1 Corinthians 14 emphasizes the importance of order in church worship, especially in using spiritual gifts like prophecy and speaking in tongues. Paul teaches that prophecy, which edifies and instructs, is more beneficial to the church than speaking in tongues without interpretation. He stresses that worship should be conducted in an orderly and understandable way to build up the congregation and encourage unity.
Paul makes a slight tangent in his discussion of spiritual gifts to deal with how that love should be the motive by which these gifts are practiced. He also discusses the temporary nature of gifts when compared to the enduring, eternal quality of love.
Paul continues teaching concerning spiritual gifts giving an anatomical metaphor of the body of Christ. He concludes this part of his discussion urging them to seek the exercising of the greater gifts.
Paul moves to another subject dealing with the Corinthian misuse and understanding of spiritual gifts. In this section he points out that even though there are many gifts, they are given by the same Spirit for the unified benefit of the body of Christ.
Paul switches gears to discuss how the Corinthians were improperly celebrating the “Lord’s Supper”. He renews his previous instructions and warns them of the present dangers for their callous manner of observation of it.
Paul switches gears to discuss order in the church for men and women on the issue of covering of the head.
