NT Text: 1 Corinthians 14:25
OT Source(s):
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Reference Type: Allusion
Connection Method(s): Promise-Fulfillment + Longitudinal Theme
Significance: Paul alludes to Isaiah 45:14 in 1 Corinthians 14:25, where the outsider who enters the prophesying assembly falls down and declares "God is truly among you" (ontōs ho theos en hymin estin). Isaiah 45:14 prophesied that the nations would come to Israel confessing "surely God is among you" (ak beka 'el), acknowledging the reality of Israel's God. Paul sees this prophetic vision partially fulfilled when the prophetic word in the gathered church convicts an unbeliever, exposing the secrets of the heart and producing worship. The verbal parallel is unmistakable: both texts use the declaration formula about God's presence among His people. This connects to the broader Isaianic vision of Gentile inclusion (Isa 2:2-4; 49:6; 60:3) and demonstrates that Paul understood the church's gathered worship as a fulfillment of OT prophetic expectations about the nations streaming to Zion. The eschatological "already" is experienced in the worshiping assembly while the "not yet" awaits the consummation.