Note 5 at 1 Cor. 14:26: What seems so different from our twentieth century church services is the fact that the whole church seemed to have the freedom to exercise their spiritual gifts and minister to one another. This may have come as an off shoot of the early Jewish synagogue services in which there was much more freedom to openly share (see Mk. 1:21; Lk. 4:16-20; Jn. 6:59; 18:20; Acts 5:25, 42; 13:14-15).

Note 6 at 1 Cor. 14:26: The Greek word for "Psalm" used here is "psalmos," and literally means "plucking" then "playing" (a stringed instrument) (TDNT One Vol. p. 1225). The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology states, "'Psalmos' denoted originally a variety of instrumental music, then also the vocal accompaniment. Following on from the LXX (the Hebrew Pentateuch translated into Greek) 'psalmos' in the New Testament probably refers to that aspect of early Christian worship which, both in form and content, was closely modelled on the temple hymns of the Old Testament and late Judaistic periods" (DNTT, Vol. 3, p. 668).

It is interesting that the New Testament believers used various ways and means to describe worship of the Lord. Here are a few: praise (Eph.1:12; Phil. 1:11); blessing (Rom. 9:5; 1 Cor. 14:16; 2 Cor. 1:3; 11:31; Eph. 1:3); psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Eph. 5:19); thanksgiving (Rom. 1:8; 6:17; 7:25; 14:6; 1 Cor. 1:4; 15:57; 2 Cor. 2:14); boasting and rejoicing in Christ (Rom. 15:17; Phil. 1:26; 3:3) giving glory to the Lord or what we might call a doxology (Rom. 4:20; 11:36; 15:6, 9; 1 Cor. 6:20; 10:31; 2 Cor. 9:13; Gal. 1:5; Phil. 1:11; 2:11, 4:20), etc.

Note 7 at 1 Cor. 14:26: The Greek word used here for "doctrine" is "didache" and occurs a total of 30 times in the New Testament. In the King James Version it is translated "has been taught" one time and is translated "doctrine" 29 times. This noun comes from the verb "didasko," having the primary meaning "to teach" and is translated "teach" 93 times in the New Testament (Word Meanings in the New Testament by Ralph Earle, p. 241). Teaching was a primary part of the New Testament church life (see note 3 at Mt. 5:2, p. 126; see note 5 at Mt. 28:19, p. 563; see note 5 at Rom. 1:27, p. 827). Therefore, this is speaking of individuals who gave a teaching.

From this verse we can see that it was proper to have individuals share a teaching that the Lord had given them. However, in many Spirit-filled churches today where the gifts of the Spirit are encouraged, people sometimes share a teaching disguised as prophecy. This is incorrect. Prophecy is prophecy (see note 26 at 1 Cor. 12:10, p. 930; see note 6 at 1 Cor. 14:3, p. 944) and teaching is teaching. They should not be confused.

Note 8 at 1 Cor. 14:26: The Greek word for "tongue" is "glossa" and is translated "tongue" a total of 50 times in the New Testament. In general, this Greek word is used in three different ways in the New Testament. (1) It is used for the physical organ of the tongue (Lk. 1:64; 16:24); (2) It is used as a manner of speech or a language (Acts 2:11); (3) It is used as the spiritual gift of tongues. This gift is primarily used to pray, praise, and thank God (1 Cor. 14:2, 14-17; see note 21 at v. 17, p. 946). It also edifies the individual user of the gift (see note 7 at v. 4, p. 944). To make this gift useful in a public assembly or church gathering there must be someone present who can interpret (see note 13 at v. 28, p. 950).

Note 9 at 1 Cor. 14:26: "Apokalupsis" is the Greek noun that is used for our English word "revelation" in this passage. It is translated in the King James Version a total of 18 times by the following words: "appearing" one time, "coming" one time, "to lighten" one time, "manifestation" one time, "be revealed" two times, and "revelation" 12 times. It is a word that actually means, disclosure, to uncover, lay bear and make naked. The Hebrew Old Testament word that is similar is "galah" and means to uncover, make open and visible.

In this 1 Corinthians 14:26 passage the word "revelation" is used to describe a fresh, new insight that was provided by the Holy Spirit, to the church, through the prophets and those gifted within the body (1 Cor. 14:26, 29-30; 2 Cor. 12:1).

Note 10 at 1 Cor. 14:26: This Greek noun "oikodome" is translated 18 times in the King James Version as follows: "edification" four times, "building" six times, "wherewith (one) may edify" one time, and "edifying" seven times. "Oikodome" actually means the act of building, building up; edification, i.e. the act of one who promotes another's growth in Christian wisdom, piety, holiness, and happiness ( Thayer). Paul says, "Let all things be done unto edifying" (v. 26). We, as believers, are given the sole responsibility in ministry of building others up. This takes place in various ways as we walk in love (1 Cor. 8:1), promote harmony and peace (Rom. 14:19), seek the true welfare of others (Rom. 15:2), prophesy unto the edifying of the church (1 Cor. 14:3, 5, 12, 26), speak things that are good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others (Eph. 4:29 [Amp]), etc., or, as the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament states, "oikodome. . .denotes the act of building (Hermas Similitudes 9.5.1). In Paul's writings, spiritual furtherance is primarily in view (1 Cor. 14:12). Everything, including apostolic authority, should serve this (2 Cor. 10:8)" (TDNT, One Vol. p. 678).