As we come to the end of our examination of the scriptural evidence for Women in Leadership within the church, I hope that you are learning new things and being challenged and encouraged in your walk with God. Today, I want to look at one last passage that is often used to limit women within the church. This one is found in 1 Corinthians, an epistle (letter) written once again by Paul. He is writing this particular letter in response to a letter he has received from the Corinthian church. His goal in writing back to them is to clarify some issues that have been causing disputes among them. As you read through the letter you see Paul addressing things such as: divisions in the church, incest, court cases, abuse of freedom and disorderly church gatherings. We also see him replying to other issues the Corinthians wrote him about, such as marriage, pagan festivals, prophesy, tongues, and the behavior of women.
As always, it is important to have a little historical background on the people and region that Paul is writing to. Corinth was the second largest populated city, second only to Rome. It was a major hub of trade and its population consisted of not just Romans but also Jews, Orientals, Greeks, Egyptians, and others. Corinth was also known for shameful and immoral living and thus was a very challenging place to try to have Christianity take root. Against the odds, years earlier, Paul had indeed successfully planted the church but now all sorts of twisted doctrine and perverted messages were beginning to take hold causing many disputes and disagreements. It was time for Paul to speak order into the church once again.
If you remember from previous sections of this series, many of the Jews had created their own rules that went above and beyond any rules God Himself ever gave the people. These rules were ultimately gathered into what was known as the Oral law and were eventually written down in what is now called the Talmud. So in the midst of the Corinthian church we have the “real rules” from written scripture (God given) and those who were violating them, and, we also have the “fake man made rules” from oral law (man made) and those that were violating those “rules”. The church was at odds as to how to bring correct order and needed some apostolic direction from Paul.
Now, the reason I reviewed that little point is because we will see that a lot of the questions that Paul replies to involve him clarifying the difference between their “oral law” and the laws and heart of God Himself. When we refer, or when Paul refers to God’s Law, he is referring to Old Testament scripture and Paul’s usual style if he refers to the Law is to then quote it or say “as it is written”. (Check out the previous chapters of 1 Corinthians to see that this is true.)
Okay- moving on to the verses in question, let’s take a look at 1 Corinthians14:34-35. They read as follows out of the NIV:
“Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. 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.”
As I have stated before, it is my goal in writing this series to write in a way that can be easily understood by anyone. I also am diligent to provide full and honest reasoning and theologically sound arguments and evidence. That being said, I want to jump ahead right here because I think it will enhance the understanding of where we’re headed.
The above scripture has been placed in quotations by me as I share it with you because it is not made of my own words. Likewise, the passage above should be in quotations in our Bibles too because they are not the words of Paul. Yes, Paul has written these words in his letter to the Corinthians but he is repeating a statement and common thought made by the religious leaders of the Corinthian church. In other words, he is quoting back to them something they said in their letter to him. It is interesting, then, to see that in the very next verse (v 36) Paul strongly rebukes the Corinthian Church. This makes perfect sense when you understand that Paul himself was not forbidding women to speak but was quoting their “oral tradition law” and practice and then rebuking it.
Okay, now, let’s back it all up and go through these passages and others in a more systematic way to show you how we arrive at the above conclusion which makes perfect contextual and grammatical sense and in no way limits women from speaking and participating in church services.
There is so much to say and scripture is so fascinating but let’s go ahead and start out a few chapters ahead of the passage in question and look at 1 Corinthians Ch 11. In this chapter, my Bible gives it a little sub-heading of “propriety in worship”. That seems like a good title because what Paul addresses in Ch 11 is how men and women should prophesy in a public gathering and also how to conduct yourself when taking Communion/The Lord’s Supper.
Hopefully, you noticed right away that I said Paul was giving instructions on how men and women should prophesy in an orderly way. In case you are unfamiliar with prophesy, a standard definition of one who prophesies is: a spokesperson for God who hears from God and speaks his message forth to the people. So Paul is acknowledging that both men and women can be that spokesperson. A woman or a man can equally exercise the gift of prophecy in a church service so long as they follow the proper order. Also, I hope you have realized that in order for a woman (or man) to prophesy in a church they actually have to speak. So in Chapter 11 (which could be a whole additional study in and of itself) Paul is telling women they can prophesy/speak in church.
In Chapter 12 Paul talks about spiritual gifts. He tells them that there are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. (v. 4) I will remind you of my previous posts where we talked about how there is only one Holy Spirit and it is the same Holy Spirit for both males and females. In Chapter 13, Paul speaks about love and how it is the essential foundation upon which and from which any of the other gifts must function. And then, we get to Chapter 14 where Paul is instructing and bringing answers to their questions on the orderly use of prophecy and tongues.
The bulk of Chapter 14 is filled with Paul describing and distinguishing between the uses and benefits of prophecy vs. tongues in a public setting. By the time we get down to v. 25 Paul is ready to summarize his points. Let’s look at verses 26-40 which close out Ch. 14.
(One little thing to add: the word “brethren” in some translations is the Greek word “adelphoi” which is gender plural or gender inclusive which means Paul is addressing both men and women. In the translation below it is written as “brothers and sisters”.)
26 What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.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 to 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 Lord’s people.
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 Or did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? 37 If anyone thinks they are a prophet or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. 38 But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored.
39 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
We already know that Paul has just stated (in Ch. 11) that women can speak and prophesy in the church. So why would he now say in his summary verses that women cannot speak, that they should remain silent, and if they want to inquire about something they should ask their husbands at home? The answer is, he wouldn’t say that. However, the Jewish leaders of the church would.
As we look at verse 34, we see the phrase “as the law says”. There are a few things to take note of here. First, there is no restriction on the speech of women in the whole of the written Law given by God. So this “law” cannot be referring to the written Law given by God. Also, the saying of this verse is completely consistent with Jewish rabbinical teaching (oral law) which we have covered in a previous installment of this series. Lastly, whenever Paul refers to the Law, he usually then quotes the scripture or precedes his use of the scripture by “it is written”.
Grammatically speaking, scholars have noted that after v. 35 at the beginning of v.36 there is a Greek symbol that indicates that the previous statement was a quotation. This would mean that when we read v 34 and 35, we are not reading Paul’s instructions to the church, but rather are reading Paul quoting back to the Corinthians something they have said or possibly written in the letter he is replying to. (We don’t know for sure if it was a written statement or just a Corinthian slogan because we don’t have a copy of the Corinthian’s letter to Paul.)
Following this theological interpretation, we would then see that this passage makes far more sense than when read through any other interpretation. Paul has already clearly stated that women are allowed to prophesy- speak- in church gatherings. He has already instructed them, as well as men, on the proper protocol. In verses, 26-33 we see continual encouragement from Paul to both men and women on speaking/utilizing spiritual gifts in an orderly way in worship services.
Now we have v 34-35 to deal with. If we read them as Paul making some universal declaration that women need to be silent in churches than we have all sorts of problems reconciling the previous multiple verses throughout this letter alone, not to mention the rest of the Bible. We also have to call into question Paul’s actual knowledge of the Law (OT scripture) because nowhere in the OT scripture scripture/Law does God ever forbid women from speaking in church or anywhere else. So if Paul is making an "across the board- for all time" statement based on something that isn’t in the Law, but he’s saying it is, well, then he is lying.
Furthermore, if Paul really did mean to make some universal statement about women being silent in church…then why would he rebuke his own words in the very next verse? (v 36 is a rebuke). What would he be rebuking?
However, if we read v 34-35 as Paul quoting the Judaizers (Jews who converted to Christianity but still believed in upholding the Rabbinical teachings and man-made religious laws), then it makes much more sense as does v 36. Verse 36 reads as follows in the KJV:
“What? Came the word of God out from you? Or came it unto you only?”
This is a direct rebuke to the Judaizers and any others that believed this saying that “women should be silent, must not speak and must be in submission as the law says”.
Interestingly enough, after this little clarification, Paul continues right on with what he was saying about keeping order during times of prophesy and the exercising of other spiritual gifts. Bottom line, all are welcome to participate in services through the Holy Spirit but are to do so in an orderly and fitting manner.
While these verses have been used to limit the role of women within the church and their use of spiritual gifts and even leadership, that was never the intention of God or Paul. The decidedly patriarchal lens through which most scripture has been passed down and interpreted is in need of some revision. When we read the Bible as a whole and we see the heart of God for women and His original plan for them, there is no question that they are equally suited to serve God inside and outside of the church.
Not all men are called to lead. Not all women are called to lead. But for all those women and men who are indeed called to leadership within the church, please know that you are 100% free to do that and nothing in God’s word is stopping you! His word is filled with advice and correction and instruction that should be equally applied by both male and females. Keep your heart close to His, listen and apply the Word of God to your life and actions, and just go be who He created you to be! Stay humble, stay teachable and be patient as His truth and love goes forth, slowly but surely, causing the man made rules and lies to crumble and fade away.
I hope you've enjoyed this series, I hope it will be a convenient, useful, easy to understand ministry tool for equipping and encouraging the Body of Christ!
As always, it is important to have a little historical background on the people and region that Paul is writing to. Corinth was the second largest populated city, second only to Rome. It was a major hub of trade and its population consisted of not just Romans but also Jews, Orientals, Greeks, Egyptians, and others. Corinth was also known for shameful and immoral living and thus was a very challenging place to try to have Christianity take root. Against the odds, years earlier, Paul had indeed successfully planted the church but now all sorts of twisted doctrine and perverted messages were beginning to take hold causing many disputes and disagreements. It was time for Paul to speak order into the church once again.
If you remember from previous sections of this series, many of the Jews had created their own rules that went above and beyond any rules God Himself ever gave the people. These rules were ultimately gathered into what was known as the Oral law and were eventually written down in what is now called the Talmud. So in the midst of the Corinthian church we have the “real rules” from written scripture (God given) and those who were violating them, and, we also have the “fake man made rules” from oral law (man made) and those that were violating those “rules”. The church was at odds as to how to bring correct order and needed some apostolic direction from Paul.
Now, the reason I reviewed that little point is because we will see that a lot of the questions that Paul replies to involve him clarifying the difference between their “oral law” and the laws and heart of God Himself. When we refer, or when Paul refers to God’s Law, he is referring to Old Testament scripture and Paul’s usual style if he refers to the Law is to then quote it or say “as it is written”. (Check out the previous chapters of 1 Corinthians to see that this is true.)
Okay- moving on to the verses in question, let’s take a look at 1 Corinthians14:34-35. They read as follows out of the NIV:
“Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. 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.”
As I have stated before, it is my goal in writing this series to write in a way that can be easily understood by anyone. I also am diligent to provide full and honest reasoning and theologically sound arguments and evidence. That being said, I want to jump ahead right here because I think it will enhance the understanding of where we’re headed.
The above scripture has been placed in quotations by me as I share it with you because it is not made of my own words. Likewise, the passage above should be in quotations in our Bibles too because they are not the words of Paul. Yes, Paul has written these words in his letter to the Corinthians but he is repeating a statement and common thought made by the religious leaders of the Corinthian church. In other words, he is quoting back to them something they said in their letter to him. It is interesting, then, to see that in the very next verse (v 36) Paul strongly rebukes the Corinthian Church. This makes perfect sense when you understand that Paul himself was not forbidding women to speak but was quoting their “oral tradition law” and practice and then rebuking it.
Okay, now, let’s back it all up and go through these passages and others in a more systematic way to show you how we arrive at the above conclusion which makes perfect contextual and grammatical sense and in no way limits women from speaking and participating in church services.
There is so much to say and scripture is so fascinating but let’s go ahead and start out a few chapters ahead of the passage in question and look at 1 Corinthians Ch 11. In this chapter, my Bible gives it a little sub-heading of “propriety in worship”. That seems like a good title because what Paul addresses in Ch 11 is how men and women should prophesy in a public gathering and also how to conduct yourself when taking Communion/The Lord’s Supper.
Hopefully, you noticed right away that I said Paul was giving instructions on how men and women should prophesy in an orderly way. In case you are unfamiliar with prophesy, a standard definition of one who prophesies is: a spokesperson for God who hears from God and speaks his message forth to the people. So Paul is acknowledging that both men and women can be that spokesperson. A woman or a man can equally exercise the gift of prophecy in a church service so long as they follow the proper order. Also, I hope you have realized that in order for a woman (or man) to prophesy in a church they actually have to speak. So in Chapter 11 (which could be a whole additional study in and of itself) Paul is telling women they can prophesy/speak in church.
In Chapter 12 Paul talks about spiritual gifts. He tells them that there are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. (v. 4) I will remind you of my previous posts where we talked about how there is only one Holy Spirit and it is the same Holy Spirit for both males and females. In Chapter 13, Paul speaks about love and how it is the essential foundation upon which and from which any of the other gifts must function. And then, we get to Chapter 14 where Paul is instructing and bringing answers to their questions on the orderly use of prophecy and tongues.
The bulk of Chapter 14 is filled with Paul describing and distinguishing between the uses and benefits of prophecy vs. tongues in a public setting. By the time we get down to v. 25 Paul is ready to summarize his points. Let’s look at verses 26-40 which close out Ch. 14.
(One little thing to add: the word “brethren” in some translations is the Greek word “adelphoi” which is gender plural or gender inclusive which means Paul is addressing both men and women. In the translation below it is written as “brothers and sisters”.)
26 What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.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 to 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 Lord’s people.
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 Or did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? 37 If anyone thinks they are a prophet or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. 38 But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored.
39 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
We already know that Paul has just stated (in Ch. 11) that women can speak and prophesy in the church. So why would he now say in his summary verses that women cannot speak, that they should remain silent, and if they want to inquire about something they should ask their husbands at home? The answer is, he wouldn’t say that. However, the Jewish leaders of the church would.
As we look at verse 34, we see the phrase “as the law says”. There are a few things to take note of here. First, there is no restriction on the speech of women in the whole of the written Law given by God. So this “law” cannot be referring to the written Law given by God. Also, the saying of this verse is completely consistent with Jewish rabbinical teaching (oral law) which we have covered in a previous installment of this series. Lastly, whenever Paul refers to the Law, he usually then quotes the scripture or precedes his use of the scripture by “it is written”.
Grammatically speaking, scholars have noted that after v. 35 at the beginning of v.36 there is a Greek symbol that indicates that the previous statement was a quotation. This would mean that when we read v 34 and 35, we are not reading Paul’s instructions to the church, but rather are reading Paul quoting back to the Corinthians something they have said or possibly written in the letter he is replying to. (We don’t know for sure if it was a written statement or just a Corinthian slogan because we don’t have a copy of the Corinthian’s letter to Paul.)
Following this theological interpretation, we would then see that this passage makes far more sense than when read through any other interpretation. Paul has already clearly stated that women are allowed to prophesy- speak- in church gatherings. He has already instructed them, as well as men, on the proper protocol. In verses, 26-33 we see continual encouragement from Paul to both men and women on speaking/utilizing spiritual gifts in an orderly way in worship services.
Now we have v 34-35 to deal with. If we read them as Paul making some universal declaration that women need to be silent in churches than we have all sorts of problems reconciling the previous multiple verses throughout this letter alone, not to mention the rest of the Bible. We also have to call into question Paul’s actual knowledge of the Law (OT scripture) because nowhere in the OT scripture scripture/Law does God ever forbid women from speaking in church or anywhere else. So if Paul is making an "across the board- for all time" statement based on something that isn’t in the Law, but he’s saying it is, well, then he is lying.
Furthermore, if Paul really did mean to make some universal statement about women being silent in church…then why would he rebuke his own words in the very next verse? (v 36 is a rebuke). What would he be rebuking?
However, if we read v 34-35 as Paul quoting the Judaizers (Jews who converted to Christianity but still believed in upholding the Rabbinical teachings and man-made religious laws), then it makes much more sense as does v 36. Verse 36 reads as follows in the KJV:
“What? Came the word of God out from you? Or came it unto you only?”
This is a direct rebuke to the Judaizers and any others that believed this saying that “women should be silent, must not speak and must be in submission as the law says”.
Interestingly enough, after this little clarification, Paul continues right on with what he was saying about keeping order during times of prophesy and the exercising of other spiritual gifts. Bottom line, all are welcome to participate in services through the Holy Spirit but are to do so in an orderly and fitting manner.
While these verses have been used to limit the role of women within the church and their use of spiritual gifts and even leadership, that was never the intention of God or Paul. The decidedly patriarchal lens through which most scripture has been passed down and interpreted is in need of some revision. When we read the Bible as a whole and we see the heart of God for women and His original plan for them, there is no question that they are equally suited to serve God inside and outside of the church.
Not all men are called to lead. Not all women are called to lead. But for all those women and men who are indeed called to leadership within the church, please know that you are 100% free to do that and nothing in God’s word is stopping you! His word is filled with advice and correction and instruction that should be equally applied by both male and females. Keep your heart close to His, listen and apply the Word of God to your life and actions, and just go be who He created you to be! Stay humble, stay teachable and be patient as His truth and love goes forth, slowly but surely, causing the man made rules and lies to crumble and fade away.
I hope you've enjoyed this series, I hope it will be a convenient, useful, easy to understand ministry tool for equipping and encouraging the Body of Christ!
Copyright © Eileen Slattery Berglund - Scriptural Basis for Legitimacy of Women in Leadership Within the Church
Scriptural Basis for the Legitimacy of Women in Leadership within the Church
by Eileen Slattery Berglund
Part 1
Introduction & understanding the mandate of the Lord in Genesis.
Part 2
Understanding more from Genesis of God's original plan & the fall.
Part 3
Understanding how the Lord used Deborah of the Old Testament, Judge & Prophetess.
Part 4
Foundational considerations regarding original text.
Part 5
Understanding 1st century Jewish cultural attitude toward women, Jesus' attitude toward women & initiating the concept that the Cross is the beginning of Redemption for women also.
Part 6
Understanding the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in relationship to women.
Part 7
Understanding the real meaning of 1 Timothy 2:8-15.
MAIN ARTICLE MENU
Scriptural Basis for the Legitimacy of Women in Leadership within the Church
by Eileen Slattery Berglund
Part 1
Introduction & understanding the mandate of the Lord in Genesis.
Part 2
Understanding more from Genesis of God's original plan & the fall.
Part 3
Understanding how the Lord used Deborah of the Old Testament, Judge & Prophetess.
Part 4
Foundational considerations regarding original text.
Part 5
Understanding 1st century Jewish cultural attitude toward women, Jesus' attitude toward women & initiating the concept that the Cross is the beginning of Redemption for women also.
Part 6
Understanding the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in relationship to women.
Part 7
Understanding the real meaning of 1 Timothy 2:8-15.
MAIN ARTICLE MENU