Prophecy, a superior gift (v. 1-19)
Instruction for the church (v. 20-40)
In Orthodox Jewish congregations, men and women are not permitted to sit together during prayer services.
https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/mehitzah-separate-seating-in-the-synagogue/
v. 34-36
34 The women (Greek gyne (can mean wives) are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. 35 If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper (disgraceful) for a woman to speak in church. 36 Was it from you that the word of God first went forth? Or has it come to you only?
They may have yelled across the aisle to ask questions / make comments to their husbands, etc.
See https://www.amazon.com/Why-Not-Women-Biblical-Leadership/dp/1576581837
See https://www.huffpost.com/entry/let-her-lead-creating-a-better-future-for-women-in-the-church_b_3355700
John Wimber’s summary from The Gift of Prophecy
“In 1 Corinthians 14, we have a solid teaching chapter on prophecy. Here is a summary:
a. Prophecy consists of words which upbuild, encourage, and console (14:3, 31). It builds up because it is God's way of speaking to a situation within the body at a specific time. In the illustrations, I will suggest some examples of this.
b. Prophecy builds up because it serves as a "sign for believers" (14:22). It reveals that God is present in the middle of the gathering, by drawing the attention of the hearer toward God.
c. Prophecy discloses the secrets of the hearts of the unbeliever (14:22 25). It prevents a man from pretending to be something or someone that he is not (Dunn, pp. 229 233, a Holy Spirit scholar
d. Prophecy should be tested (14:29 32). It is here that Paul tells the Corinthian community that they should discern that which is being spoken. As we noted earlier, here we have the verb form: the noun form appears at 12:10, among the list of gracelets (another word for gifts).
e. Prophecy is desirable (14:1, 39 40). It appears that it is so desirable to Paul because it does edify the whole Body listening.
f. There are five ways to test prophecy. I only list them here. They are fully explored in my sermon series "The Gift of Prophecy."
(1) Test the context of the prophecy.
(2) Test whether the prophecy confirms what God is already doing.
(3) Test the prophecy by determining its benefit.
(4) Test the prophet.
(5) Test the accuracy of the prophecy.”
ILLUSTRATIONS
a. Gideon Judges 7:3 "Now therefore come, proclaim in the hearing of the people, saying, 'Whoever is afraid and trembling, let him return and depart from Mount Gilead.'" So 22,000 people returned, but 10,000 remained.
b. Saul's Messengers 1 Samuel 19:20 21
c. Saul 1 Samuel 19:22 24 (foretold by Samuel - 10:6 11)
d. Agabus Acts 11:27 30; 21:9 14
e. Prophecies which build up:
(1) A word of challenge, rebuke I Cor 1:10 10 Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all [A] agree and that there be no [B] divisions among you, but that you be [C] made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.
(2) 2 Cor 10:1-17
(3) Phil 4:2 urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord.
(4) A general exhortation Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
(5) Romans 15:30 Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me,
(6) A word of comfort I Thessalonians 4:15 18
