What does 1 Corinthians 14:38 Mean?

Verse Meaning

The Corinthians should not recognize as a prophet or as a person under the control of the Holy Spirit anyone who refused to acknowledge the apostle"s authority. Failure to recognize the Lord as the source of Paul"s teaching would lead to that person"s failure to be recognized (i.e, acknowledged with approval) by the Lord (cf. 1 Corinthians 8:2-3)[source]

Context Summary

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

¹  Prophecy is commended,
²  and preferred before speaking in tongues,
⁶  by a comparison drawn from musical instruments
¹²  Both must be referred to edification,
²²  as to their true and proper end
²⁶  The true use of each is taught,
²⁷  and the abuse rebuked
³⁴  Women in the churches