1 Corinthians 14:26

What is it then, brethren? When ye come together, each one hath. psalm, hath. teaching, hath. revelation, hath. tongue, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

'What is it then' -'What is the outcome then' (NASV); 'Then what is our conclusion' (Wms); 'Then what is the right course' (Gspd)

'He will now encourage them to allow each other to contribute to the edification of the assembly.' (McGuiggan p. 183)

'When ye come together' -'whenever you meet' (Phi). 'Present..whenever ye come together.' (Robertson p. 184) This rule or principle applied to every worship service. Note: The Church assembling is often found in this letter. (1 Corinthians 11:18-34) Paul didn't picture that one could be. Christian and not meet with other Christians. (Hebrews 10:24)

'each one' -there existed plenty of opportunity and time in the assembly for the exercise of various gifts.

'The passage does, however, emphasize the involvement of many members in the activities of the public worship services. The idea of. clergy-laity distinction is unknown among the New Testament churches.' (Willis p. 504)

This verse points to the absence of. clergy that performed all the rites of worship for the congregation.

'psalm' -(Ephesians 5:19); 'with. song of praise' (Wey). Fee seems to think that this could also include. hymn that one would pray. Seeing that other passages connected with singing stress. mutual benefit quality (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16);. would tend to shy away from saying that this passage allows soloists in the assembly.

'teaching' -'a lesson' (RSV). Any biblical piece of instruction. This could be uninspired teaching, since the idea of inspiration isn't inherent in the meaning of the word rendered "teaching". God saw the importance of worship that included "teaching", i.e. instruction in doctrine. (1 Timothy 4:13; 1 Timothy 4:16)

'revelation' -a disclosure of divine truth. The type of messages that prophets delivered.

'Let all things be done unto edifying' -the rule that governed all that was done in the worship service. The same rule exists today.

Modern Applications:

When prayers are offered in the assembly they need to be heard. The preaching that is done needs to be on the level of those listening. The songs selected by the song leader should be songs that most in the assembly already know.

'Notice that both miraculous spiritual gifts and non-miraculous abilities were present in the assembly.' (Willis p. 505)