In Corinth the gift of tongues was exalted highly. The gift of tongues seems to have moved from a gift to share the Gospel to people of different languages as on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2), to now a gift for personal prayer and praise. Paul though teaches that while people might be moved in their spirits by using this gift, their minds are not engaged (v14-15).

Paul also teaches it is better to seek gifts that build other people up like what prophesy (the declaring of God’s truth) does (v1-5). Those using the gift of tongues might seem very special, but Paul argues that it should be our concern in worship more as to how other people can benefit from our gifts (v6-12).

Paul goes on to speak of what should be the common experience of unbelievers as they come to the place of worship (v23-25).

Paul doesn’t want anything to be done to hinder or resist what are genuine works of the Holy Spirit, but he also insists that worship should be characterised by order and not confusion as God is the God of order (v33).

Part of this order includes women being silent and not exercising the authoritative role of weighing up a prophesy (v29, 34). Women are not allowed the authoritative position of teaching men in worship (1 Tim. 2 v12), but they can take part in other ways including praying (1 Cor. 11 v5). Worship is not to be carried out by our ideas but according to God’s will and order.