Greetings Brother HIH,
Its been quite a while.
I had spent some time reading through the comments but I couldn't read all...
However, I agree with Marks interpretation of 'the spirits of the prophets being subject to the prophets'.
From the scriptural context, it says every prophet has the capacity to control his self(his spirit) while ministering prophetically.
And by so doing confusion will be avoided.
I believe interpreting it to mean the spirits of the prophets are subject to other prophets may not agree with the context, which is-- orderliness.
Let's see it this way, if the spirits of the prophets are to be subjected to other prophets, do you really think there will be order?
Hi emekrus. Glad you are well.
I actually came away from the discussion thinking that both principles apply in a sense. Yours and marks' view is supported by 1 Corinthians 14:28, at least with regard to a believer's spirit being subject to the believer himself where speaking in tongues is concerned. But the rest of the passage favors the view that ultimately the text is teaching that in the congregation of God, the spirits of the prophets are collectively being subjected to each other, i.e. ultimately they are subject to the Spirit of God operating within them as a group.
I learned something about Greek construction on this one, but the literal reading is ""The spirits of the prophets are being subjected to the prophets." If you'll notice, v. 29 says, "But let two or three prophets speak, and let the
others discern." In context, "the others" is referring to other prophets, and the next verse adds, "But if
another [prophet] sitting by should receive a revelation, let the first be silent." V. 31 then reads, "For you can
all prophecy one by one that all may learn, and be exhorted," which is then followed by, "And the spirits of the prophets are being subjected to the prophets."
So in context, the natural reading is that he is discussing the spirits of the prophets being subject to one another. I think it is a reference to letting the peace of God arbitrate among them, as in Colossians 3:15.
But I do think both principles apply in a sense, with the latter being the dominant one in 1 Corinthians 14:29-32.