But if anyone ignores this
This phrase addresses the issue of disregarding the teachings and instructions given by Paul in the preceding verses. In the context of 1 Corinthians 14, Paul is discussing the proper use of spiritual gifts, particularly prophecy and speaking in tongues, within the church. The Corinthian church was experiencing disorder during worship services, and Paul emphasizes the importance of edification, order, and understanding. Ignoring these instructions would lead to chaos and a lack of spiritual growth. This reflects a broader biblical principle found in Proverbs 1:7, where the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. The call to heed apostolic teaching is consistent with the authority given to the apostles by Christ (Matthew 28:18-20).

he himself will be ignored
This part of the verse serves as a warning of the consequences of disregarding apostolic authority. In the early church, the apostles were the primary source of teaching and doctrine, and their instructions were considered authoritative. Ignoring their guidance would result in being disregarded by the community and, more importantly, by God. This principle is echoed in Matthew 10:14, where Jesus instructs His disciples to shake the dust off their feet as a testimony against those who do not receive their message. The idea of being ignored or rejected by God is a serious admonition, as seen in passages like Matthew 7:23, where Jesus warns that He will say to some, "I never knew you; depart from Me." This underscores the importance of obedience and submission to divine instruction for maintaining a right relationship with God and the church community.

1. Paul the Apostle
The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth with instructions on orderly worship and the use of spiritual gifts.

2. The Church in Corinth
A diverse and often divided early Christian community struggling with issues of order, spiritual gifts, and unity.

3. Spiritual Gifts
The context of this passage is Paul's teaching on the proper use of spiritual gifts, particularly prophecy and speaking in tongues.

4. Orderly Worship
Paul emphasizes the importance of order in worship services, which is a central theme in this chapter.

5. Prophecy and Tongues
Specific spiritual gifts that were causing disorder in the Corinthian church, leading to Paul's corrective instructions.The Importance of Heeding Instruction
Ignoring apostolic teaching leads to being ignored by the community and potentially by God. This underscores the importance of obedience and humility in the Christian life.

Order in Worship
Paul’s emphasis on order reflects God’s character. Our worship services should reflect this divine order, promoting peace and edification.

Community Accountability
The church is a community where members hold each other accountable. Ignoring correction can lead to isolation, highlighting the need for mutual submission and accountability.

The Role of Spiritual Gifts
Spiritual gifts are meant for the edification of the church, not personal glory. Proper use requires discernment and alignment with scriptural guidelines.

Consequences of Disobedience
There are spiritual and communal consequences for ignoring God’s instructions. This serves as a sober reminder to take divine guidance seriously.(38) But if any man be ignorant.--There are here two readings in the Greek, for each of which there is strong evidence. The passage may run, either, as in the English, if any man does not know this, let him not know it: then the words would mean that a person who could not recognise such an evident and simple truth must be of a perverse mind--his opposition would give the Apostle no further concern. The other reading is, if any man knows not this, he is himself not known: this would signify that any man who knows not this truth is not known of God (as in 1Corinthians 8:2-3; 1Corinthians 13:12).

Verse 38. - Let him be ignorant. The formula seems to fall under the idiom which refuses to say anything more about a subject ("If I perish, I perish;" "What I have written, I have written;" "He that is filthy, let him be filthy still," etc.). The readings vary considerably ("He is ignored;" "He has been ignored;" "He shall be ignored;" "Let him be ignored"). These other readings would be a statement of retribution in kind - of God "sprinkling penal blindnesses on forbidden lusts." But the reading of our translation is on the whole the best supported, and means that to invincible bigotry and ignorant obstinacy St. Paul will have no more to say (Matthew 15:14; 1 Timothy 6:3-5).

Parallel Commentaries ...


But
δέ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

if
εἰ (ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

anyone
τις (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

ignores this,
ἀγνοεῖ (agnoei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 50: To do not know, be ignorant of, sometimes with the idea of willful ignorance.

he himself will be ignored.
ἀγνοεῖται (agnoeitai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 50: To do not know, be ignorant of, sometimes with the idea of willful ignorance.


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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 14:38 But if anyone is ignorant let him (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)