“What should be done?
My brothers!
When you come together,
Each one has a hymn,
A lesson,
A revelation,
A tongue,
Or an interpretation.
Let all things be done
For edification!”
Τί οὖν ἐστιν, ἀδελφοί; ὅταν συνέρχησθε, ἕκαστος ψαλμὸν ἔχει, διδαχὴν ἔχει, ἀποκάλυψιν ἔχει, γλῶσσαν ἔχει, ἑρμηνείαν ἔχει· πάντα πρὸς οἰκοδομὴν γινέσθω.
Paul asked another one of his questions and then gave his own response. He asked “What should be done (Τί οὖν ἐστιν)? My believing brothers (ἀδελφοί)!” Paul responded that when you come together (ὅταν συνέρχησθε), each one should have a hymn (ἕκαστος ψαλμὸν ἔχει), a lesson to read (διδαχὴν ἔχει), a revelation to share (ἀποκάλυψιν ἔχει), a tongue to speak (γλῶσσαν ἔχει) or an interpretation of a tongue (ἑρμηνείαν ἔχει). All this should be done for the edification and building up of all the members (πάντα πρὸς οἰκοδομὴν γινέσθω) of the community church. Only this Corinthian letter used this word ἑρμηνείαν, that means interpretation, translation, or explanation. Paul indicated how they should act or what they should do when they come together as a Christian community. Some of the believing brothers might have a hymn, a lesson, or an instruction to share. Others might have a revelation or speak in tongues. While others still might interpret what was said. Paul did not mind any of this. However, he stipulated that all this should be done for the edification or building up of the others. There should not be any destructive behavior within the community assembly. How do you behave when you gather for a Christian community worship service?
