What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 14:38? But - “But” links this warning to Paul’s prior instruction on orderly worship (1 Corinthians 14:26-37). It marks a contrast: after offering clear, Spirit-given commands, Paul shows that non-compliance is not a trivial matter. - Cross references reinforce that a “but” often signals accountability: “But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny before My Father” (Matthew 10:33); “But the one who looks intently into the perfect law… will be blessed” (James 1:25). If anyone - Paul personalizes responsibility. Worship order is not merely for leaders; “anyone” includes every believer present. - Similar individual calls appear in 2 Timothy 2:19—“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity”—and Romans 14:12—“Each of us will give an account of himself to God.” Ignores this - “This” points back to the directives in vv. 29-37: weigh prophecies, limit tongue-speakers, let women remain silent during evaluation, recognize apostolic authority. - To “ignore” is to dismiss God-ordered boundaries, acting as though spiritual zeal excuses disorder. That attitude surfaces in Numbers 15:30 (“the person who acts defiantly… blasphemes the LORD”) and 1 Thessalonians 4:8 (“Anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject man, but God”). He himself will be ignored - God reciprocates disregard. Refusing divine order removes a person from recognized influence in the church. • They forfeit credibility—see Titus 1:16: “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny Him.” • They lose fellowship privilege—compare 2 Thessalonians 3:14: “Do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed.” • Ultimately, persistent refusal invites divine distancing, as in Proverbs 1:24-28 where God “will ignore” those who spurn wisdom. - Practically, the church must withhold the platform from anyone who will not submit to apostolic teaching, preserving edification and peace (1 Corinthians 14:33,40). summary Paul’s single sentence delivers a sober warning: every believer is accountable to uphold the orderly, Spirit-given pattern for congregational worship. Should someone brush off that pattern, God authorizes the church to set him aside—and God Himself will treat the rebel’s ministry and prayers as negligible. Obedience safeguards unity, tests authenticity, and honors the Lord who speaks through His appointed Word. |
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