1 Cor. 14:37. If anyone considers himself a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that what I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.
He placed at the end what is strongest of all, namely, that God commands this through me, and this is undoubtedly recognized by the one who among you is regarded as a prophet or as having some other spiritual gift, for example, the gift of knowledge.
1 Cor. 14:38. But if anyone does not understand, let him not understand.
That is to say: I have spoken; whoever wishes, let him believe. Such a tone of speech shows a man who is not striving to fulfill his own desire, but who has in view the common benefit. This is what Paul usually does when it is not very necessary to argue. For what need has Paul to resist and insist that his words are commandments of God, when he is speaking to his own disciples, and has already said that whoever is spiritual will recognize their divine character? Obviously, everyone will hasten to call them divine, in order to appear spiritual.
1 Cor. 14:39. Therefore, brethren, be zealous to prophesy, but do not forbid speaking in tongues either.
Having spoken about the gifts, he inserted a word about women: now he speaks again about the gifts, and gives first place to the gift of prophecy, saying: "desire earnestly," and second place to the gift of tongues. He did not say: permit, but: "do not forbid." This is how we usually speak about matters that are not necessary, neither permitting nor forbidding.
1 Cor. 14:40. Only let all things be done decently and in order.
As if correcting everything at once — both what pertained to those speaking in tongues, and what pertained to women speaking in church, and in general everything that was happening among them in a disorderly manner. All things will be done decently and in order when those speaking in tongues speak with interpretation and not like those who are possessed, when prophets yield to one another, and when women keep silent.