What does 1 Corinthians 14:38 mean?
The Corinthians have been given a set of very specific instructions about what should and should not happen in worship services. Paul insists they should receive his teaching about these things as commands from the Lord. As an apostle of Jesus, Paul officially represented Christ's words and will to other believers. Paul wrote in the previous verse that any spiritual people—those "in the Spirit"—and anyone with the gift of prophecy should acknowledge this to be true (1 Corinthians 2:14).Now he adds that any among them who do not recognize these commands as coming from Christ will also not be recognized. The implication is that those who oppose Paul in these areas, those who disregard his teaching, will themselves be disregarded or ignored by God. In other words, those who reject the clear teaching of God about these things risk being revealed as not belonging to God. This is not an accusation Paul makes lightly (Galatians 1:8–9), or without cause.
Those who believe God and are known by Him will receive His instructions, including those delivered by Paul, and will act on them.
First Corinthians 14:26–40 includes specific instructions to the Corinthians on an orderly worship service. These meetings should reflect the character of God. Everyone should have an opportunity to bring a hymn, a lesson, a prophetic revelation from God, and even to speak in a tongue if someone is able to interpret. Each must happen one at a time, in turn, and only two or three tongues-speakers or prophets should contribute during a single service. Wives must remain silent and be in submission to their husbands. Only that which builds up the church should be included.
Paul encourages the Corinthians to desire the gift of prophecy, especially, among the other gifts. He shows why its use in the church service is superior to the use of the gift of tongues if nobody is available to interpret. Prophecy benefits everyone; praying in tongues with nobody to interpret benefits only the speaker. Only two or three tongues-speakers should contribute to any service, and only then one at a time and followed by interpreters. The same applies to prophecy and the gift of discerning spirits. Orderliness and building up the church are guiding principles for any worship meeting. Modern churches are divided on the extent to who which these gifts are given, or should be practiced.
