ESV Reformation Study Bible – 1 Cor 14:29–33
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1 Cor 14:29–33

14:29–33 Having given instructions for the proper exercise of the gift of tongues, Paul moves on to other directives that also affect the order of public worship. Since he had emphasized the importance of prophecy, he points out that even this gift should be exercised in an orderly fashion—“Let two or three prophets speak” (during the course of, or perhaps at various points in, the service), while “the others” who have the gift of prophecy should evaluate the message to ascertain that it is not false. Apparently the Corinthians were speaking in tongues and prophesying without regard for each other or for the content of the message (12:2, 3 note). Their disorder was a threat to the unity of the body and was incompatible with the God “of peace” (v. 33).