1 Corinthians 14:33 states, “for God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints” (KJV). The NASB renders the first half of this verse, “for God is not a God of confusion.” And the Darby Version says, “for God is not [a God} of disorder.” Comparing these translations, we learn that God, who is perfect in every way, hates confusion/disorder and thus He has set down practices for church meetings to insure peaceful and orderly services. The last verse of this chapter confirmed this: “But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner” (verse 40). If there is DISORDER, the blame must lie at the feet of the saints who aren’t abiding by God’s order. To blame God for disorder or confusion would be calling Him the “AUTHOR of confusion,” which would be blasphemy.

As we gaze up into the heavens at night, we see that “God is a God of order.” The Psalmist could say, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day to day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge” (Psalm 19:1-2). The astronomer marvels as He looks out into the vastness of space and sees the Divine order that “speaks to man” of our Creator. Solar systems and myriads of galaxies are all subject to His Divine Order and thus there is no CHAOS in what seems like an infinite universe. This same Divine Order should be seen “in all the churches of the saints.” If believers are subject to what He has written in His precious Word regarding the “meetings of the saints,” peace and order will prevail.

The saints at Corinth were indeed guilty of not adhering to God’s order and this chapter was inspired to expose this and to instruct them as to the proper order in some of their church meetings. As you read through the chapter you see the apostle Paul focusing especially on the order there should be for those who “speak in tongues” (to speak in a language one had never learned before) and those who “prophesy” (to speak a timely word from God to the saints to help meet present spiritual needs). Verses 2-4 speaks to this, “For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.” The church at Corinth had apparently become so enamored with the “gift of tongues” (which was a “sign gift” God gave to “confirm the Word of God”…see Mark 16:17, 20). Yet unless there was also one who could “interpret the words” it was not edifying and resulted in confusion. Later in the chapter Paul lays downs the proper order in verses 27-28, “If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in the church.” In the early church they had a meeting for using this gift and yet it was: 1) limited to 2 or 3 speakers, 2) speakers spoke one at a time, and 3) an interpreter had to be there or no one should speak in a tongue. We see how practical our God is in His Divine order!

There was also a “meeting for men to prophesy,” but here too God’s order was laid down. “Let the prophets speak, and let the others judge. But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. For you can all prophecy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 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 the churches of the saints” (verses 29-33). Again, God is a “practical God” and would have us conduct our meetings in an orderly way to “prevent confusion” and to “produce edification for the saints.” Verse 34 goes on to say, “Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but are to be submissive, as the law also says.” Just as God had commanded “silence of tongues speakers in the absence of interpreters (verse 28) and of prophets when a newer message was given to another (verse 30),” He has also commanded that “women keep silent in the churches.” Some would have us to believe this restriction was limited to the church at Corinth, but it says, “in the CHURCHES” so this order was to prevail in ALL LOCAL CHURCHES everywhere and throughout the whole church age (see also 1 Timothy 2:11-13). Paul knew there may be resistance to these instructions, so he goes on to say, “If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write to you are THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD” (verse 37).  (DO)  (658.5)