Can: it is not certain whether this Greek word should be translated can, “may” (Good News Bible), or “have the power to.” The context suggests that Paul is now thinking that a meeting must be carried on in an orderly fashion because there is a limited time (see verse 40). Most translations leave the question open by translating can.

All is repeated three times, showing emphasis. Translators should maintain this emphasis if possible. Good News Bible adds “of you” after the first all, a necessary addition to make the meaning clear.

Learn: see 4.6 and 14.35.

Be encouraged: in this passage be encouraged has much the same meaning as “edification” in verse 26.

Quoted with permission from Ellingworth, Paul and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, 2nd edition. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1985/1994. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .