Cooperation for Edification

And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. I Corinthians 14:32 (KJV)

This is a verse that could easily be taken out of context and misunderstood. The Apostle Paul is talking about order in a church service and after giving instruction about the purpose of tongues, interpretation, and prophecy, he adds that there is to be order. He explains that because each person has control of himself or herself and can take turns prophesying, etc. that order can be maintained- and confusion avoided. We can understand this verse better by looking at a few different Bible translations and versions.

For the spirits of prophets are subject to the prophets [the prophecy is under the speaker’s control, and he can stop speaking] I Corinthians 14:32 (Amplified Bible, AMP)

The spirits of prophets are ·under the control of [subject to] the prophets themselves [unlike in pagan religions, where a spirit would seize control of a speaker, causing frenzy, mania or ecstasy]. I Corinthians 14:32 (Expanded Bible, EXB)

People who speak what God has revealed must control themselves. I Corinthians 14:32 (God’s Word Translation, GW)

Remember that people who prophesy are in control of their spirit and can take turns. I Corinthians 14:32 (New Living Translation, NLT)

If we allow a church service to turn into a free-for-all, with every person thinking they need to give a word or speak out in a tongue, then the body is thrown into confusion and no one is edified. There needs to be a balance. That is why the Lord has placed pastors and ministry leaders in charge to provide oversight in a service, allowing the Spirit to move while also maintaining order. If we expand our reading and look at it context, it makes even more sense.

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. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. I Corinthians 14:26-32 (KJV)

If we look at more modern wording, such as in the Message paraphrase, it becomes even clearer.

So here’s what I want you to do. When you gather for worship, each one of you be prepared with something that will be useful for all: Sing a hymn, teach a lesson, tell a story, lead a prayer, provide an insight. If prayers are offered in tongues, two or three’s the limit, and then only if someone is present who can interpret what you’re saying. Otherwise, keep it between God and yourself. And no more than two or three speakers at a meeting, with the rest of you listening and taking it to heart. Take your turn, no one person taking over. Then each speaker gets a chance to say something special from God, and you all learn from each other. If you choose to speak, you’re also responsible for how and when you speak. When we worship the right way, God doesn’t stir us up into confusion; he brings us into harmony. This goes for all the churches—no exceptions. I Corinthians 14:26-33 (The Message, MSG)

So, as we come together to worship, let’s cooperate- both with the Holy Spirit and with the person leading the service. When we do, people will be edified and God will be glorified.