Order

Prophecy and tongues are great, when done in an orderly way (vv. 39-40).

Believers and Unbelievers

In verses 22-25, Paul explains why seeing prophecy could convince unbelievers to believe.

Tongues and Prophecy

In verses 1-19, Paul suggests that intelligible words are superior to unintelligible tongues.

Another Prophecy

Peter goes on to explain, in verses 24-26, that Joel is not the only person who prophesied the events that the early Church experienced.

Obedience in Prophecy

The first appearance of the word obedience in the NIV is Genesis 49:10.

The scepter will not depart from Judah,
   nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet,
until he to whom it belongs shall come
   and the obedience of the nations shall be his.

We read here about Jesus, the “Lion of Judah,” holding his scepter–an ancient symbol of royal authority.

Eventually, “the obedience of the nations” will belong to him.

Prophecy

Peter explains that biblical prophecy is based upon God’s words, delivered by people through the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is a conduit of God’s will.

King David and the Holy Spirit

Mark 12:36 explains that David spoke ”by the Holy Spirit” when writing Psalm 110.

What is the difference between ordinary speech and speaking by the Holy Spirit?

Psalm 110 is an example of predictive prophecy, but David spoke other words of prescriptive prophecy as well.  Maybe speaking “by the Holy Spirit” is another way to say speaking prophetically.

Jesus’ Descendants?

This verse suggests that the Messiah wouldn’t have any children.

Why would this even be mentioned?

Weird considering the possibility that Jesus might have had a family.

Isaiah 53:7

In this verse, Jesus models wise behavior in the face of opposition.

It’s a lesson I almost never apply.

I rarely keep my mouth shut when I’m frustrated.

Isaiah 53:1-6

The opening question of this passage implies that without divine revelation, it would be impossible to understand Jesus accurately.

The next four verses describe Jesus’ low status.

The last two verses explain the theological significance of his sacrifice.