1 Corinthians 14:26 – “What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.”

Extended Explanation

Paul is giving practical guidance for how believers should conduct themselves when they gather for worship. In the Corinthian church, many people were eager to share their spiritual gifts, whether through songs, teaching, prophecy, or speaking in tongues. However, the way they were doing it was creating chaos instead of order.

Paul does not say that these contributions are bad. In fact, he assumes that when believers gather, they will have something valuable to share. But he makes one key point:

• “Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.”

This is the guiding principle for all spiritual gifts—they should strengthen, encourage, and benefit others, not cause confusion or division. Worship is not about personal expression alone; it is about serving the body of Christ as a whole.

Historical Context

The Corinthian church was known for its enthusiasm in using spiritual gifts, but they were struggling with order and purpose:

1. People were speaking in tongues without interpretation. This led to confusion rather than encouragement (1 Corinthians 14:23).
2. Multiple people were trying to speak at the same time. This made it hard for anyone to truly benefit (1 Corinthians 14:29-33).
3. There was competition for attention. Instead of humbly serving one another, some were using their gifts to show off their spirituality.

Paul is calling them to refocus on the true purpose of worship—building up the church, not just expressing personal experiences with God.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several important truths about Christian worship and spiritual gifts:

1. Church is a place where everyone can contribute. Worship is not a performance by a few people—each member has something valuable to share.
2. Order and purpose matter in worship. Spiritual gifts should be used in a way that helps others grow, not in a way that causes disorder or confusion.
3. The focus should always be on building up the church. If a spiritual practice does not strengthen the faith of others, it is not being used correctly.

This verse challenges Christians to think about whether their contributions to worship are truly helpful to others.

Literary Analysis

Paul uses a question-answer format in this verse:

• “What then shall we say, brothers and sisters?” – This invites the reader to reflect on what worship should look like.
• “Each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation.” – This shows that worship involves many gifts and contributions.
• “Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.” – This is the main point—every spiritual gift must serve the greater good of the church.

Paul’s writing is practical and pastoral. He does not reject enthusiasm for spiritual gifts; instead, he guides the Corinthians to use them wisely and in an orderly way.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Romans 12:6-8 – Each believer has different gifts, and they should be used for the good of the body.
• Ephesians 4:11-12 – God gives leaders and teachers to equip the church for ministry.
• Colossians 3:16 – Encourages believers to teach and admonish one another with wisdom and songs of praise.
• 1 Corinthians 12:7 – Spiritual gifts are given for the common good, not just personal use.
• 1 Corinthians 14:40 – “Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For modern believers, this verse offers wisdom for how worship should be conducted in the church:

1. Everyone has something to offer in worship. Worship is not just for pastors or worship leaders—every believer has a role to play in encouraging others.
2. Spiritual gifts should be used with order and purpose. If worship becomes chaotic or self-centered, it stops being helpful to the church.
3. The main goal of worship is to strengthen others. Every song, teaching, prayer, and testimony should point people toward knowing God better and growing in faith.

Paul’s teaching reminds us that church gatherings should be places of encouragement, learning, and spiritual growth—not places of confusion or competition.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is reflected in how He wants His people to build one another up:

• God is a God of order, not chaos. He wants worship to be meaningful and helpful, not confusing or distracting (1 Corinthians 14:33).
• God gives each believer unique gifts to serve others. His love is seen in how He equips every Christian to encourage and strengthen the church (1 Peter 4:10).
• God desires unity in His church. Worship should bring people together, not divide them (Philippians 2:2).

This verse reminds us that God’s love is best demonstrated when His people work together to strengthen each other in faith.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the perfect example of building up others in love:

• Jesus taught and strengthened His disciples. He always spoke truth in a way that helped them grow (Luke 24:27).
• Jesus brought order and purpose to worship. He rebuked those who misused the temple and taught people to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24, Matthew 21:12-13).
• Jesus gave gifts to His church. After His resurrection, He sent the Holy Spirit to equip believers for ministry (Ephesians 4:7-13).

Paul’s teaching about orderly, meaningful worship reflects Jesus’ desire for His people to be united, encouraged, and built up in faith.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Do you see worship as a shared experience where every believer has something to contribute, or do you see it as a spectator event?
2. How can you personally build up others in your church through your gifts?
3. Have you ever been in a worship setting that felt chaotic or disorganized? How did that affect your ability to connect with God?
4. What steps can your church take to ensure that worship is both Spirit-filled and orderly?
5. How does Jesus’ example of teaching and encouraging others challenge you to use your gifts for the good of the church?