speaking a foreign language (tongues) because prophecy edifies.

b. Paul continues his idea from verse 5 into verse 6.

2. In verse 6a. However, if there are those present

who speak a foreign language (tongues), they will be edified (profited) by those who speak in tongues if…

i. …those who speak in tongues speak by revelation, knowledge, prophesy, or doctrine.

3. Therefore, there are 2 conditions under which speaking in tongues is equivalent to prophecy and allowable in church gatherings:

a. That there is an audience of persons who spoke a foreign language, thus necessitating someone speaking in tongues so that they could understand what was being said.

b. That the person speaking in tongues spoke by revelation, knowledge, prophesying, or doctrine so that the foreign-speaking audience would be edified.

ii. Conclusions1. The synonymous alternation between

prophecy and tongues (v. 1-5) and speaking by revelation, knowledge, prophesy, and tongues (v. 6) indicates:

a. That these 4 words are facets or modes of prophecy.

b. That these 4 words are edifying (that is, they build people up in Christ’s teaching.)

c. According to their usage in the rest of the New Testament, all of these 4 words relate to teaching about and from Jesus Christ.

i. Revelation – (602 “apokalupsis” derived from 601) – to expose, lay bear, disclose something that wasn’t previously known

1. God’s word being revealed to mena. Through Jesus

i. Matthew 11:25-27 and Luke 10:21 and 12:2-3 – God’s words being revealed to men (compare to Deut. 18)

ii. Compare to Matt. 16:17 – true teaching about Jesus was revealed (601) to Peter by God

b. Through the apostles (such as Paul) were sent out to reveal the teachings of Christ to all men.

i. Gal. 1:11-12, 16, Eph. 3:3, 7-8

ii. Compare also to Matt. 28:18-20, Mark 16:16-20, Luke 24:47-49, John 20:21-22, Acts 1:1-8.

2. The explanation of Old Testament things (mysteries, 3466, Romans 16:25, Eph. 3:3, 4, 9) that spoke of Jesus and were fulfilled in him and were proclaimed to the churches by the apostles

a. Romans 16:25, Gal. 3:23, Eph. 3:3, 5, 7-8, 1 Peter 1:10-12

3. Understanding about truths and teachings in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit

a. Eph. 1:17-18b. 1 Cor. 2:10-13 (see “teacheth” 1318

by the Holy Spirit 2x in v. 13)4. (Instructions about the future through)

visions– a. Rev. 1:1, 1 Cor. 2:9-10, 2 Cor. 12:1,

7 ii. Knowledge – 1108

1. As knowledge of Jesus and his teachings taught by apostles and prophets

a. First use: Luke 1:77 – John the Baptist, who was a prophet (Matthew 11:7-9, Luke 7:24-26) and testified of Jesus (John 1:6-8 using 3140 2x) who was to give knowledge (1108) of salvation to God’s people.

b. 1 Cor. 1:4-7 –miraculous gifts confirming the testimony of Christ so that they were enriched with all knowledge (1108)

c. Romans 15:13-20 – Paul as an apostle giving knowledge (1108) to the church by the power of the Holy Spirit.

d. 2 Cor. 2:15 – the apostles make manifest (similar to reveal) the knowledge (1108) of Christ in every place (compare to 1 Cor. 1:4-7 and

Matt. 28:18-20, John 14:26, 15:26, Acts 1:1-8).

e. 2 Peter 3:18 – the knowledge (1108) of our Lord and Savior related to what Paul taught in his epistles (v. 15-16)

f. 1 Cor. 13:2 – the gifts of prophecy allows people to understand mysteries (3466) and have all knowledge (1108) =

i. Knowledge related to revealing mysteries (3466) about Jesus in the OT = comparable to revelation

2. 1 Cor. 12:8 – words of knowledge (1108) – a. no explanation of this except that its

by the Holy Spirit.iii. (Prophecy covered above.)iv. Teaching.

4. Conclusions:a. All of the things mentioned in v. 3, 6, and 24 are:

i. Synonymous with prophecyii. Facets, modes, or results of prophecy

1. As we have seen prophecy is a teaching-oriented activity.

2. Therefore, as facets, modes, or results of prophecy these items are facets, modes, or results of teaching-oriented activity.

iii. In some cases, are easily identified as teaching-oriented in and of themselves.

b. The items mentioned in v. 3, 6, and 23…i. Are NOT separate activities different from

prophecy. ii. Are NOT non-teaching activities.

c. v. 26 – How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

i. Three parts of this verse: 1) the question, 2) what everyone was doing, 3) Paul’s assertion of what should be done.

ii. The Greek words of the question simply relay “What/how is it then…?”1. The Greek word for “how” is “tis” (Strong’s No. 5101) meaning

“who, which, what.” 2. The Greek word for “is it” is “esti” (Strong’s No. 2076), which is

the third person singular form of the verb “to be.” 3. The third person singular is represented in the English by the

neuter pronoun “it.”

4. And the Greek word for “then” is “oun” (Strong’s No. 3767) meaning “then,” “consequently,” or “these things being so.”

iii. Interpretation of v. 26 – Option 1: 1. In v. 26, Paul is instructing the Corinthians on what or how things

should be done at the church gatheringsa. “What should be done? What should be done is that every

one of you should participate by presenting either a psalm, a revelation, a tongue, an interpretation, or a doctrine.”

b. (This is Viola’s interpretation.)iv. Interpretation of v. 26 – Option 2:

1. In verse 26, Paul is reacting against each of the Corinthians presenting a psalm, revelation, tongue, interpretation, or doctrine in their church gatherings.

a. v. 26: “In light of what I’ve been saying I have to ask, what is going on at your meetings? When you come together for church every one of you speaks or participates with psalms, revelation, tongues, interpretations, and doctrines. Rather, as I’ve been saying, do the things that edify, like prophecy (see v.27-33 which follow.)”

v. Insight on how we should interpret v. 26 by surveying 1 Cor. 141. Paul’s question (“How is it then?) expresses a negative reaction

rather than introducing positive reinforcement of approved actions. a. Paul uses sarcasm and questions throughout his letter to

express disapproval and respond to Corinthian misbehavior.)

i. 1:12-13, 3:3-4, 3:16, 4:8-10, 6:1-3, 6:7-9, 6:15-19, 8:11-12, 9:1-6, 10:16-20, 22-28, 11:20-22, 12:14-19, 12:28-32, 14:14-17 (note Paul’s use of “I” rather than “you” compared with 14:26), 14:36-38, 15:29-30

ii. Notice that many of these passages include similar elements: a question, an assertion of what everyone in Corinth was doing, and then Paul’s correction of false teaching or practice.

2. The pattern and precise language of “every one (1538) of you…(when you come together)” is used repeatedly in 1 Cor. to identify practices Paul disapproved of and sought to correct, NOT practices he sought to implement (1 Cor. 1:12, 11:20-21, and 14:26)

a. The pattern is as follows:i. 1) Paul describes something “every one” of the

Corinthians were doing as they came together. ii. 2) Paul questions what “every one” of the

Corinthians were doing as they came together.iii. 3) Paul corrects what “every one” of the Corinthians

were doing as they came together. b. What “every one” was doing in Corinth…

i. In 1 Corinthians 1:12, “every one of them” was claiming to be a follower of some Christian leader in particular.

1 Corinthians 1:12 Now this I say, that every one (1538) of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

ii. In 1 Corinthians 11:20-21, Paul states that when the Corinthians came together for church “everyone of them” was taking too much or not waiting for the others (v.33).

1 Corinthians 11:20 When ye come together (4905) therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper. 21 For in eating every one (1538) taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.

iii. In 1 Corinthians 14:26, Paul states that when the Corinthians came together for church “every one of them had a psalm, a teaching, a tongue, a revelation, or an interpretation.”

1 Corinthians 14:26 How (5101) is it then, brethren? when ye come together (4905), every one (1538) of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

c. Paul questions what “every one” was doing in Corinthi. In 1 Corinthians 1:12, Paul questions the Corinthian

divisions by asking “Is Christ divided?”

1 Corinthians 1:12 Now this I say, that every one (1538) of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

ii. In 1 Corinthians 11:22, Paul questions the Corinthian’s inappropriate practice of the Lord’s Supper saying “What shall I say to you?”

1 Corinthians 11:22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What (5101) shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.

iii. In 1 Corinthians 14:26, Paul questions the Corinthians practice of everyone speaking at church gatherings saying “How is it then?” (Taken together verse 26 can be read as “How is it then brothers

when you come together every one of you has a psalm, a doctrine, a tongue, a revelation, an interpretation?”)

1 Corinthians 14:26 How (5101) is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

d. In all 3 passages, Paul questions the Corinthians practices. i. He uses these questions to indicate his disapproval

of their unorthodox behavior. ii. The questions from 11:22 and 14:26 are even

similar in the Greek. Both start with the Greek word “tis” (Strong’s number 5101).

1. Similar question and wording in 1 Cor. 10:19 – What (5101) am I saying that an idol is anything?

3. Paul’s disapproval of the Corinthians practices in chapter 11 and 14 (and chapter 1) isn’t just indicated by questioning, he also corrected what “every one” was doing in Corinth.

a. In 1 Corinthians 11:22-34, Paul corrects the Corinthians misconduct by reminding them of the appropriate manner and universal instructions for celebrating the Lord’s Supper.

vi. Paul’s correction of the Corinthian church practices1. According to 1 Cor. 14:26, when the Corinthians came together in

church every one of them took a turn using their gifts even if those gifts weren’t edifying (building up the church in Christ’s teachings).

a. Everyone using their gift and the use of non-edifying gifts is exactly what Paul has been disapproving of and is prohibiting in this chapter.

b. In 1 Cor. 14:33 Paul states that what the Corinthians were doing created confusion (v. 33).

i. = disapproval of what everyone was doing. c. After 25 verses restricting church activities only to edifying

activities Paul asks this question in v. 26, and Paul answers with what should be done: “Let all things that promote edifying be done.”

i. Paul does not stop with simply saying, “let all things be done,” as if to provide instruction to allow all things (all gifts, all functions) to be performed at church gatherings.

ii. “Let all things that promote edifying be done.”1. ginomai 1096 (imper.) 2. pas 3956 (each or all things)

3. pros 4314 (unto, with regard toward…) 4. oikodome 3619 (building up, edification)

iii. Things that don’t edify shouldn’t be done even if some people’s gifts weren’t edifying-oriented.

1. (This is consistent with Paul’s prohibitions in the rest of the chapter as illustrated against tongues – v. 2, 4-5, 19, 26-28.)

iv. What things edify? – v. 40 – Let (1096) all things (3956) that are done should be done (1096) decently and “in order” (“taxis” 5010)

1. (Similar wording to v. 26)2. = in accordance with the proper order, rank,

and arrangement (from 5021)3. Related to “ataktos” 814 (“a” + “tasso”

(5021 = to put in order, arrange) – see 2 Thess. 3:6

4. This is an appeal to:a. What the apostles taught everywhere

in all churches (i.e., is “orderly”)b. Hierarchical placement (ranking,

order) use of gifts, especially teaching gifts – see 1 Cor. 12:28-31

5. Which activities does Paul instruct in 13-14 for the church to use in the most excellent way?

a. Teaching-oriented gifts/activities – 1 Cor. 12:28-31, Eph. 4:11-16

d. When Paul states in v. 31 that “all may prophesy,” he does NOT mean that everyone present may prophesy.

i. In 1 Cor. 12:28-29, Paul states that not everyone could prophesy, so those who couldn’t prophesy would not be able to prophesy during the church gatherings.

1. Therefore, “all may prophesy” must not refer to all present at the church gatherings, but at the most can only refer to all present at the church gatherings who had the ability to prophesy.

i. In 1 Cor. 14:29-31, Paul states that 2 or 3 prophets could take turns speaking, so even if there were a large number of prophets present at the church gathering only 2 or 3 of them could speak.

1. Therefore, “all may prophesy” must not refer to all present at the church gathering, or even to all those present at the church gathering who had the ability to prophesy.

2. Rather, at the most Paul is only allowing 2 to 3 persons with the ability to prophesy to speak during the church gatherings.

ii. Only men (that is not women, or not everyone) could speak or prophecy/teach at the meetings (v. 34-35).

iii. Paul’s statement in v. 31…1. Is not meant to overturn his previous, clear

statements that not all had the ability to prophesy and that only 2-3 of those with the ability to prophesy could speak during church.

2. The “all” in v. 31…a. Is NOT “all” as in “everyone present

during the church gathering should take turns speaking.”

b. Is NOT “all” as in “all of those with the ability to prophesy that are present at the church gathering should take turns speaking.”

c. Is “all” as in “the 2 to 3 people who had the ability to prophesy and who were speaking during the church gathering should take turns speaking.”)

vii. Conclusions on v. 261. We cannot simply assume that in v. 26 Paul is laying out what he

wants to happen in the church as if Paul wants everyone to take a turn doing any kind of activity they are gifted towards.

2. There is good reason to suppose that v. 26 is Paul is speaking against the Corinthian practice of everyone taking turns doing any kind of activity they were gifted towards.

3. The key question to understanding v. 26 is what does Paul say edifies the church?

a. Throughout 1 Cor. 14, Paul repeatedly states that:i. Prophecy edifies.

ii. Instruction, understanding, teaching, and learning promote edification.

iii. Likewise, revelation and doctrine are references to prophetic teaching.

iv. Speaking in tongues/foreign languages (and interpreting foreign languages) enabled the church to prophetically teach foreigners who were present who did not speak the local language.

4. A comparison of the words mentioned in v. 26 with their usage throughout Paul’s discussion in chapter 14 indicates that:

a. Speaking in tongues only edified if there were foreign-language speakers present who were enabled to understand prophetic teaching through the gift of tongues.

b. Interpreting tongues was useful in helping the church be able to understand what foreigners were saying or might want to ask regarding what they were hearing.

c. Revelation is an aspect of prophecy (v. 6 and 30)d. Doctrine/teaching is an integral part of the Old and New

Testament role of prophecy (v. 6, 19, 31)e. Certainly, as the Gospel accounts of the Last Supper

indicate, a song or psalm(s) could be part of church gatherings.

5. Conclusionsa. All of the items mentioned in v. 26 can occur in church

gatherings. i. Some of the items could only be used under certain

circumstances (tongues)b. Paul’s problem is that when the Corinthians came together

for church everyone of them sought to be heard or do something exhibiting their gift.

c. Paul’s solution is…i. To limit the types of gifts and activities to those

which he has specified as edifying (building up the church in Christ’s teaching)

ii. To limit the number of speakers to 2-3 people taking turns (v. 27, 29, 31)

iii. Gender limitations are provided in v. 34-35.6. Part 3: Conclusion: Throughout 1 Cor. 14 Paul is emphasizing teaching-oriented roles,

gifts, and activities at church gatheringsa. Prophecy

i. Is a teaching-oriented gift/activity and did also involve telling the future, which was to confirm that the role of the prophet and that the people should listen to the prophet.

ii. Is a priority in 1 Cor. 14 to the exclusion of other gifts/activitiesiii. In both testaments prophets served to remind, rebuke, comfort, or instruct

the church using the teaching, truths, commandments, and promises of God’s covenant.

iv. The ability to tell the future was a facet of prophecy with the purpose of demonstrating which prophets God’s people should listen to.

v. The role of apostles, prophets, and teachers was foremost in the church and primarily served to teach and oversee doctrine.

b. Paul requires that gifts/activities in church gatherings edify the churchi. Edification is used in the NT to refer to building up God’s house in Jesus’

teachingsii. Edification, in this sense (teaching and overseeing doctrine), was the

primary job of the apostles, prophets, evangelists, and teachers.

c. Apostles, prophets, and teachers were the highest ranking in the church and these three roles were all primarily teaching-oriented.

d. Other things mentioned in 1 Cor. 14 (edification, exhortation, comfort, revelation, knowledge, doctrine)

i. ARE NOT additional activities besides and separate from prophecyii. Are synonymous with or facets or results of prophecy

iii. Are synonymous with or related to teaching, instruction, sharing understanding, learning, and edification.

e. Paul does not approve of everyone at a church gathering using their gift.i. He instead restricts the number and gender of people who can speak and

the type of gifts that could be used to only things that edified (built people up in the teachings of Christ) such as prophetic teaching inspired by the Holy Spirit.

7. Additional clarificationa. Prophetic teaching is distinguishable from non-prophetic teaching in that the bible

identifies prophetic teaching as a work inspired by the Holy Spirit (see 2 Peter 1:19-21 and the material contained under point 4 at the bottom of page 7 of this outline – Other NT teaching on prophecy identifies it as a teaching role.

b. Although it can be difficult to comprehend the exact nature of inspired, prophetic teaching, we can conceptually distinguish between prophetic teaching inspired by the Holy Spirit and non-inspired (non-prophetic) teaching in the same way that we distinguish between inspired writing (scripture, such as the Old and New Testaments) and non-inspired writing (such as the works of any other, non-canonical Christian author, teacher, or writer.)

c. These distinctions are NOT artificial rather they are provided in and necessitated by the scriptural discussion of these matters.

8. Disclaimer:a. Throughout the NT we have seen that the apostles’ and elders’ main role was to

teach and oversee doctrine in church communities and in church gatherings. b. Throughout 1 Cor. 12-14 Paul is discussing supernatural gifts by the power of the

Holy Spirit. c. Today we do not have access to these same types of gifts.d. However, the roles, gifts, and activities that Paul emphasizes in the church

gatherings are teaching-oriented.e. Therefore, we can still act in accordance with Paul’s instructions in 1 Cor. 14 by

focusing on teaching-oriented activities (that remind and instruct us about the teachings and commands of the New Covenant) in our church gatherings.

9. Assessment question: a. Evidence in favor of a non-teaching understanding of prophecy in 1 Cor. 14 is not

exegetically motivated and is presumptuous.b. If the above evidence is deemed insufficient to demonstrate that in 1 Cor. 14 Paul

has in mind prophetic teaching when he speaks of prophecy, how can a non-teaching understanding of prophecy be accepted given that it has so much less exegetical support?