1 Corinthians 14:1

rather

The subject is still the Greek, "pneumatika". Chapter 12 described the gifts and the Body; Chapter 13 described the love which alone gives ministry of gift any value; Chapter 14 regulates the ministry of gift in the primitive, apostolic assembly of saints.

(1) The important gift is that of prophecy (1 Corinthians 1:1)). The New Testament prophet was not merely a preacher, but an inspired preacher, through whom, until the New Testament was written, new revelations suited to the new dispensation were given (1 Corinthians 14:29).

(2) Tongues and the sign gifts are to cease, and meantime must be used with restraint, and only if an interpreter be present (1 Corinthians 14:1); (1 Corinthians 14:27); (1 Corinthians 14:28).

(3) In the primitive church there was liberty for the ministry of all the gifts which might be present, but for prophecy more especially (1 Corinthians 14:23); (1 Corinthians 14:31); (1 Corinthians 14:39).

(4) In such meetings, when "the whole church" came together "in one place," women were required to keep silence (1 Corinthians 14:34); (1 Corinthians 11:3); (1 Timothy 2:11).

(5) These injunctions are declared to be "the commandments of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 14:36).