Likewise the prophets should minister in an orderly fashion and limit themselves to two or three messages at a service. The others in the congregation (not just other prophets) should pay attention to what they said. The Greek word diakrino means "pass judgment" (NASB) or "weigh carefully" (NIV). In 1 Corinthians 12:10 it reads "distinguish." Here it probably means to evaluate it carefully and, if need be, to reject it if the ministry was not in harmony with Scripture. [source][source][source]
"The apostle does not instruct the churches to sort out the true and false elements in any particular prophecy. Rather, he instructs them to sort out the true and false prophecies among the many they would hear." [1][source]
Context Summary
1 Corinthians 14:26-40 - Order Of Church Services
Again the Apostle sums up his directions in two simple rules: 1. Let all things be done unto edifying; that is, to building up individual character, and to fitting each member as a brick or stone into the rising fabric of the Church. Hence the stress laid on prophesying or speaking under the impulse of God's Spirit. All who had that gift should certainly have a chance to use it, because the whole Church would be thereby profited and enriched. 2. Let all things be done decently and in order: decently, so as not to interrupt the dignity and gravity of the services; in order, not by hazard or impulse, but by design and arrangement.
The Apostle's ideal is that of the calm and simple majesty which should mark all solemn assemblies, as distinct from fanatical and frenzied excitement. Hence he discountenances the disuse of the Eastern veil (the badge of modesty), the speaking of women in public, and the interruption of speakers by each other. That the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets is a truth of universal application. It condemns every impulse of a religious character which is not under the intelligent control of those who display it. [source]
Chapter Summary: 1 Corinthians 14
1Prophecy is commended, 2and preferred before speaking in tongues, 6by a comparison drawn from musical instruments 12Both must be referred to edification, 22as to their true and proper end 26The true use of each is taught, 27and the abuse rebuked 34Women in the churches
Greek Commentary for 1 Corinthians 14:29
By two or three [δυο η τρεις] No κατα kata here as in 1 Corinthians 14:27. Let two or three prophets speak. [source]
Let the others discern [οι αλλοι διακρινετωσαν] Whether what is said is really of the Spirit. Cf. 1 Corinthians 12:10 διακρισεις πνευματων diakriseis pneumatōn f0). [source]
Greek Commentary for 1 Corinthians 14:29
No κατα kata here as in 1 Corinthians 14:27. Let two or three prophets speak. [source]
Whether what is said is really of the Spirit. Cf. 1 Corinthians 12:10 διακρισεις πνευματων diakriseis pneumatōn f0). [source]
See on 1 Corinthians 11:29. Referring to the gift of the discernment of spirits. See on 1 Corinthians 12:10. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Corinthians 14:29
A general exhortation, not confined to prophesyings; but Paul elsewhere insists that a test be applied to phenomena which claim to be supernatural. See on discerning of spirits, 1 Corinthians 12:10; see on 1 Corinthians 14:29, and comp. 2 Thessalonians 2:2, and 1 John 4:1-3. For δοκιμάζετε prove, see on 1 Peter 1:7. In lxx, Proverbs 27:21; Psalm 11:6, δοκίμιον is a crucible or furnace. [source]
Probably δε de (but) is genuine. Even the gift of prophecy has to be tested (1 Corinthians 12:10; 1 Corinthians 14:29) to avoid error. Paul shows fine balance here. [source]