²¹ In the Law^(A) it is written:

²² Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy,^(C) however, is not for unbelievers but for believers. ²³ So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind?^{(D) 24} But if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, ²⁵ as the secrets^(E) of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!”^(F)

Good Order in Worship

²⁶ What then shall we say, brothers and sisters?^(G) When you come together, each of you^(H) has a hymn,^(I) or a word of instruction,^(J) a revelation, a tongue^(K) or an interpretation.^(L) Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.^{(M) 27} If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. ²⁸ If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God.

²⁹ Two or three prophets^(N) should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.^{(O) 30} And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. ³¹ For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. ³² The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets.^{(P) 33} For God is not a God of disorder^(Q) but of peace^(R)—as in all the congregations^(S) of the Lord’s people.^(T)

³⁴ Women^[b] should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak,^(U) but must be in submission,^(V) as the law^(W) says. ³⁵ If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.^[c]

³⁶ Or did the word of God^(X) originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? ³⁷ If anyone thinks they are a prophet^(Y) or otherwise gifted by the Spirit,^(Z) let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command.^{(AA) 38} But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored.^[d]

³⁹ Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager^(AB) to prophesy,^(AC) and do not forbid speaking in tongues. ⁴⁰ But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly^(AD) way.