1 Corinthians 14:36
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1 Corinthians 14:36
36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 14 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, creation, faith. 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 provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. 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 14:36
36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?
Analysis
What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?—Greek ē aph' hymōn ho logos tou theou exēlthen? ē eis hymas monous katēntēsen? (ἢ ἀφ' ὑμῶν ὁ λόγος τοῦ θεοῦ ἐξῆλθεν; ἢ εἰς ὑμᾶς μόνους κατήντησεν;) Paul's rhetorical questions expect "No!" The Corinthians didn't originate God's word, nor were they its sole recipients.
This rebukes Corinthian arrogance: they're not the source or sole possessors of divine truth. Paul has appealed to universal church practice (v. 33, "as in all churches of the saints"); now he challenges their presumption in ignoring it. The rhetorical force: "Who do you think you are?" The word of God came to them from apostolic teaching; it also went to other churches. Their idiosyncratic practices violate the unity and universality of apostolic tradition.
Historical Context
Corinthian pride (1:12, 3:21, 4:6-7) extended to worship practices. They apparently thought their charismatic experiences exempted them from apostolic regulation. Paul demolishes this pretension.
Reflection
- How do these rhetorical questions puncture Corinthian pride?
- Why does Paul appeal to universal church practice rather than just asserting apostolic authority?
- What's the danger of thinking we have a corner on truth or don't need others' input?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God