Your Sons & Daughters Shall Prophesy - Prophetic Gifts Today In The New Testament Church

Christ's Continuing Voice in the Church

Verse 32. Are subject. Paul establishes that prophecy in Christian churches should not be an out-of-control expression. The experience may be ecstatic in an inspirational sense, but the prophesying person can con trol the impulses (even of the Holy Spirit) and cooperate with the rest of the church toward orderly presentations. This does not mean we are void of emotion, but that our emotion is under control so that everyone can benefit from the contribution of the Holy Spirit. In Spirit-filled churches there are both spiritual manifestations (such as the nine mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12) and human reactions to the mov ing of the Spirit (such as falling, laughing, crying, weakness). Human reac tions can be either a blessing or a disturbance, depending on how the lead ership handles them and whether the people cooperate. It is a shame to stamp out all human reactions, especially among people just coming to God; and it is good to see brothers and sisters moved on by the Holy Spirit, even if they act somewhat strangely. (Some of these reactions may typify their behav ior at other events.) At the same time, if a person unwisely incorporates unusual reactions into his or her prophetic ministry, these personally edify ing experiences may not be well received by the rest of the congregation. Paul clearly wishes prophecy to be given in a straightforward, under standable way that does not draw undue attention to the person. 48 Verse 34. Women keep silent. This reference to women's behavior in public services is included in Paul's discussion because controlling unseemly talk bears directly on his main theme of intelligibility and orderliness in church. Women were not to distract the services with their talking-that is, chattering. In those days (in Jewish synagogues as well as in Greek gatherings) women were usually confined to a side room or screened-off balcony where they could barely hear what was being said. To call out to their husbands or to each other in order to find out what was being said was disruptive, so Paul advised the women who did not understand every thing to talk with their husbands at home. He was suggesting a solution that would accommodate the social custom of the day and still upgrade the women's education. This verse does not mean women cannot speak, for in 1 Corinthians 11:5 Paul says that a woman can both pray and prophesy. No Women's Chattering in Church (verses 34-35)

Summary with Authoriry (verses 36-40)

Verses 37-38. Paul closes the chapter with a demand that what he says be recognized as the Lord's commandment. The apostolic foundational ■ 228