1Cor 14:24-25 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 24. But if all prophesy . . If all, in proper order and time, shall utter the truths of religion in a language intelligible to all. Or one unlearned . One unacquainted with the nature of Christianity, or the truths of the gospel. He is convinced of all . He will be convinced by all that speak. He will understand what is said; he will see its truth and force, and he will be satisfied of the truth of Christianity. The word here rendered convinced (ελεγχεται) is rendered reprove in : "And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin," etc. Its proper meaning is to convict , to show one to be wrong; and then to rebuke, reprove, admonish, etc. Here it means, evidently, that the man would be convicted or convinced of his error and of his sin; he would see that his former opinions and practice had been wrong; he would see and acknowledge the force and truth of the Christian sentiments which should be uttered, and would acknowledge the error of his former opinions and life. The following verse shows that the apostle means something more than a mere convincing of the understanding, or a mere conviction that his opinions had been erroneous. He evidently refers to what is now known also as conviction for sin; that is, a deep sense of the depravity of the heart, of the errors and fellice of the past life, accompanied with mental anxiety, distress, and alarm. The force of truth, and the appeals which should be made, and the observation of the happy effects of religion, would convince him that he was a sinner, and show him also his need of a Saviour. He is judged by all . By all that speak; by all that they say. The effect of what they say shall be, as it were, to pass a judgment on his former life, or to condemn him. What is said will be approved by his own conscience, and will have the effect to condemn him, in his own view, as a lost sinner. This is now the effect of faithful preaching, to produce deep self-condemnation in the minds of sinners.

1 Corinthians 14:24-25

Verse 24. But if all prophesy. 1Cor 14:1. If all, in proper order and time, shall utter the truths of religion in a language intelligible to all.

Or one unlearned. One unacquainted with the nature of Christianity, or the truths of the gospel.

He is convinced of all. He will be convinced by all that speak. He will understand what is said; he will see its truth and force, and he will be satisfied of the truth of Christianity. The word here rendered convinced (ελεγχεται) is rendered reprove in Jn 16:8: "And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin," etc. Its proper meaning is to convict, to show one to be wrong; and then to rebuke, reprove, admonish, etc. Here it means, evidently, that the man would be convicted or convinced of his error and of his sin; he would see that his former opinions and practice had been wrong; he would see and acknowledge the force and truth of the Christian sentiments which should be uttered, and would acknowledge the error of his former opinions and life. The following verse shows that the apostle means something more than a mere convincing of the understanding, or a mere conviction that his opinions had been erroneous. He evidently refers to what is now known also as conviction for sin; that is, a deep sense of the depravity of the heart, of the errors and fellice of the past life, accompanied with mental anxiety, distress, and alarm. The force of truth, and the appeals which should be made, and the observation of the happy effects of religion, would convince him that he was a sinner, and show him also his need of a Saviour.

He is judged by all. By all that speak; by all that they say. The effect of what they say shall be, as it were, to pass a judgment on his former life, or to condemn him. What is said will be approved by his own conscience, and will have the effect to condemn him, in his own view, as a lost sinner. This is now the effect of faithful preaching, to produce deep self-condemnation in the minds of sinners. Verse 25. And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest. Made manifest to himself in a surprising and remarkable manner. He shall be led to see the real designs and motives of his heart. His conscience would be awakened; he would recall his former course of life; he would see that it was evil; and the present state of his heart would be made known to himself. It is possible that he would suppose that the speaker was aiming directly at him, and revealing his feelings to others; for such an effect is often produced. The convicted sinner often supposes that the preacher particularly intends him, and wonders that he has such an acquaintance with his feelings and his life; and often supposes that he is designing to disclose his feelings to the congregation. It is possible that Paul here may mean that the prophets, by inspiration, would be able to reveal some secret facts in regard to the stranger; or to state the ill design which he might have had in coming into the assembly; or to state some things in regard to him which could be known only to himself; as was the case with Ananias and Sapphira, (Acts 5:1), seq.;) but perhaps it is better to understand this in a more general sense, as describing the proper and more common effect of truth, when it is applied by a man's own conscience. Such effects are often witnessed now; and such effects show the truth of religion; its adaptedness to men; the omniscience and the power of God; the design of the conscience, and its use in the conversion of sinners.

And so falling down on his face.The usual posture of worship or reverence in eastern countries. It was performed by sinking on the knees and hands, and then placing, the face on the ground. This might be done publicly; or the apostle may mean to say that it would lead him to do it in private.

He will worship God. He will be converted, and become a Christian.

And report that God, etc. Will become your friend, and an advocate for the Christian religion. An enemy will be turned to a friend. Doubtless this was often done. It is now often done. Paul's argument is, that they should so conduct their public devotions as that they should be adapted to produce this result.

(a) "God is" Isa 45:15, Zech 8:23 (*) "in" "among"