1 Corinthians 14:25

And thus are the secrets, &c.— "In a manner to him very surprising and unaccountable; insomuch that sometimes a person who comes into your assembly out of mere curiosity, or possibly with some ill design, is not able to command himself under the impression which the word ofGod thus spoken makes upon him." It is very possible that, as in the known cases of Nathaniel and the woman of Samaria, (John 1:47; John 4:18.) some secret facts relating to a stranger might, in some instances, be revealed to a prophet; perhaps, in some cases, the ill designs which had brought them into the assembly, when they came only as spies: and this was well suited to the purpose of producing, through grace, strong convictions of the presence of God with Christians. The passage, however, may be so understood, as to include any remarkable correspondence between what was spoken and the thoughts and state of mind whereof such a stranger might be conscious. Many memorable instances of which still happen, where ministers preach in an experimental manner, and lasting effects are often produced in consequence of such impressions.