23. Suppose the whole church meets together and everyone speaks in different languages. If some people come in who are without understanding or do not believe, they will say you are crazy.
24. But suppose everyone is prophesying and someone comes in who does not believe or is without understanding. If everyone is prophesying, his sin will be shown to him, and he will be judged by all that he hears.
25. The secret things in his heart will be made known. So he will bow down and worship God. He will say, “Truly, God is with you.”
26. So, brothers, what should you do? When you meet together, one person has a song. Another has a teaching. Another has a new truth from God. Another speaks in a different language, and another person interprets that language. The purpose of all these things should be to help the church grow strong.
27. When you meet together, if anyone speaks in a different language, then it should be only two, or not more than three, who speak. They should speak one after the other. And someone should interpret what they say.
28. But if there is no interpreter, then anyone who speaks in a different language should be quiet in the church meeting. He should speak only to himself and to God.
29. And only two or three prophets should speak. The others should judge what they say.
30. And if a message from God comes to another person who is sitting, then the first speaker should stop.
31. You can all prophesy one after the other. In this way all the people can be taught and encouraged.
32. The spirits of prophets are under the control of the prophets themselves.
33. God is not a God of confusion but a God of peace.This is true in all the churches of God’s people.
34. Women should keep quiet in the church meetings. They are not allowed to speak. They must be under control. This is also what the law of Moses says.
35. If there is something the women want to know, they should ask their own husbands at home. It is shameful for a woman to speak in the church meeting.
36. Did God’s teaching come from you? Or are you the only ones who have received that teaching?
37. If anyone thinks that he is a prophet or that he has a spiritual gift, then he should understand that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command.
38. If that person does not know this, then he is not known by God.
39. So my brothers, you should truly want to prophesy. And do not stop people from using the gift of speaking in different kinds of languages.
40. But let everything be done in a way that is right and orderly.