Commentary on the Epistles to the Corinthians John Calvin (continued)
Commentary on the Corinthians not allow sound doctrine to be perverted by the impostures of Satan, or to be otherwise corrupted by silly trifles. Paul, accordingly, teaches that the other prophets will be useful to the Church, even by keeping silence.
It may seem, however, to be absurd that men should have liberty given them to judge of the doctrine of God, which ought to be placed beyond all controversy. I answer, that the doctrine of God is not subjected to the scrutiny of men, but there is simply permission given them to judge by the Spirit of God, whether it is his word that is set before them, or whether human inventions are, without any authority, set off under this pretext, as we shall have occasion to notice again ere long.
30. But if anything be revealed to another. Here is another advantage — that whenever there will be occasion, the way will also be open to them.
866 Hence they have no longer any occasion to complain, that the Spirit is bound, or that his mouth is shut. For all have opportunity and liberty allowed them of speaking, when there is occasion for it, provided only no one unseasonably intrudes — having it in view to please himself, rather than to serve some useful purpose. Now he requires this modesty on the part of all — that every one in his place shall give way to another that has something better to bring forward. 867 For this only is the true liberty of the Spirit — not that every one be allowed to blab out rashly whatever he pleases, but that all, from the highest to the lowest, voluntarily allow themselves to be under control, and that the one Spirit be listened to, by whatever mouth he speaks. As to the certainty of the revelation, we shall see ere long.
31. You can all, one by one. In the first place, when he says all, he does not include believers universally, but only those that were endowed with this gift. Farther, he does not mean that all ought to have equally their turn, but that, according as it might be for the advantage of the people, each one should come forward to speak either more frequently or more seldom. 868
"No one will remain always unemployed; but an opportunity of speaking will present itself, sometimes to one and at other times to another."
He adds, that all may learn. This is applicable, it is true, to the whole of the people, but it is particularly suited to the Prophets, and Paul more especially refers to them. For no one will ever be a good teacher, who does not show himself to be teachable, as no one will ever be found who has, in himself alone, such an overflowing in respect of perfection of doctrine, as not to derive benefit from listening to others. Let all, therefore, undertake the office of teaching on this principle, that they do not refuse or grudge, to
866"Que toutes fois et quantes qu'il sera besoin, eux aussi auront lieu de parler;" — "That as often, and in as far as there will be occasion, they will also have opportunity of speaking."
867"But if anything be revealed to another that sitteth by That is very frequently said of the Jewish doctors, {{}יושכ{ היהHe sat --- which means not barely he was sitting, but he taught out of the seat of the teacher, or he sat teaching, or ready to teach So that, indeed, he sat and he taught are all one. Examples among the Talmudists are infinite. In the same sense the Apostle: `If something be revealed to some minister, who hath a seat among those that teach, etc., not revealed in that very instant: but if he saith that he hath received some revelation from God, then }ὁ} {πρῶτος} {σιγάτω} --- let the first be silent:, let him be silent who {ψαλμὸν} {ἔχει} --- hath a psalm --- and give way to him.' '' Lightfoot. --- Ed
868"Ainsi qu'il sera auise pour le mieux;" — "As it shall be judged for the better."