Women at church - 1 COrinthians 14

[smweyman]

1 COrinthians 14
34women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. 35If 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.

Is this passage specific to women of Corinth, or is it inclusive of believers everywhere? How do we interpret this passage correctly?

Thanks and blessings
Maria

[justin]

Hmmmmm....

Given I am no theologian, and I don't exactly know a lot about the times, my guess is Paul was saying that you should be educated about a subject before you speak on it. One thing I do know about these times in that part of the world, is that women were uneducated and considered inferior to men. So, I believe Paul was trying to tell us that we are to study the word, before we ask too many questions that can be answered in there.

Don't take this answer to heart; this is only my interpretation, and like I stated beforehand, I am no theologian or expert on this chapter.

I hope I was of help

[puellalaeta]

Well, I am not an expert on this chapter either; although, it is something that I have read and prayed about quite a bit. So I'll just mention a few ideas.

Is this passage specific to women of Corinth, or is it inclusive of believers everywhere?

I believe that where there is a command in Scripture, it is a little dangerous to make the assumption that it is a cultural statement. "They are not allowed to speak" seems pretty clear, just currently politically incorrect. Also, Paul says something very similar in 1 Timothy 2:11-12--"A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet." So this would be additional evidence that it was not Corinth-specific.

I was thinking about Justin's point that this was relating to education. Here's just a thought: men thought the apostles Peter and John were uneducated, and it didn't disqualify them from preaching. "Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13) It seems to me that God has different church roles in mind for men and for women, education aside.

So as far as interpreting the passage I would say, do what it says: don't speak in church, listen in submission, and talk with your husband about your questions at home. The Bible does lay out a specific instance when women can teach, and that is older women teaching the younger women. (Titus 2:4)

Well, I hope that was helpful. I know how hard it can be to obey these passages! However, I think our marching orders are stated clearly.

God bless,

Michelle

[runner4jesus]

There were unruly women in the Corinthian church which Paul addressed. But there were women the Lord used mightily in Paul's ministry to the church, that worked with Paul. I agree with you Michelle, that a woman according to scripture should not at all, usurp authority over a man.

God has raised up vessels of honour such as Esther, outstanding women used of God. Paul was blessed by such in his ministry. There is a place for women in the church even in the gift of teaching; children & co-teaching with your husband. We just need to know what our calling is.

When God says in 2 Peter 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fail. This promise is for all of us, praise his name.