“³⁷If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment. ³⁸But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.”

Paul anticipated he would end up in the crosshairs of criticism, back then as much as—if not more than—today, two thousand years later. What he taught has never been popular. And he expected some to couch their objections in spiritual or religious terminology. So Paul put his apostolic authority on the line when he challenged them to recognize his teaching as “the Lord’s command.” He may have been referring to the immediately preceding text on a woman’s silence, or as some commentators point out, this could be the conclusion of the entire section beginning in 1 Corinthians 12:1, “Now concerning spiritual gifts ….”

The opening phrase “If anyone thinks he …” reflects for the third time the Corinthians’ penchant for self-exaltation, perceiving themselves to be wise (1 Cor. 3:18), knowledgeable (1 Cor. 8:2), and as prophets or spiritual people (1 Cor. 14:37). Paul’s own self-declaration of authority stands in sharp contrast. Sociologists might interpret this as a petty power struggle, but Paul knew clearly his role as an apostle appointed by God.

If ever there was a statement of Paul’s self-awareness of his authoritative teaching, this is it! Let no one assert that some of his teachings were limited by personal prejudices, as though this were his own private, human or culturally limited viewpoint. That is not an option he leaves for us.

Paul’s confidence came from the Lord’s commission delegated to him:

But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles … (Gal. 1:15–16a)

He was faithful to his calling in writing tersely to erring Corinthians, opening with an authoritative tone: “Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God” (1 Cor. 1:1). The subject of spiritual gifts is part of that good news firmly rooted in the message of “Christ and Him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2). So he had no choice but to teach about these things: “For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel” (1 Cor. 9:16). And so, as he wrote to another church, “Inasmuch then as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I magnify my ministry…” (Rom. 11:13).

Lord, I believe the words of Paul in Scripture carry the weight of Your divine authority.