Note 14 at 1 Cor. 14:29: Here the prophets are to speak, two or three, and another is supposed to judge. The "other" referred to in this passage is possibly other prophets, elders of the church, or maybe even those that had the gift of discerning of spirits. Prophecy in the New Testament church was subject to being judged, as the Amplified Bible states, "So, let two or three prophets speak. . .while the rest pay attention and weigh and discern what is said." See also 1 John 4:1.

Failure to judge prophecy has led to many problems, and has also damaged the individuals giving the prophecies. People need and want guidance from their church leaders and most often interpret silence as approval. Lack of instruction from leaders, because of a fear of offending, allows Satan to lead people astray under the guise of spiritual gifts. That is what Paul is speaking against.

Note 15 at 1 Cor. 14:29: In the New Testament the Greek word for "judge," "diakrino," is found a total of 18 times. The basic meaning of the word is "to judge, to give a decision, to make a distinction, discriminate, to separate, to evaluate, to doubt." The Expository Dictionary of Bible Words states, "Uniquely, in the New Testament, diakrino suggests uncertainty about something set forward as an object of faith" (EDBW, p. 236, Lawrence D. Richards). We can see from this definition that prophecy in the New Testament was to be tested by others and was not at all on the same level as scripture, God's written Word (2 Pet. 1:17-21). We are admonished to prove all things, despise not prophesyings, and to hold fast to that which is good (1 Th. 5:19-21).