SPIRITUAL GIFTS, PROPHESY, AND WOMEN
1Corinthians 14.1-40
This entire chapter Paul dedicated to one particular Gift of GOD, the Gift of Prophesy. Paul also explained the difference between the
Gift of Prophesy and the Gift of talking in Tongues. It must be understood that in translation, word "Tongues" sometimes means speaking in foreign languages and ability to translate them as it presented in this chapter.
In verse 2 this description is very well outlined and reveal that one who speak "unknown tongue," means speaking a language that does not exist on Earth, that man is talking to GOD or to a some heavenly being like angel. The reason for such communication Paul also explained in verse 4, which said that one who speaks to GOD or to angel in "unknown tongue" among humans, educates himself. Probably asking GOD or an angel a question or advice.
If we take to account numerous instances in which some people have conversation with GOD or with angels, we may assume that they might spoke in this "unknown tongue." Of course, GOD and the angels can speak and understand any language on Earth and in Heaven, because GOD is the One who gave to humans and angels ability in so many different languages (Genesis 11.6-7.9).
Perhaps another reason for such communication with GOD or with angels in "unknown tongue" is a reason to keep the secret from others. Not everyone deserves or shall know the subject of conversation between GOD and angels, or between GOD or an angel and humans, so, for this reason a human and the Heavenly Beings sometimes communicate in this "unknown" to ordinary people tongue, in order to keep a private conversation from others.
Of course, Paul wants all his students, disciples, and followers to be able to speak this Heavenly "unknown" to them language and communicate with GOD and with angels (5), but as he himself very well know, only small selected by GOD group of people can do that, the others are receiving other gifts for which they are much more suitable.
Next, Paul turned his attention to the Gift of Prophesy and declare that the Gift of Prophesy even better than the Gif of Unknown Tongue, unless he who speaks in tongues interprets his speech (5.13). In any way, these particular Gifts are very special and both of them extremely important and very educational for entire church, with interpretation or not.
I noticed in some churches when a pastor speaks in "unknown language" no one interpreting it. The reason may be lies in fake pastor or priest who pretend to speak and to know such language but faking it. This is why Paul mentioned here interpreter, so people would not be fooled by nonsense talk or a teacher.
In the next step Paul made a conclusion concerning prophesies that if someone prophesying his prophesy it must be interpreted (6-11), otherwise such a prophesy is useless, meaningless, and not educational. Despite this statement of Paul, some prophesies are hidden from humans to a certain period of time, and reasons for this are many.
In verse 18 Paul made a statement that he speaks in tongue more than anybody else. Paul does not mentioned what kind of tongue he is so proficient, in talking to GOD or in ordinary prophesy, but most likely in both tongues, because Paul is Apostle of the Lord and very special man of GOD, and so for this reason he can rightfully boast about himself and teach the church.
Paul also gave very good advice in verse 19 saying that short and to the point sermon is much better than a long and boring preaching that have no point, or the point lost in numerous words. This advice of Paul should be a good example and a rule to follow for all churches, because they are all having the same problem.
In verse 20 and in Romans 16.19, Paul suddenly changes subject and warned about lure of evil in our lives. Words: "do not be children" mean do not be too naive and foolish, sometime interpreted in the Bible as "simple." The words: "yet in evil be babies," mean to be innocent like baby, not to understand evil at all, its reasons and its excuses. "But in your thinking be mature." Yes, maturity is very important and not only maturity of mind, but also and maturity of spirit, the Spiritual Maturity. Spiritual Maturity of a person will protect him or her from all the temptations, enticement, and persuasion of all sorts temped by iniquity and evil.
Verse 21 is dedicated by Paul to the prophets of GOD who were "strangers" to the people of Israel, whose prophesies people took for a strange language, because the message of the prophets of GOD was foreign, unrelated, uncomfortable, and difficult for them to understand implement as a future warning, due to their own evil and ungodly nature (Isaiah 28.9-11-13).
In verses 34-36 Paul again touched the subject concerning women in the church, and like always boldly declared that women shall keep silent in the churches and not permitted to speak. This does not go well with many Christians, but those who have faith in Christ and believe in the Lord will take the words of Paul as they written - literally, because his is the Apostle and a man of GOD.
If someone will argue that it relates only to the church in Corinth, Paul in his Epistle to Timothy (1Timothy 2.12) established another similar rule: "I do not allow a woman to teach."
The reason why such rule is issued by Paul, probably resulted in behavior of some women who spoke some inappropriate things or some nonsense in the church, or tried to teach and lead the church. So when Paul saw it or heard about it, he issues this directive concerning women in the church. Another reason for such rule may be derives from the education of Paul by his teacher Gamaliel (Numbers 1.10) (Acts 5.34, 22.3), as tradition in the synagogues in which women do not ask questions and do not teach.
And finally, as a proof that the words of Paul's are the Words of GOD placed in his spirit and given to us as a Commandment, the verses 37-38 justify and prove that he received it directly from the Lord as a Commandment.
"38. But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized."