THE KING’S BUSINESS
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cising that gift. This is evident from the fact that Paul has already given directions in this same epistle as to how the woman should exercise the prophetic gift when she | possesses it (ch. 11:5 see no,tes). But it does lay down the general rule for the woman’s (or, the married woman’s) con duct in the public assembly. She should occupy a place of quietness and subjection (cf. Gen. 3:16). “But may we not ask questions,” some woman may ask. Paul answers, “Let them ask their husbands at home” (here is another indication that Paul was speaking primarily to married women). This of course presupposes the woman has a believing husband, but the believing woman has no right to have any other kind (2 Cor. 6:14). “For it is shameful (disgraceful),” Paul continues, “for the woman (the married woman) to talk in church,” (there is no "the” in the Greek, though if is found in bpth the Authorized and Revised Versions, what is meant, is the public assembly). The word translated “speak” in both the Authorized and Revised Versions in verse 35 (and also in verse 34 and elsewhere in the chapter) is the word that is used for the most infor mal kind of talk7 and what Paul seems to have had in mind is the custom that had sprung up in the Corinthian church of the women talking and interrupting the service and causing “confusion” (cf. v. 33). Proph esying under the Spirit’s direction and in His power is not mere talking . In verse 36 Paul goes on to show them how absurd it is for them to originate a custom contrary to the usage of the church, for the “Word of God” came not out from them, but came unto them. Their business, therefore, was not to originate, but to obey. Friday, December 2 1 . 1 Corinthians 14:37-40. . There were those at Corinth who boasted that they were “prophets” and “spiritual” (i.e., men guided by the Spirit and of unus ual spiritual discernment). Paul states of these “if any man thinketh himself to be a prophet, or spiritual” the way to prove that he is really so is by acknowledging
that “the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.” In these words Paul makes the strongest possible assertion of his own inspiration. He claims absolutely that what he says the Lord Jesus says (cf. 1 Thess. 2:13)! To reject his words is to reject Christ. It .is notice able that Paul says this in immediate con nection with that very part of his teach ing that men and women have been most disposed to criticize and reject today, his teaching concerning woman’s position and conduct. In face of what Paul says here, one would better hesitate long before crit icizing his teaching at this point or at any point. Suppose Paul’s claim here made should prove true and that the command ments which Paul here gives should prove to be, as Paul asserts that they are, the commandments, not only of Paul, but of Christ. But there were some in Corinth who would not admit Paul’s claim. Of them Paul says, that they were “ignorant (willfully ignorant),” and he there says in substance “it is useless to try to instruct such and I am not concerned: let them be ignorant. Paul closes the discussion of gifts by urging them to, “desire earnestly .the better gift, to prophesy. This is sub stantially what he said, almost literally what he said, in closing chapter twelve (v. 31), so chapter 12:31 to 14:40 make a com plete section by themselves. As to the inferior gift, “to speak with tongues,” on the one hand it was not especially to be desired but on the other hand we should not forbid its exercise. The exercise of the gift, however, should be along the line so plainly stated throughout the chapter. It was permissible rather than especially desirable. But in all the ordering of the assembly they should see to it that things were done decently (the exact force of the word rendered “decently” is “becomingly” or “in good form”) and in order (i. e., with decorum).” These words are very timely; for there are many in our day who are disposed, when mightily moved by the Spirit, to throw all conventionalities and properties to the winds. Such extrava-
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