1 Corinthians 14:29-32, Use of Prophetic Gift

1 Corinthians 14:29-32 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. 30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

William MacDonald observed well, “a prophet received direct communications from the Lord and revealed them to the church. But it is possible that after giving this revelation, he might go on to preach to the people. So the apostle lays down the rule that if a prophet is speaking and anything is revealed to another prophet sitting in the audience, then the first is required to stop speaking to make way for the one who has received the latest revelation. The reason, as suggested, is that the longer the first man talks, the more apt he is to speak by his own power rather than by inspiration. In continued speech there is always the danger of shifting from God’s words to one’s own words. Revelation is superior to anything else.”

He further observed, “The prophets should be given the opportunity to speak one by one. No one prophet should take all the time. In that way, the greatest benefit would result to the church—all would be able to learn and all would be exhorted or encouraged.”

Today, with the completion of the canon of Scripture, by the careful study and exposition of the Word the will of God to God’s people. Amen.