1 Corinthians 14:30
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 14:30
30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 14 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of salvation, judgment, sacrifice. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-40: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 14:30
30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
Analysis
If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace—Paul addresses overlapping prophecies. If apokalyphthē (ἀποκαλυφθῇ, "it be revealed") to allō kathēmenō (ἄλλῳ καθημένῳ, "another sitting by"), then ho prōtos sigatō (ὁ πρῶτος σιγάτω, "let the first be silent").
The scenario: one prophet is speaking when another receives revelation. Paul says the first should yield to the second. This assumes
- prophecy can come spontaneously during worship
- multiple people may receive revelation
- order requires sequential sharing
- the Spirit's timing matters—fresh revelation takes priority.
The same Spirit who gives revelation gives grace to wait; there's no conflict between Spirit-prompting and orderly process.
Historical Context
This suggests dynamic, Spirit-led worship where multiple congregants prophesied spontaneously. Paul doesn't suppress spontaneity but orders it: speak in turn, yield to others, prioritize fresh revelation.
Reflection
- How does this verse show both spontaneity and order in Spirit-led worship?
- Why should the first speaker yield when another receives revelation?
- What does this teach about the Spirit's character and corporate worship?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Job 32:11