Studies in 1 Corinthians (50) “Let your women keep silent in the Churches” 1 Cor. 14:34-45

We have been addressing proper conduct within the assembly in this chapter. Our last lesson addressed doing things decently and in order. This lesson is a continuation of that thought. These verses (34-35) are controversial, politically incorrect and unpopular. They address the role of women.

The Limited Role of Women Women CAN teach – Acts 18:26 – Priscilla help Aquila teach Apollos Titus 2:3-5 – Older women 2 Tim. 1:5, 3:15 – Timothy taught by Lois & Eunice Acts 2:15-18, 21:8-9 – women prophesied

The Limited Role of Women 1 Tim. 2:11-15 – limits the role of women in teaching men (not exclusive to the assembly). Women instructed to learn (the word of God) in silence with submission. She is not to teach or have authority over a man.

The Limited Role of Women 1 Tim. 2:11-15 – Why? Adam formed first and then Eve Eve was deceived and sinned (first). Her submission a part of her punishment (Gen. 3:16)

The Limited Role of Women 1 Tim. 2:11-15 She will be saved in childbearing – NOT about how fertile she is, but that she understands her role and fulfills it.

The Limited Role of Women 1 Cor. 11:3-12 Paul begins with God’s divine order of submission. Women praying or prophesying were to do so with a sign of submission on their heads (understanding their place).

The Limited Role of Women 1 Cor. 11:3-12 NOTE: The text does NOT necessitate her actions are when the church is assembled. It is possible that our text tonight would prohibit her doing this in the public assembly. Ch. 14 deals with MEN prophesying & teaching – (14:2, 4, 11, 13, 21, 27-28, etc.)

The Limited Role of Women 1 Cor. 14:34-35 A challenging text with many questions difficult to answer. But the statement is blunt and clear.

Our text - 1 Cor. 14:34-35 Associated with conduct IN THE ASSEMBLY! 1 Cor. 14:4-5, 12, 19, esp. 23, 26

Our text - 1 Cor. 14:34-35 Our text (34-35):3 statements indicating it is when church is assembled: “Let your women keep silent in the churches” “Let her ask at home” (as opposed to where?) “It is shameful for women to speak in church.”

Our text - 1 Cor. 14:34-35 Up to this point, entire chapter deals with MEN in leadership positions conducting acts of worship.

Our text - 1 Cor. 14:34-35 “Let your women keep silent in the churches” Silent – a Greek word (σιγάω, sigao) means to not utter a sound. 14:28, 30 – both deal with men who ADDRESS the assembly! They are to be respectful of others and QUIET!

24 times in ch. 14 – all others deal with speaking in leadership role Our text - 1 Cor. 14:34-35 “They are not permitted to speak” Speak (λαλέω, laleo)– a Greek word that can mean to utter a sound or instruct. 24 times in ch. 14 – all others deal with speaking in leadership role

Our text - 1 Cor. 14:34-35 Could it be there were women who were seeking to address the assembly and usurp unauthorized authority? Was their conduct leading to further confusion in the assembly?

Our text - 1 Cor. 14:34-35 “They are to be submissive, as the Law also says.” Paul is probably referring to Gen. 3:16

Our text - 1 Cor. 14:34-35 “IF they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands.” Paul giving a solution to the problem, if they had legitimate questions or concerns. What about women without husbands? There are other ways (than in the assembly) for them to get answer as well.

Our text - 1 Cor. 14:34-35 What about speaking up in Bible class? FIRST, in a class setting, designed for interaction, when she asks or answers questions, she is not usurping authority. She MUST make sure that her demeanor is NOT doing so!

Our text - 1 Cor. 14:34-35 What about speaking up in Bible class? SECOND, is the Bible class the type of assembly addressed in 1 Corinthians 14? An assembly with the whole church together singing, praying, hearing God’s word, etc.

Our text - 1 Cor. 14:34-35 What about speaking up in Bible class? When we meet for Bible study, the whole church is NOT together in the say way as the collective assembly. IF that be so, 1 Cor.14:34-35 would not apply (but other general texts would). This is why we don’t have SPECIAL church (children’s church, youth church, etc.)

In all that we do, let us respect God’s will!