decently and in order

Good morning all,

Many thanks to Lea for sending out the readings while I was away. It was great to have some time to relax and enjoy a vacation, and it's good to be back again. Today Paul closes his argument on how to allow enough space in worship for the Spirit's surprises while also maintaining stability in worship. "Decently and in order" is sort of the semi-humorous motto of the Presbyterian Church, so it's nice to see its biblical origin. Sometimes we get so caught up in that aspect of worship that we forget Paul was talking about keeping order in the midst of Spirit-led worship. We also need to keep our eyes open for how God is leading us, not just the structures we've evolved over the years.

Here again we get a troubling limit on women's participation in church. Some scholars believe these verses in parentheses were added later, though there is not a consensus on that. It would be strange for Paul to write this since he talks about women who hold leadership positions in the early church. Whether Paul or a later writer, we can be grateful most churches have come to realize that the Spirit blesses us with all kinds of different leadership and that when God calls us to speak, human commands should never keep us silent. How is the Spirit calling you?

Blessings,
Sam

1 Corinthians 14:26-40

26What should be done then, my friends? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. 27If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn; and let one interpret. 28But if there is no one to interpret, let them be silent in church and speak to themselves and to God. 29Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. 30If a revelation is made to someone else sitting nearby, let the first person be silent. 31For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged. 32And the spirits of prophets are subject to the prophets, 33for God is a God not of disorder but of peace.

(As in all the churches of the saints, 34women should be silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be subordinate, as the law also says. 35If there is anything they desire to know, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church. 36Or did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only ones it has reached?)

37Anyone who claims to be a prophet, or to have spiritual powers, must acknowledge that what I am writing to you is a command of the Lord. 38Anyone who does not recognize this is not to be recognized. 39So, my friends, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues; 40but all things should be done decently and in order.