THEME: “LET YOUR WOMEN KEEP SILENCE IN THE CHURCH” (I Cor. 14:34 KJV)
TOPIC: A Comparative analysis of “KEEP SILENCE” in the context of 1 Cor.14:27-28,30,34; 1 Tim. 2:11,
OBJECTIVES
• To critically understand this scriptural passage and practice it.
• To know its implications for present time Church practices and gender roles
DEFINITIONS:
1. Keep(verb):
.... To stay in a particular condition or position.
2. Silent(adj):
.... Making no sound.
.... Not accompanied by audible speech or sound.
3. Silence(noun):
.... A not speaking or making any noise.
.... Stillness, quiet.
.... Complete lack of noise or sound.
.... Situation when nobody is speaking
INTRODUCTION.
THE CORINTHIANS: -
Corinth was a strategically located Roman city on the mainland route between East and West and was a crossroad for several sea routes. It was the capitol of Achia with high level of corruption.
Paul’s purposes for writing the Corinthians were in response of the reports from “Chloe’s people (Stephana, Portunatus and Achaicus
Corinthians Church by then, such as:
ICor.1:11-12;16:17; 2Cor.7:12-15) on problems faced by the Divisions, Immorality, Lawsuits, marriage, spiritual gifts, resurrection etc. (1 Cor. chap. 1 till chap.16; Paul was providing solution to their problems but in 2Cor.chap. 10, 11,13 he was accused and even to contend with false apostles in Corinth
The comparative analysis of “KEEP SILENCE” in 1 Cor. 14: 34
• 2TIM. 2: 15.... Study to show thyself approved unto GOD. (Women inclusive)
• 2TIM.3: 16.......All scripture is given by the inspiration of GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for.....correction.......
• ACTS 2: 42... And they continued steadfastly in Apostle’s doctrine.......
• Gen. 3: 16b ..........and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
• 1 Cor. 11: 4-6, 8-11......Authority or power of man over woman......
• 14Vs 23-25: Paul gave spiritual advice on how Corinthian Christians should conduct themselves when in worship as a church.
• 14Vs 26-33... Paul stated the specific way the CHURCH should conduct their worship.
• 14Vs34: looking at this - “Let your women keep silence in the Churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the Law. Compare ITim.2: 11-12 and Titus2: 3-5; Eph. 5:19; Heb. 13: 15. How on these.?
• 14Vs35: “And if they will learn anything, let them ask their
• husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the Church. Compare - 14Vs29-31. (...that all may learn......)
• 14Vs39: “wherefore brethren, covet to PROPHESY, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
• 14Vs40: “Let all things be done decently and in order: (ORDERLINESS)
POINTS TO NOTE ON THIS TOPIC “LET WOMEN KEEP SILENCE IN THE CHURCH”
• The Church in Corinth had a doctrinal issue which Paul wrote to address.
• The issue of gifts of speaking in tongue, prophesy, miracles etc. happened at the Early days of the establishment of ‘the Church’ by Christ. (About AD 53)
• During that early days there were no Bible, every of the learnings were” in part” and as God directly reveals them to the apostles and those the apostles “laid their hands on”, then they speak to the Christians (2Pet.1:21; IPet.1:10-12)
• In our worship presently, we allow women to sing, teach (women and Children), Make Prayer request vocally and Study the Bible in the Church. (Eph. 5:19, Col.3:16, Heb. 13:15, 2Tim.2:15, Tit.2:3-5) - CONSIDER IF THE WOMEN ARE SPEAKING IN THE CHURCH AS THEY PRACTICE ALL THESE
•1 Cont..... 4Vs28.” But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the Church ........ shows that this event occurred during the early time of the Church infancy where the Church had prophets, gifted tongue speakers, miraculous gift of healings, knowledge and all were done in part but now we are using that which is complete and perfect (The Holy Bible).
• All that were done in part has ceased and done away an “that which is perfect” (The Bible) are now available for us today (1 Cor. 13:8-10).
• Women are not muted today in the activities of Evangelism and participation of Church worship; All are required to study and speak to one another with hymns, psalms and spiritual songs; Also, the Aged Women are to teach the younger one and the Children when Church come together for worship.... Tit. 2:3-5) (2Tim.2:1
CONCLUSION
• Brethren, it is important to stand firm in understanding the scripture because it is the only book that has the words of God spoken and written down for our guide and preparation to Heavenly kingdom for eternity.
• Therefore, we must be bold to agree that the scriptural context of ICor.14: 34- “Women to keep silence in the Churches” is not absolute or exclusive in nature but to ensure orderliness and maintaining men’s leadership authority and roles in Church administration.
• Women are expected to study the Bible and Men is to teach them and they can also teach themselves even the Children.
• Women can ask scriptural questions on what they learnt for more understanding. This is profitable for Christian growth
• The Teacher can ask the audience question(s) and expect a response from the audience. This is to enable the Teacher to know whether the audience have understood the Scriptural teaching and equipped with the knowledge. (2Tim.3:14-16)
• It will help the congregation to avoid being what Paul described the Galatians as foolish and some people that are “
ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2Tim.3:7; Gal.3: 1-5)
• During Sunday school adult Classes, the Teacher and the Evangelist are in charge and has the authority to maintain orderliness.
