What does 1 Corinthians 14:30 mean?

Paul is providing direction to the Corinthians about how to conduct their worship services. He has insisted on two things: The services must be orderly, and only those things which build up others should be included.

A third principle is one of self-control over spiritual gifts. Of all of those with the gift of speaking in tongues, only two or three should do so, and only one at a time, and only if someone with the spiritual gift of interpretation is able to explain what has been said. Otherwise, those with the gift of tongues must remain silent.

Only two or three of those with the gift of prophecy should speak, as well, also in turn. In addition, some in the group should examine that their revelations are truly from God and not from another "spirit" (1 John 4:1). This may have required those with the gift of discerning between spirits (1 Corinthians 12:10) to exercise their gift. It could also involve use of God's written word (Acts 17:11) to ensure that these are legitimate statements.

Now Paul adds that the prophet who is speaking should stop and sit down if another person receives a revelation from God while the first person is talking. Again, Paul shows that spiritual gifts do not overcome those who receive them. These gifts of the Holy Spirit always remain under the full, conscious control of those who use them to serve others in the church.