Good Order in Worship

²⁶ What then shall we say, brothers and sisters?^(A) When you come together, each of you^(B) has a hymn,^(C) or a word of instruction,^(D) a revelation, a tongue^(E) or an interpretation.^(F) Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.^{(G) 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^(H) should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.^{(I) 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.^{(J) 33} For God is not a God of disorder^(K) but of peace^(L)—as in all the congregations^(M) of the Lord’s people.^(N)

³⁷ If anyone thinks they are a prophet^(A) or otherwise gifted by the Spirit,^(B) let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command.^{(C) 38} But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored.^[a]

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