What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 14:31? For Paul begins with the little word “for,” tying verse 31 back to his call for orderly worship (1 Corinthians 14:29-30). It’s a reminder that everything that follows is grounded in God’s character. As 1 Corinthians 14:33 says, “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” Order in the gathering is not a human preference; it reflects the very nature of the Lord who spoke the universe into being with perfect precision (Genesis 1:1-31). You can all prophesy • Prophecy is not restricted to an elite few. Acts 2:17 confirms, “I will pour out My Spirit on all people, and your sons and daughters will prophesy.” • Each believer receives the Spirit’s manifestation “for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7). • Moses longed for this day when he cried, “I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets” (Numbers 11:29). Paul echoes that desire, affirming that in Christ the door is open for every Spirit-filled believer to speak God-given words that build up the church. In turn • The phrase stresses sequence, not chaotic overlap. Just as with tongues (“one at a time,” 1 Corinthians 14:27), prophecy must follow a clear, respectful order. • 1 Corinthians 14:40 sums it up: “But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner.” • Order protects attention spans, guards doctrine, and showcases the Spirit’s self-control (Galatians 5:23). So that everyone may be instructed • Instruction (teaching) is a primary aim. Verse 3 already noted that prophecy “speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement, and comfort.” • God’s Word is always “profitable for teaching” (2 Timothy 3:16). When prophetic speech flows in turn, the church can actually hear, weigh, and learn. • This fits Christ’s design for leaders “to equip the saints for the work of ministry” (Ephesians 4:11-12). Properly exercised prophecy becomes a living classroom. And encouraged • Prophecy doesn’t merely fill heads; it lifts hearts. Romans 15:4 declares that Scripture was written “so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” • Judas and Silas, “prophets themselves, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words” (Acts 15:32). • The effect should mirror 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” When believers speak in turn, nobody is left out, and everybody walks away strengthened. summary 1 Corinthians 14:31 teaches that every Spirit-filled believer may exercise the gift of prophecy, but always in an orderly sequence, reflecting God’s own nature. The goal is twofold: clear instruction that grounds the church in truth, and heartfelt encouragement that spurs the saints onward. When prophecy works this way, the whole body is educated and uplifted, and Christ is glorified. |
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