New Testament in a Year
21 In the Law[a] it is written,
“By people speaking strange tongues
and by the lips of foreigners
I will speak to this people,
and even so they will not listen to me,
says the Lord.”
22 Clearly, then, tongues are intended as a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is designed not for unbelievers but for believers.
23 Therefore, if the whole Church has assembled and everyone is speaking in tongues, would not any uninstructed person or any unbeliever on entering conclude that you are all out of your minds? 24 However, if everyone is prophesying and an unbeliever or uninstructed person should enter, he would be reproved by all and judged by all, 25 and the secrets of his heart would be revealed. Then he would fall down and worship God, declaring, “God is truly in your midst.”
26 Let Everything Be Done Properly and in an Orderly Fashion. And so, what then should be done, brethren? When you assemble, each of you should bring a psalm or some lesson or a revelation, or speak in a tongue, or offer an interpretation. Everything should be done with the goal in mind of building up. 27 If any of you speak in a tongue, let only two or at most three come forward, one at a time, and someone must interpret. 28 If no one is available to interpret, let those who speak in tongues be silent in the church and speak only to themselves and to God.
29 As for the prophets, let two or three speak, and let the rest weigh their words. 30 Should a revelation be made to someone else who is sitting there, let the one who is speaking stop. 31 You can all prophesy, but one at a time, so that all may receive instruction and encouragement. 32 Indeed, the spirits of the prophets are subject to their prophets’ control, 33 for God is not a God of disorder but of peace.
As in all the Churches of the saints, 34 [b]women are to keep silent at the assemblies. For they are not permitted to speak, since the Law asserts that they are to be subordinate. 35 If there is anything they wish to know, they should ask their husbands at home. It is improper for them to speak in the church.
36 Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only ones to whom it has come? 37 Anyone who claims to be a prophet or to have spiritual powers must recognize that what I am writing to you is a commandment of the Lord. 38 Anyone who does not acknowledge this should be ignored.
39 Therefore, brethren, be eager to prophesy and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But ensure that everything is done properly and in an orderly fashion.
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