Women Silent in Church? - Study 10/27/11
Women Silent in Church?
Here is a Middle East News Maker in this 2011. “Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah has pardoned a woman sentenced to 10 lashes for driving a car”. Who can believe it in 2011 but it is true? In fact the Saudi women for the first time would get limited voting rights in an upcoming municipal election and may run for office if they meet some strict criteria. For the Western mind, this is hard to comprehend in 2011. Should we just say that things are different in Middle East now and during the Bible times. There were all kinds of laws and rules that imposed restrictions on women then. Jesus came and became the greatest liberator of women in all ages. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). Freedom was not originated by NOW (National Organization of Women).
So what’s up with Paul and women? “As in all the congregations of the saints, 34 women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. 35 If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church”. 1 Corinthians 14:33-35. In fact one of the ladies read this and cringed with hesitation as if to say, “Is this really in the Bible I am reading?”
What does Apostle Paul mean in the context of the entire discourse of chapter 14? Can we also judge what he is saying based on what he had said in other places? The above passage is one that has been used and abused in the Church even to the present time. We pray that God will help us understand the intent of Paul.
One thing I can say in Paul’s defense regardless of where we end up on this matter is that we serve a God who has called us into a kingdom. Every kingdom has rules of engagement. God has established some order in His Kingdom and there are things that are not up for debate but for our obedience if we are truly God’s kingdom people. God’s kingdom is not a democracy, thus it is not up for our vote. We are led and live by the Spirit of God. “The just shall live by faith” in God. Trust God. God knows what He is doing in your life and collectively in our lives.
At this point, it is safe to say that the Holy Spirit who lives in us (both male and female) can and will use us all as He pleases. God can do whatever He wants with a woman or man that is submitted to His sovereignty. So sisters, be all you can be for Jesus without limitation and as you are inspired and empowered by the Holy Spirit according to God’s order.
1 Corinthians 14: 26-40
26 What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. 28 If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.
29 Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. 30 And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. 31 For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. 32 The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. 33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. As in all the congregations of the saints, 34 women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. 35 If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.
36 Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? 37 If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. 38 If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored.[i]
39 Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
Here are my observations in addition to the ones you may have:
1. Apostle Paul has spent a lot of time (chapters 12-14) outlining the need for unity of the body of Christ and the common good each individual member brings. In chapter 14 he focused on the use of tongues and insisting on orderliness as God’s people gather and worship together. Paul, wrote, “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace vs. 33. There was definitely some disorder taking place among the Corinthians in their Church gatherings. Apparently, many were trying to speak at the same time both in understandable language and in other tongues. “What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation” vs.26. Paul is writing to correct the confusion in answer to the Corinthians’ questions regarding the expression of the gifts of the Spirit.
2. Notice the phrase “everyone has” in vs.26. Some have taken this verse 26 to mean that everyone should have a hymn, a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation when the Church gathers. A second look would show that in the context, it is actually contrary to Paul’s intent. Paul is saying, “how come everyone has something to say at the same time or you feel you must have something to say during your gatherings? This interpretation is consistent with his previous statement in chapter 12. “Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?” 1 Cor. 12:29-30. All are not apostles and do not have gifts of healings or speak with tongues. As such why are you Corinthians trying to do that when you gather? In addition it is consistent with the restriction to two and three speaking in vs. 27 and 29. “If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret….29 Two or three prophets should speak”. This whole passage is trying to bring orderliness and it leads to our topic of today – Women being silent in the Church? Are you kidding? And good luck!
3. Paul said, “As in all the congregations of the saints, 34 women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. 35 If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church” vs.33-35. What does he really mean? Does it mean absolute silence from the time you walk into Church till you come out? Specifically does the silence apply to forbidding women from manifesting any of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in a church gathering? What kind of silence is implied? Some denominations have even used this passage to forbid the ordination of women as ministers and pastors. Is this what the passage is saying? This is a hot topic and I have to tread gingerly.
4. I grew up in a church where men and women sat on different sections of the Church building. The men sat on the right and the women on the left. There was no co-mingled seating. In fact it is still the same in many African (or non-western) Churches of today in certain denominations. The tradition came from the early Church of Paul’s time. This helps us understand what Paul is saying when he said women to remain silent and ask their husbands when they get home. Since couples did not sit together, there was no opportunity to ask clarifying questions made especially during the “judging” or the “weighing” of prophecies as in vs. 29 “Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.” Vs.29. The shouting across the isles was definitely going to add to the confusion and disorderliness in Christian gathering. Hence, the women were to keep silent. Apparently, the “weighing” was done by men who were in leadership. Then it was “a man’s world” in terms of leadership in the Church. Paul also in the current passage reminds the Corinthians and us of the order of God’s headship “but must be in submission, as the Law says”. So what law specifically is Paul referring to? He may be referring to these, please check them out – Genesis.3:16 and Numbers 30:3-16.
5. We can compare the 1 Corinthians 14:33-35 with previous statements of Paul in chapter 11 when he addressed headship and order in the Church. “But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. 5 But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved” 1 Corinthians 11:3-5. We see the order, God (the Father), Christ, man and woman. It does not indicate order of superiority but order of submission for the glory of God. Jesus is God but He willingly submitted to God the Father while on earth. I don’t think God is asking our opinion on the order He had established from creation. If you really have a problem with His order, please talk to God directly.
6. In addition, 1 Corinthians 11:5 helps us know for sure that when Paul said keep silent, he was not referring to women keeping silent and never exercising the gifts of the Spirit in Church. Let’s read “But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved” (1 cor.11:5). It is as clear as it can be and the context is public gathering of saints of God. Paul in the above has acknowledged that women are praying and prophesying as they should be expected. Women can and should exercise all of the gifts of the Holy Spirit given to them by God. We have seen this to be the case both in the early Church and now. Countless women – the four sisters who prophesied (Acts 21), there is Pricilla who with her husband had churches in their house; and in the present times many too many to name – mother Teresa and others who have exercised God’s gifts in their lives.
7. Apostle Paul in other places has written about things that will help us interpret the 1 Cor. 14:33-35. Listen to Paul, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” Galatians 3:26-28. Also, Paul wrote Timothy, “11 Women should learn quietly and submissively. 12 I do not let women teach men or have authority over them.[b] Let them listen quietly. 13 For God made Adam first, and afterward he made Eve. 14 And it was not Adam who was deceived by Satan. The woman was deceived, and sin was the result” (NLT). Both of these scriptures should be examined in their context. For now, we can hear Paul say that there is no male or female when it comes to the things of the Spirit. Also, instructing Timothy, Paul’s concern is to safeguard the order of headship God has instituted in the home and encouraging us to do things within that framework. I have learned sound teaching from women and I believe they were led by the Holy Spirit of God. All of us men have been taught by women – mother was the first teacher and you can’t beat that.
So what about women keeping silent in the Church? We must go back to the opening of chapter 14. “Pursue love” or “Let love be your highest goal! The goal is to love all and advance God’s kingdom on earth. Love thrives in orderliness and in atmosphere of peace so all things must be done in decency. Man or woman, we do not have the right to disrespect and disrupt others especially in public gathering including Church. Apostle Paul is far from earning the label “a woman hater” or ‘not progressive” or “not liberal”. We have a great job to do for God and women who are led by the Holy Spirit should not keep silent as they are inspired and empowered by the Holy Spirit. The real issue; Are you (male or female) and I listening and obeying the voice of God? We cannot debate that.
Father, we thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. We thank you that there is really no male or female in your kingdom. We thank you for the women in the body of Christ. We cannot do without them for the gifts you planted in them. We pray that all your daughters in Christ will rise up like Deborah of OT to take their rightful place and speak and fight your ordained battles. Above all, help us to love and listen to your voice and obey to bring you glory. Amen.
Here is a Middle East News Maker in this 2011. “Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah has pardoned a woman sentenced to 10 lashes for driving a car”. Who can believe it in 2011 but it is true? In fact the Saudi women for the first time would get limited voting rights in an upcoming municipal election and may run for office if they meet some strict criteria. For the Western mind, this is hard to comprehend in 2011. Should we just say that things are different in Middle East now and during the Bible times. There were all kinds of laws and rules that imposed restrictions on women then. Jesus came and became the greatest liberator of women in all ages. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). Freedom was not originated by NOW (National Organization of Women).
So what’s up with Paul and women? “As in all the congregations of the saints, 34 women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. 35 If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church”. 1 Corinthians 14:33-35. In fact one of the ladies read this and cringed with hesitation as if to say, “Is this really in the Bible I am reading?”
What does Apostle Paul mean in the context of the entire discourse of chapter 14? Can we also judge what he is saying based on what he had said in other places? The above passage is one that has been used and abused in the Church even to the present time. We pray that God will help us understand the intent of Paul.
One thing I can say in Paul’s defense regardless of where we end up on this matter is that we serve a God who has called us into a kingdom. Every kingdom has rules of engagement. God has established some order in His Kingdom and there are things that are not up for debate but for our obedience if we are truly God’s kingdom people. God’s kingdom is not a democracy, thus it is not up for our vote. We are led and live by the Spirit of God. “The just shall live by faith” in God. Trust God. God knows what He is doing in your life and collectively in our lives.
At this point, it is safe to say that the Holy Spirit who lives in us (both male and female) can and will use us all as He pleases. God can do whatever He wants with a woman or man that is submitted to His sovereignty. So sisters, be all you can be for Jesus without limitation and as you are inspired and empowered by the Holy Spirit according to God’s order.
1 Corinthians 14: 26-40
26 What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. 28 If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.
29 Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. 30 And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. 31 For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. 32 The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. 33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. As in all the congregations of the saints, 34 women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. 35 If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.
36 Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? 37 If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. 38 If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored.[i]
39 Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
Here are my observations in addition to the ones you may have:
1. Apostle Paul has spent a lot of time (chapters 12-14) outlining the need for unity of the body of Christ and the common good each individual member brings. In chapter 14 he focused on the use of tongues and insisting on orderliness as God’s people gather and worship together. Paul, wrote, “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace vs. 33. There was definitely some disorder taking place among the Corinthians in their Church gatherings. Apparently, many were trying to speak at the same time both in understandable language and in other tongues. “What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation” vs.26. Paul is writing to correct the confusion in answer to the Corinthians’ questions regarding the expression of the gifts of the Spirit.
2. Notice the phrase “everyone has” in vs.26. Some have taken this verse 26 to mean that everyone should have a hymn, a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation when the Church gathers. A second look would show that in the context, it is actually contrary to Paul’s intent. Paul is saying, “how come everyone has something to say at the same time or you feel you must have something to say during your gatherings? This interpretation is consistent with his previous statement in chapter 12. “Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?” 1 Cor. 12:29-30. All are not apostles and do not have gifts of healings or speak with tongues. As such why are you Corinthians trying to do that when you gather? In addition it is consistent with the restriction to two and three speaking in vs. 27 and 29. “If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret….29 Two or three prophets should speak”. This whole passage is trying to bring orderliness and it leads to our topic of today – Women being silent in the Church? Are you kidding? And good luck!
3. Paul said, “As in all the congregations of the saints, 34 women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. 35 If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church” vs.33-35. What does he really mean? Does it mean absolute silence from the time you walk into Church till you come out? Specifically does the silence apply to forbidding women from manifesting any of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in a church gathering? What kind of silence is implied? Some denominations have even used this passage to forbid the ordination of women as ministers and pastors. Is this what the passage is saying? This is a hot topic and I have to tread gingerly.
4. I grew up in a church where men and women sat on different sections of the Church building. The men sat on the right and the women on the left. There was no co-mingled seating. In fact it is still the same in many African (or non-western) Churches of today in certain denominations. The tradition came from the early Church of Paul’s time. This helps us understand what Paul is saying when he said women to remain silent and ask their husbands when they get home. Since couples did not sit together, there was no opportunity to ask clarifying questions made especially during the “judging” or the “weighing” of prophecies as in vs. 29 “Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.” Vs.29. The shouting across the isles was definitely going to add to the confusion and disorderliness in Christian gathering. Hence, the women were to keep silent. Apparently, the “weighing” was done by men who were in leadership. Then it was “a man’s world” in terms of leadership in the Church. Paul also in the current passage reminds the Corinthians and us of the order of God’s headship “but must be in submission, as the Law says”. So what law specifically is Paul referring to? He may be referring to these, please check them out – Genesis.3:16 and Numbers 30:3-16.
5. We can compare the 1 Corinthians 14:33-35 with previous statements of Paul in chapter 11 when he addressed headship and order in the Church. “But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. 5 But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved” 1 Corinthians 11:3-5. We see the order, God (the Father), Christ, man and woman. It does not indicate order of superiority but order of submission for the glory of God. Jesus is God but He willingly submitted to God the Father while on earth. I don’t think God is asking our opinion on the order He had established from creation. If you really have a problem with His order, please talk to God directly.
6. In addition, 1 Corinthians 11:5 helps us know for sure that when Paul said keep silent, he was not referring to women keeping silent and never exercising the gifts of the Spirit in Church. Let’s read “But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved” (1 cor.11:5). It is as clear as it can be and the context is public gathering of saints of God. Paul in the above has acknowledged that women are praying and prophesying as they should be expected. Women can and should exercise all of the gifts of the Holy Spirit given to them by God. We have seen this to be the case both in the early Church and now. Countless women – the four sisters who prophesied (Acts 21), there is Pricilla who with her husband had churches in their house; and in the present times many too many to name – mother Teresa and others who have exercised God’s gifts in their lives.
7. Apostle Paul in other places has written about things that will help us interpret the 1 Cor. 14:33-35. Listen to Paul, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” Galatians 3:26-28. Also, Paul wrote Timothy, “11 Women should learn quietly and submissively. 12 I do not let women teach men or have authority over them.[b] Let them listen quietly. 13 For God made Adam first, and afterward he made Eve. 14 And it was not Adam who was deceived by Satan. The woman was deceived, and sin was the result” (NLT). Both of these scriptures should be examined in their context. For now, we can hear Paul say that there is no male or female when it comes to the things of the Spirit. Also, instructing Timothy, Paul’s concern is to safeguard the order of headship God has instituted in the home and encouraging us to do things within that framework. I have learned sound teaching from women and I believe they were led by the Holy Spirit of God. All of us men have been taught by women – mother was the first teacher and you can’t beat that.
So what about women keeping silent in the Church? We must go back to the opening of chapter 14. “Pursue love” or “Let love be your highest goal! The goal is to love all and advance God’s kingdom on earth. Love thrives in orderliness and in atmosphere of peace so all things must be done in decency. Man or woman, we do not have the right to disrespect and disrupt others especially in public gathering including Church. Apostle Paul is far from earning the label “a woman hater” or ‘not progressive” or “not liberal”. We have a great job to do for God and women who are led by the Holy Spirit should not keep silent as they are inspired and empowered by the Holy Spirit. The real issue; Are you (male or female) and I listening and obeying the voice of God? We cannot debate that.
Father, we thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. We thank you that there is really no male or female in your kingdom. We thank you for the women in the body of Christ. We cannot do without them for the gifts you planted in them. We pray that all your daughters in Christ will rise up like Deborah of OT to take their rightful place and speak and fight your ordained battles. Above all, help us to love and listen to your voice and obey to bring you glory. Amen.
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