Verses 32-33
Prophets were to control themselves when speaking, even when giving new revelation (cf. 1 Corinthians 14:27-28). The nature of this gift was that it did not sweep the prophet into a mindless frenzy. Pagans who received demonic revelations frequently lost control of themselves. Inability to control oneself was no evidence that the prophet spoke from God. On the contrary, it indicated that he was not submitting to God’s control because God produces peace, not confusion.
"The theological point is crucial: the character of one’s deity is reflected in the character of one’s worship. The Corinthians must therefore cease worship that reflects the pagan deities more than the God whom they have come to know through the Lord Jesus Christ (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:2-3). God is neither characterized by disorder nor the cause of it in the assembly." [Note: Fee, The First . . ., p. 697.]
Again the apostle reminded his readers that what he was commanding was standard policy in the other churches (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Corinthians 7:17; 1 Corinthians 11:16; 1 Corinthians 14:36). This reminds us again that this church had some serious underlying problems.
Confusion and disorder in church services are not in keeping with the character of God and so dishonor Him.
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