{12} How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

(12) The conclusion: the edifying of the congregation is a rule and measure of the right use of all spiritual gifts.

People's New Testament

14:26 What is it then, brethren? What course should be pursued in the public assemblies of the church?

When ye are come together, each one of you hath, etc. When they come together, one comes purposing to sing a psalm; another to teach concerning a doctrine; another, a prophet, has a revelation to present; another proposes to speak in a language; another, offers an interpretation of what is spoken. Now this must all

be done to edification. All that will not tend to this must be left out.

Wesley's Notes

14:26 What a thing is it, brethren - This was another disorder among them. Every one hath a psalm - That is, at the same time one begins to sing a psalm; another to deliver a doctrine; another to speak in an unknown tongue; another to declare what has been revealed to him; another to interpret what the former is speaking; every one probably gathering a little company about him, just as they did in the schools of the philosophers. Let all be done to edification - So as to profit the hearers.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

1Co 14:26-40. Rules for the Exercise of Gifts in the Congregation.

26. How is it then?-rather, "What then is the true rule to be observed as to the use of gifts?" Compare 1Co 14:15, where the same Greek occurs.

a psalm-extemporary, inspired by the Spirit, as that of Mary, Zechariah, Simeon, and Anna (Lu 1:46-55, 67-79; 2:34-38).

a doctrine-to impart and set forth to the congregation.

a tongue . a revelation-The oldest manuscripts transpose the order: "revelation . tongue"; "interpretation" properly following "tongue" (1Co 14:13).

Let all things be done unto edifying-The general rule under which this particular case fails; an answer to the question at the beginning of this verse. Each is bound to obey the ordinances of his church not adverse to Scripture. See Article XXXIV, Church of England Prayer Book.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

14:26-33 Religious exercises in public assemblies should have this view; Let all be done to edifying. As to the speaking in an unknown tongue, if another were present who could interpret, two miraculous gifts might be exercised at once, and thereby the church be edified, and the faith of the hearers confirmed at the same time. As to prophesying, two or three only should speak at one meeting, and this one after the other, not all at once. The man who is inspired by the Spirit of God will observe order and decency in delivering his revelations. God never teaches men to neglect their duties, or to act in any way unbecoming their age or station.