Commentary on the Epistles to the Corinthians John Calvin
John Calvin gift in his own conscience, and let him give thanks to God." For in this way I explain the expression to speak to himself and to God, as meaning — to recognize in his own mind with thanksgiving the favor conferred upon him, 860 and to enjoy it as his own, when there is not an opportunity for bringing it forward in a public manner. For he draws a contrast between this secret way of speaking, and speaking publicly in the Church — which he forbids. 861
29. Prophets, two or three. As to prophecy, too, he prescribes limits, because "multitude," as they commonly say, "breeds confusion." This is true, for we know it by every day's experience. He does not, however, restrict the number so definitely, as when he was treating of tongues, for there is less danger, in the event of their applying themselves for a longer time to prophesyings, nay more, continued application would be the most desirable thing of all; but Paul considered what the weakness of men could bear.
There still remains, however, a question — why it is that he assigns the like number to prophesyings and to tongues, except that, as to the latter, he adds particularly — at the most, for if tongues are less useful, there ought assuredly to be a more sparing use of them? I answer, that even in tongues, as he takes the term, prophecy is included; for tongues were made use of either for discourses, 862 or for prayers. In the former department, the interpreter was in the place of the prophet: thus it was the principal and more frequent exercise of it. Only he limits the measure of it, lest it should fall into contempt through a feeling of disgust, and lest those who were less skillful should prevent those that were better qualified from having time and opportunity of speaking; for he would, undoubtedly, have those to whom he assigns the duty of speaking, to be of the more select class, and appointed by their common suffrages. 863 None, however, are more inclined to push themselves forward, than those who have but a slight smattering of learning, so that the proverb holds good, "Ignorance is pert." 864 Paul had it in view to remedy this evil, by assigning the office of speaking to two or three
Let the others judge. Lest he should give any occasion to the others to complain — as though he were desirous that the gift of God 865 should be suppressed among them and buried, he shows in what way they may lawfully make use of it for the benefit of the Church, even by keeping silence — if they set themselves to judge of what is said by others. For it is of no small advantage, that there should be some that are skillful in judging, who will
860"Le benefice et don de Dieu;" — "The kindness and gift of God." 861"En ce cas;" — "In this case." 862"Pour traiter de quelques matieres de la religion;" — "For treating of some matters of religion."
863"Par l'approbation commune de l'Eglise;" — "By the common approbation of the Church."
864The Latins have a similar proverb — "Stater in lagena bis bis clamat;" — "A penny in an earthen pot is constantly tinkling." The Germans say — "The higher the head, the humbler the heart." — Ed.
865"Le don de Dieu qu'ils ont receu;" — "The gift of God which they have received."