Commentary on the Epistles to the Corinthians John Calvin (continued)
John Calvin
25. Falling down on his face, he will worship For it is only the knowledge of God that can bring down the pride of the flesh. To that, prophecy brings us. Hence, it is its proper effect and nature to bring down men from their loftiness, that they may, with prostrate homage, render worship to God. To many, however, prophecy also is of no benefit — nay more, they are made worse by what they hear. Nor was it even Paul's intention to ascribe this effect to prophecy, as if it were always the result of it. He simply designed to show how much advantage is derived from it, and what is its office. It is therefore a singular commendation, that it extorts from unbelievers this confession — that God is present with his people, and that his majesty shines forth in the midst of their assembly.
1 Corinthians 14:26-33
1 Corinthians 14:26-33 26. How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
26. Quid igitur est, fratres? Quoties convenitis, unusquisque vestrum canticum habet, doctrinam habet, linguam habet, revelationem habet, interpretationem habet: omnia ad aedificationem fiant.
27. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
27. Sive lingua quis loquitur, fiat per duos, aut ad summum tres, idque vicissim, et unus interpretetur.
28. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
28. Quodsi non sit interpres, taceat in Ecclesia: caeterum sibi ipsi loquatur et Deo.
29. Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. 29. Prophetae autem duo aut tres loquantur, et caeteri diiudicent. 30. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
30. Quodsi alii fuerit revelatum assidenti, prior taceat: 31. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
31. Potestis enim singulatim omnes prophetare, ut omnes discant, et omnes consolationem accipiant. 855
32. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 32. Et spiritus prophetarum prophetis sunt subiecti: 33. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
855"Que tous soyent consolez, ou, exhortez;" — "That all may be comforted, or, exhorted."