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.

• 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.

The Limited Role of Women

• 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!

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.)

Our text - 1 Cor. 14:34-35

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

will!