1 Corinthians 14:31

31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be comforted.

1 Corinthians 14:31 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 14:31

For ye may all prophesy one by one
Not every member of the church, but everyone that had the gift of prophecy; so that they were not confined to two or three prophets at a meeting, but as many as would, or as had anything to deliver, and as time would allow; only care must be taken that confusion be avoided, and order preserved by exercising in turns one after another. This was agreeably to the custom of the Jewish synagogue, in which more might read and speak, though but one at a time; for

``it is forbidden to read in the book of the law, except one only, that all may hearken, and be silent, that so they may hear the words from his mouth, as if they had heard them that very moment from Mount Sinai.''

So here,

that all may learn;
more of the doctrine of Christ, and of the mind and will of God, and attain to a greater knowledge in the mysteries of the Gospel, and in the duties of religion, even prophets and teachers as well as private members and common hearers; for there are none who know ever so much, but are capable of being further taught and instructed, and that sometimes by such whose gifts are interior to them:

and all may be comforted;
or exhorted, or receive exhortation. The word used signifies both; and prophecy is useful both for exhortation and comfort, and that both to preachers and people.

1 Corinthians 14:31 In-Context

29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge.

30 If anything be revealed to another who sitteth by, let theŒfirst hold his peace.

31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be comforted.

32 The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets,

33 for God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as it is in all churches of the saints.