“How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.” 1 Corinthians 14:26 (Read 1 Cor. 14:1-40)
What do you think of when you hear the word church? For many, it conjures up an image of a well-organized service: a pastor delivers a sermon from the pulpit and leads the congregation in prayer, an organist, choir, or worship team leads in song, and the congregation listens respectfully. While this is the norm today, a peek into the first-century church reveals a different, more dynamic scene. The Apostle Paul’s instructions to the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians 14 offer a glimpse into a time when every member had a part to play and worship was vibrant and communal.
At the heart of Paul’s teaching is the principle of edification. This isn’t just about personal spiritual growth; it’s about building up the entire body of Christ. The Corinthian church, however, was a bit of a mess. Everyone was exercising their spiritual gifts — prophecy, tongues, teaching, etc. — but in a disorderly manner, creating a chaotic and confusing environment. Paul’s solution? Don’t stop using spiritual gifts; just do it in a way that benefits everyone.
He writes, “Let all things be done for edification” (1 Cor. 14:26). This verse serves as the golden rule for all ministry and worship. The question we must always ask ourselves is, “Does what I’m doing strengthen and encourage my fellow believers?”
Paul’s second point is that God is a God of order, not confusion. He writes, “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints” (1 Cor. 14:33). This principle is so important that Paul gives specific instructions to ensure that gifts are exercised in an orderly fashion.
For instance, he tells those who speak in tongues to have an interpreter present; otherwise they should remain silent in the church and speak only to themselves and God (1 Cor. 14:28). The same principle applies to prophets, who are instructed to speak “each in turn” and to hold their peace if another receives a revelation (1 Cor 14:29-30). Women are urged to respect God’s order in creation and not teach or exercise authority over men (cf. 1 Cor. 14:34-35; 1 Tim 2:11-15).
These guidelines aren’t meant to quench the Holy Spirit but to channel His power for maximum impact and clarity. A symphony of instruments playing in harmony is beautiful; a group of instruments playing different tunes simultaneously is just noise. The same is true for the church.
The early church’s emphasis on communal participation highlights a core New Testament truth: the priesthood of all believers. In the Old Testament, only a select few priests could approach God on behalf of the people. But through Jesus Christ, that has all changed. The Apostle Peter writes, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9-10; cf. Rev. 1:5-6; Heb. 10:19-25). Every Christian is a priest with direct access to God and a ministry to serve Him and others. This truth should empower and encourage us to actively use our gifts to build up the church, just as Paul instructs the church in Corinth (cf. Eph. 4:11-16).
Paul’s teaching challenges our modern expectations of what “church” should be. It reminds us that our gatherings are not meant to be passive spectator events but active opportunities for mutual edification. Each believer has a part to play, a gift to contribute, and a word of encouragement to share. The Holy Spirit has given us, individually and as He wills, spiritual gifts to build up and encourage our fellow believers, both within and outside the church service. We are urged to use these gifts, not for our own glory or in a manner that causes confusion and disunity, but with love and order, always keeping the edification of the body of Christ our ultimate goal.
O Holy Spirit, grant us gifts according to Your will and the wisdom to use those gifts in a loving and orderly fashion for the encouragement and edification of our fellow believers, that we might all grow up into the truth of God’s Word and be united in our service of Jesus Christ, our Savior. In His name we pray. Amen.
[Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.]