1 Corinthians 14:29

Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.

Study Bible

Two or three prophets
In the early church, the role of a prophet was vital for the edification and guidance of the congregation. The Greek word for "prophets" here is "προφῆται" (prophētai), which refers to those who are divinely inspired to communicate God's message. The instruction for "two or three" suggests a structured and orderly approach to prophecy, ensuring that the congregation is not overwhelmed and that each message can be given due attention. Historically, this reflects the early church's emphasis on order and discernment in worship, as seen in the Didache, an early Christian treatise that also emphasizes the importance of testing prophecies.

should speak
The phrase "should speak" indicates an active participation in the worship service. The Greek verb "λαλείτωσαν" (laleitōsan) is in the imperative mood, suggesting a command or strong encouragement. This implies that prophecy is not merely a passive reception of divine messages but involves a deliberate and responsible act of communication. The early church valued the spoken word as a primary means of conveying God's will, reflecting the oral culture of the time where spoken testimony was a key method of teaching and learning.

and the others
The term "the others" refers to the rest of the congregation or possibly other prophets present. The Greek word "οἱ ἄλλοι" (hoi alloi) suggests a communal responsibility in the discernment process. This communal aspect underscores the collective nature of early Christian worship, where the body of believers was actively engaged in the spiritual life of the community. It reflects the biblical principle of mutual accountability and the shared pursuit of truth.

should weigh carefully
The phrase "should weigh carefully" is translated from the Greek "διακρινέτωσαν" (diakrinētōsan), which means to judge or discern. This implies a process of careful evaluation and discernment, ensuring that the prophetic messages align with the teachings of Christ and the apostles. This practice is rooted in the Jewish tradition of testing prophets, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:20-22, where the authenticity of a prophet's message is to be tested against its fulfillment and consistency with God's revealed word.

what is said
The focus on "what is said" highlights the content of the prophecy rather than the charisma or authority of the speaker. This reflects the early church's commitment to truth and doctrinal purity. The Greek phrase "τὰ λεγόμενα" (ta legomena) emphasizes the importance of the message itself, encouraging believers to prioritize substance over style. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of testing all things and holding fast to what is good, as instructed in 1 Thessalonians 5:21.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Paul the Apostle
The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth with instructions on orderly worship and the use of spiritual gifts.

2. Prophets
Individuals in the early church who were given the gift of prophecy, which involved speaking messages from God to the congregation.

3. Corinth
A major city in ancient Greece where the church was dealing with issues of disorder and confusion in worship services.

4. Early Church
The community of believers in the first century who were navigating the use of spiritual gifts and establishing church practices.

5. Corinthian Church
The specific audience of Paul's letter, known for its diversity and challenges in maintaining order during worship.

Teaching Points

Order in Worship
Emphasize the importance of maintaining order during worship services to ensure that all things are done for edification and not confusion.

Discernment in Prophecy
Encourage believers to develop discernment and wisdom in evaluating prophetic messages, ensuring they align with Scripture and sound doctrine.

Role of Community
Highlight the role of the church community in collectively discerning and weighing prophetic words, fostering accountability and unity.

Spiritual Gifts and Responsibility
Teach that spiritual gifts, including prophecy, come with the responsibility to use them in a way that benefits the entire church body.

Encouragement of Prophetic Ministry
While maintaining order, encourage the exercise of prophetic gifts as a means of edification, exhortation, and comfort to the church.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we ensure that our worship services remain orderly and edifying, as instructed in 1 Corinthians 14:29?

2. What practical steps can we take to weigh carefully what is said in a prophetic message, and how can we involve the church community in this process?

3. How does the instruction in 1 Corinthians 14:29 relate to the broader biblical teaching on discernment and testing of spirits?

4. In what ways can we encourage the use of prophetic gifts in our church while maintaining accountability and alignment with Scripture?

5. How can the principles in 1 Corinthians 14:29 be applied to other areas of church life where spiritual gifts are exercised?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Thessalonians 5:20-21
Paul advises believers not to despise prophecies but to test everything, which aligns with the instruction to weigh carefully what is said.

1 John 4:1
Encourages believers to test the spirits to see whether they are from God, reinforcing the need for discernment in prophetic messages.

Acts 17:11
The Bereans are commended for examining the Scriptures daily to verify Paul's teachings, illustrating the practice of weighing what is said.

1 Corinthians 12:10
Discusses the spiritual gift of distinguishing between spirits, which is relevant to the process of weighing prophetic messages.

Ephesians 4:11-12
Describes the roles within the church, including prophets, for the purpose of building up the body of Christ.