Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

1 Corinthians 14:31

καθ' ἕνα. Not necessarily at the same meeting of the Church, which would be in contradiction to what has just been said (1 Corinthians 14:29), nor that the permission was extended to the whole Christian body. All were not prophets, the Apostle tells us (ch. 1 Corinthians 12:29), and it is clear that none but prophets could prophesy, since prophecy (ch. 1 Corinthians 12:28; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Corinthians 14:1; 1 Corinthians 14:5; 1 Corinthians 14:22) was a special gift of the Spirit.

παρακαλῶνται. This word, which signifies literally to call to one’s side, has the sense of comfort and exhortation combined, and is most nearly equivalent to our encourage or cheer. See 2 Corinthians 1, where the word and the verb from which it is derived are translated indifferently comfort and consolation. In ch. 1 Corinthians 4:16 of this Epistle it is rendered beseech. In a great many passages, as for instance in Acts 2:40, it is rendered exhort. From this word is derived the title Paraclete, rendered Comforter in John 14:15,, Nehemiah 14:16, and Advocate in 1 John 2:1. See note on 1 Corinthians 14:3.

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Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

1 Corinthians 14:31

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