The spirits of prophets
This phrase emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a prophet. In the early church, prophets were individuals who received divine revelations and communicated them to the congregation. The "spirits" here refer to the spiritual gifts or revelations given to these prophets. The Holy Spirit empowers believers, but they are expected to exercise self-control and discernment. This aligns with the fruit of the Spirit, which includes self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). The phrase underscores the idea that spiritual gifts are not chaotic or uncontrollable but are meant to edify the church in an orderly manner.

are subject to prophets.
This part of the verse highlights the responsibility and accountability of prophets. The gifts and revelations they receive are not meant to override their will or judgment. Instead, prophets are to exercise discernment and control over how and when they share their messages. This principle ensures that the use of spiritual gifts contributes to the orderly worship and edification of the church, as emphasized in 1 Corinthians 14:40, which calls for all things to be done decently and in order. This also reflects the broader biblical principle of accountability, as seen in James 3:1, where teachers are reminded of their greater responsibility. The phrase suggests that prophets must be mature and wise, ensuring that their messages align with the truth of Scripture and the character of God.

1. Paul the Apostle
The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth to provide guidance on spiritual gifts and orderly worship.

2. Corinth
A major city in ancient Greece, known for its diverse population and cultural influences, which affected the church's practices.

3. Prophets
Individuals in the early church who were given the gift of prophecy, which involved speaking messages from God to the people.

4. Corinthian Church
The recipients of Paul's letter, struggling with issues of disorder and confusion in their worship services.

5. Spiritual Gifts
Special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to believers for the edification of the church, including prophecy.Self-Control in Spiritual Gifts
The phrase "subject to prophets" indicates that those with the gift of prophecy have control over their gift. This teaches us that spiritual gifts should be exercised with self-discipline and order.

Order in Worship
Paul emphasizes that God is not a God of confusion but of peace. This principle should guide our worship services, ensuring they are conducted in an orderly and edifying manner.

Discernment and Accountability
Prophets are accountable to one another, suggesting a communal responsibility in discerning and validating prophetic messages. This encourages a culture of mutual accountability in the church.

Edification of the Church
The ultimate goal of prophecy and other spiritual gifts is the edification of the church. Believers should focus on using their gifts to build up the body of Christ.

Testing and Validation
Believers are encouraged to test prophetic messages against Scripture and the character of God, ensuring they align with biblical truth.(32) The spirits of the prophets . . .--They might have said it was impossible to carry out St. Paul's instructions; that the rushing Spirit of God overcame them--shook them, so that they could not control themselves. To this St. Paul replies (1Corinthians 14:31; see above) that it is not so; that they can prophesy one by one; that the spirits of the prophets are under the control of the prophets.

Verse 32. - And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. Into this golden aphorism St. Paul compresses the whole force of his reasoning. The articles are better omitted: "Spirits of prophets are under the control of prophets." Mantic inspirations, the violent possession which threw sibyls and priestesses into contortions - the foaming lip and streaming hair and glazed or glaring eye - have no place in the self-controlling dignity of Christian inspiration. Even Jewish prophets, in the paroxysm of emotion, might lie naked on the ground and rave (1 Samuel 19:24); but the genuine inspiration in Christian ages never obliterates the self consciousness or overpowers the reason; It abhors the hysteria and simulation and frenzy which have sometimes disgraced revivalism and filled lunatic asylums.

Parallel Commentaries ...


[The] spirits
πνεύματα (pneumata)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit.

of prophets
προφητῶν (prophētōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 4396: From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.

are subject
ὑποτάσσεται (hypotassetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5293: From hupo and tasso; to subordinate; reflexively, to obey.

to prophets.
προφήταις (prophētais)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4396: From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.


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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 14:32 The spirits of the prophets are subject (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)