In these last verses of 1 Corinthians 14:1–40, Paul concludes his discussion of spiritual gifts. He reminds the Corinthians that, as an apostle, he is writing to them on behalf of the Lord. The title Lord
here refers to Jesus Christ (see also 1 Corinthians 11:27; 1 Corinthians 12:4–6).
A spiritual
person is someone who has the Holy Spirit; in other words, a true believer. Those who are true prophets, or truly spiritual, will immediately acknowledge that Christ is the source of Paul’s instructions.
37 If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord.