What does 1 Corinthians 14:36 mean?

After a thorough discussion of some of the issues surrounding the way the Corinthian church was conducting worship services, Paul has laid down some rules. He introduced the previous two verses with the phrase, "as in all the churches of the saints." Now he returns to that idea with two pointedly sarcastic questions.

Paul asks if the word of God came from the church in Corinth or if the gospel has reached only them. Of course, neither is the case. Paul wants them to see that their church is part of the larger movement of the Christian "churches of the saints" around the world. People in other churches have developed practices for the proper use of gifts, for instance, and the Corinthians should be willing to adjust their own practices to fit into what is appropriate and pleasing to God, as well.

Many modern churches are independent from any group or denomination, but no church made up of genuine believers in Jesus stands alone or above other Bible believing Christian churches. All are accountable to God and, to an extent, accountable to other local churches around the world attended by brothers and sisters in Christ.