1 Corinthians 14:26-40

New Testament for Everyone

Final instructions for worship

²⁶ So where does this leave us, my brothers and sisters? When you come together, one person has a psalm, another some teaching, another a revelation, another a tongue, and another some interpretation. Let everything be done for the general upbuilding. ²⁷ If anyone speaks in a tongue, there should be two or at most three, each taking their turn, and one of them should put it into plain speech. ²⁸ But if none of them can do that, let them be silent in the assembly, and speak to themselves and to God.

²⁹ As for prophets, let two or three speak, and the others evaluate what is said. ³⁰ If fresh revelation comes to someone sitting there, the first person should be silent. ³¹ You can all prophesy one by one, so that everyone can learn, and everyone can be encouraged. ³² The spirits of prophets are under the control of prophets, ³³ since God is the God, not of chaos, but of peace.

As in all the assemblies of God’s people, ³⁴ the women should keep silence in the assemblies. They are not permitted to speak; they should remain in submission, just as the law declares. ³⁵ If they want to understand something more, they should ask their own husbands when they get home. It’s shameful, you see, for a woman to speak in the assembly. ³⁶ Do you suppose God’s word began with you? Are you the only ones it has reached?

³⁷ If anyone thinks they are a prophet, or spiritual, they should acknowledge that what I write to you is the Lord’s command. ³⁸ If anyone disregards this, they can be disregarded.

³⁹ So, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and don’t forbid speaking in tongues. ⁴⁰ But everything should be done in a seemly fashion, and in proper order.