Who were the Brethren?

In 1 Corinthians 14, the term “Brethren” (Greek: adelphoi, ἀδελφοί) refers not to a single individual, but to the collective body of believers—men and women who are part of the Christian congregation in Corinth. The term literally means “brothers” or “siblings,” but in the New Testament it often functions as a spiritual designation for fellow members of God’s family, united by faith in Jesus Christ. Paul uses adelphoi frequently in his letters to address the church as a whole, emphasizing spiritual kinship rooted in the gospel.

In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul uses the word “Brethren” several times to exhort the church concerning spiritual gifts, especially the use of prophecy and tongues in corporate worship. His repeated appeals to the “brethren” reinforce both their responsibility to uphold order and edification in worship and their identity as co-laborers in Christ.

Greek Word Meaning

• Adelphoi (ἀδελφοί) – plural of adelphos (ἀδελφός), meaning “brother.”

• Rooted in delphys, meaning “womb.” Thus, adelphos originally conveyed the idea of being from the same womb, and by extension, closely related.

Key Passages

• 1 Corinthians 14:6 – “Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues…”

• 1 Corinthians 14:20 – “Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.”

• 1 Corinthians 14:26 – “What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, a word of instruction…”

Cross-References

• Romans 12:1 – “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters…”

• Galatians 6:1 – “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin…”

• Hebrews 2:11 – “Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.”

What Happened in the Bible?

In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul is addressing problems in the Corinthian church’s worship gatherings, specifically regarding the chaotic and disorderly use of tongues and prophecy. He addresses the congregation as “brethren” repeatedly to call them to unity, maturity, and love for one another.

Paul corrects the church by emphasizing edification, understanding, and order. He reminds the brethren that worship should benefit all, not just a few who speak in tongues. He exhorts them to desire gifts that build up the church, especially prophecy, which communicates truth intelligibly.

By calling them “brethren,” Paul appeals to their shared identity in Christ. His instructions are not authoritarian commands from above but family counsel given from a spiritual elder to his fellow siblings in the Lord.

What It Means for Today’s Christians

The term “brethren” reminds modern believers of their spiritual family identity in Christ. Church is not merely a gathering of individuals, but a family bound together by the blood of Jesus. This spiritual kinship carries responsibilities:

• Unity – believers are called to live and worship in harmony.

• Mutual edification – each member has something to contribute to the body.

• Maturity – believers are urged to grow in understanding, not to remain spiritually childish.

• Order in worship – Christian gatherings should reflect the character of God, who is not a God of confusion but of peace.

Just as Paul appealed to the “brethren” in Corinth, today’s pastors and spiritual leaders continue to call their congregations to a Christ-centered, others-edifying life of worship and service.

How Their Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel

The identity of the “brethren” ultimately flows from the saving work of Christ. Jesus, the Son of God, became a man so He could call His followers “brothers and sisters” (Hebrews 2:11). By His death and resurrection, He reconciles people to God and to one another.

The gospel creates a new family where divisions of race, class, and gender are erased (Galatians 3:28). Every Christian becomes a “brother” or “sister” in Christ, adopted by the Father and filled with the same Spirit. This new family identity motivates love, service, humility, and forgiveness among believers.

In the context of worship, the gospel teaches that Christ is the center, not the individual. Spiritual gifts are given not for self-exaltation but for the benefit of the brethren. Jesus models this by laying down His life for His brothers.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. Spiritual Brotherhood

The term brethren highlights the shared inheritance and mission of believers. They are co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), fellow citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20), and participants in the great commission.

2. Order and Edification

Paul’s instruction in 1 Corinthians 14 ties into the broader biblical theme of God’s character—orderly, purposeful, and wise. Worship that reflects these attributes honors God and strengthens the church.

3. Unity in Diversity

Though the brethren have different gifts, they are one body (1 Corinthians 12:12). The Spirit distributes gifts as He wills, but all are meant to work together for the common good.

4. Maturity and Discernment

The call to think like adults (1 Corinthians 14:20) reflects God’s desire for His people to grow in discernment and avoid being tossed about by every wind of doctrine.

Reflection Questions

1. How does seeing other Christians as “brethren” affect the way I speak and act toward them?

2. Am I contributing to the edification of the body of Christ during worship, or focusing only on personal experience?

3. In what ways do I need to grow in spiritual maturity and understanding?

4. How can I use my spiritual gifts to build up my church family?

5. Do my interactions with fellow believers reflect the order, peace, and love of God?

The “brethren” in 1 Corinthians 14 are not merely churchgoers—they are family members in the household of God, called to worship and serve in unity. Their story is our story, and their calling remains ours today.