Quote:
Originally Posted by TaylorOtwell  Quote:
Originally Posted by Davidius If I had to step into the shoes of one side and give an argument, I would say that this form of a worship service no longer applies because these people were speaking prophetically under the unction of the Spirit. That is why there was "judging" to be done of a prophet's words by the other prophets. If the gift of prophecy has ceased, then this method has also ceased. | Let's assume there are not prophets in the church today, this still can not rule out the fact of this mandate for the church meeting. Paul says that someone may share a hymn, lesson, revelation, tongue, or interpretation. I think it is safe to say that a prophesy falls under the category of a revelation; however, what is a lesson? It seems to me like a lesson would be an exposition of some Biblical truth. Therefore, even if there are not prophets in the modern church, there should still be the opportunity for multiple brothers to share a lesson in the gathering of the church on the Lord's day. |
We would have to assume that tongue and interpretation are gone, too. Throughout the chapter Paul lists "lesson" along with "prophecy," "word of knowledge," "revelation," (see v. 6) and here again with tongues and revelation. It sounds like he is using a bunch of terms to describe revelation from God, some of which probably overlap in meaning.
Later on in the passage Paul says "Let two or three prophets speak." I don't think he's talking about letting just anyone talk, especially because of the testimony of the rest of the NT ("especially those elders which labor in teaching and preaching," etc.). I'm not saying I automatically disagree that we should allow questions, discussions, but it sounds like you're saying that anyone can get up and talk. Personally, I wouldn't even want to sit and listen to just anyone stand up and try to teach me God's Word. The office of teacher is clearly something that's been given to the Church for our edification.