Let the women keep silent in the churches--

What did Paul Mean?

 

By Dianne D. McDonnell

 

The apostle Paul wrote letters to churches to mediate in the problems of each church and set guidelines for them to follow. Many believe that Paul set up a rule that all Christian women must "keep silent" during church services. Some extend this to mean that women may not offer prayers, lead songs, read scriptures aloud or have any leadership role during or after services. To limit the women of God in such a way is a serious thing, and we must be very sure that Paul's words are being understood correctly.

 

We are handicapped when we read the letter Paul wrote to the church at Corinth because we do not know exactly what events Paul was responding to. They knew-- but we have to read very carefully and ask in prayer for God to help us understand the situations that prompted Paul's first letter to the church at Corinth, the New Testament book of 1 Corinthians. Please take a moment now to pray to God for understanding and wisdom.

 

In 1 Cor. 11:13 Paul deals with a controversy about whether women should have their heads covered while praying and prophesying. Jewish women wore head-covering veils; gentile women did not. Evidently the two cultures were in conflict over women's head coverings, but not whether women should participate! He concludes that long hair becomes a covering for women who pray and prophesy publicly. Note that Paul's words here do NOT stop the women from praying and prophesying aloud during church services as some would assume.

 

Acts 21:9 reveals that Phillip the evangelist had "four virgin daughters who prophesied." A true prophecy is a message from God to a specific person or church. Would any minister of God refuse to let a woman deliver a true message that God had given her for the people of God?  We have every reason to believe that converted Christian women such as the daughters of Phillip were participating in church services-- using their own God-given spiritual gifts, and Paul did not oppose their participation.

 

Yet the church at Corinth was having some problems that had to do with false prophets or prophetesses. Paul must deal with the problem without shutting down the church's access to the true prophets and prophetesses of God. It was a touchy situation.

 

The Key that unlocks the "keep silent" passage!

To understand Paul's comments in chapter 14 about women "keeping silent" there is one critical KEY passage that comes first!  Many have overlooked it and read right past it-- but once it is understood the entire passage begins to fall into place.

 

We start in 1 Corinthians, chapter 12. Lets examine it verse by verse using the very literal New American Standard Bible. Brackets {indicate words added by translators that are not in the Greek} and parenthesis (indicate the author's comments or explanations).

 

1 Cor. 12:1-3

1   Now concerning spiritual {gifts,} brethren, I do not want you to be unaware.

2   You know that when you were pagans, {you were} led astray to the dumb idols, however you were led.

 

We realize that some that attend the Corinth church are still involved with pagan idols. He points out that the members were once led astray themselves. Paul leads his readers towards compassion and reconciliation towards those that are still unconverted "pagans" in their midst.

 

3   Therefore I make known to you, that no one[1] speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus is accursed"; and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.

 

Why is Paul making such an obvious statement? Doesn't everyone already KNOW that anyone saying, "Jesus is accursed" is not speaking by the spirit of God? Paul goes on to explain and defend spiritual gifts, talk about love, and finally reprimand women or wives causing disturbances in chapter 14. The only way this fits into the rebuke that follows is if Paul is reacting to a specific incident reported to him that he needs to deal with. In these statements he is first bringing up the subject of what has happened in the Corinthian church! Misguided persons--still considered pagans-- have disrupted services with a false prophecy of "Jesus is accursed!" and opposing true prophets have countered with, "Jesus is Lord!" in reply!

 

Paul teaches that ALL receive spiritual gifts

Notice that in these verses immediately following the above verses, Paul is defending the concept of spiritual gifts given to every single true believer-- both males and females:

 

1 Cor. 12:4-11

4   Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.

5   And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord.

6   And there are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all {persons}.

 

Here he teaches that both men and women are given manifestation of the Holy Spirit-- spiritual gifts-- for the benefit of the entire church, not just for their own benefit.

 

7   But to each one[2] is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

8   For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit;

9   to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit,

10   and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another {various} kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues.

11   But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one[3] individually just as He wills.

 

Paul is going out of his way to enforce that "each one" is given a spiritual gift/ role or part to play in God's Church. God gives these roles as He desires-- only God can decide what spiritual gift is given to each man and woman! Paul does not say anything to indicate that "these public roles are the male gifts, and these private roles are the female gifts" as some teach.

 

Paul is making it PLAIN that he does not wish to exclude anyone or anyone's spiritual gift, but verses 2 and 3 show us that someone-- possibly a woman-- has said, "Jesus be cursed", and this was not from God's Spirit! Paul warns them of the error of this message, yet also defends the rights of all true believers-- both male and female-- to participate in church services.

 

Prophecy and Love

The next portion of Paul's letter, chapter 13, is still on the subject of prophecy as he moves closer to dealing with the specific problem. He tells them that love is more important than prophecy as he tries to change their attitudes to loving attitudes to heal the disruption that has upset and angered their congregation.

 

1 Cor 13:2       And if I have {the gift of} prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. (NAS)

 

Moving into chapter 14 Paul writes, "Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual {gifts}, but especially that you may prophesy."

 

Paul keeps returning to the subject of prophecy because the problem that he is trying to solve involves a woman who is falsely presenting herself as a prophetess. The daughters of Phillip are true prophetesses, but this women is still "led astray to the dumb idols".

 

He points out that prophecy should edify the church, 1 Cor 14:4, and talks against speech that has an unclear meaning, a babbling, in verses 5-13. This unclear speech may relate to the worship of "dumb idols" in the city of Delphi just north of Corinth. People from all over the world came to Delphi to hear babbling that was supposed to be from a "god"!

 

Women or Wives?

We must also bear in mind that the Greeks had only one word for both woman and wife-- the word "gune[4]". The same word that Paul uses in 1 Cor 14:34 is translated "wives" in many passages such as Matthew 19:8, "Jesus replied, 'Moses permitted you to divorce your wives...'" and many others including Ephesians 5:25 and 1 Peter 3:1.  So when Paul writes, "Let the women keep silent" he uses a word with two meanings! He may well be referring to "wives" who are unconverted and untaught-- the very one that "prophesied" that "Jesus was accursed" as recorded in 1 Cor 12:3. The church at Corinth would know exactly which wife or wives he meant! For us today, we must rely on context clues to reveal whether Paul was talking of women in general or specific wives.

 

 

Corinth and a  woman minister

Corinth was a large seacoast city on the Gulf of Corinth, and its eastern port was called Cenchrea.[5] This port area of Corinth was the home of Phoebe, mentioned in Romans 16:1 as a "diakonon" which is translated "servant" in this passage. This same exact word is translated "minister" in "is Chirst then the minister of sin?" Galatians 2:17. Paul refers to himself in Ephesian 3:7, "I became a minister" and in Col. 1:25, "I am made a minister" using the same exact word. Also see 1 Cor. 3:5, "ministers by whom ye believed", as well as 2 Cor. 3:6, "ministers of the new covenant". [6] This woman minister traveled to Rome carrying the book of Romans, and is highly praised by Paul.  See the paper "Traveling through Time" for more information about her. Since Phoebe was a minister from the eastern port of Corinth, it is a major proof that Paul but did not restrict Phoebe and others from playing a major role in churches of that area.

 

Critical background information: The Oracle of Delphi

Just across the bay from Corinth was a major attraction of the ancient world, the Oracle of Delphi. On the southern slope of  Mt. Parnassus, female priestesses presided over a stone temple and delivered answers for those seeking guidance from the "god" Apollo on everything from romance to whether to wage war. A prophetess about fifty-five years old would receive a question written on a lead tablet and would descend to the basement of the temple where she breathed fumes of ethelyne, a sweet-smelling gas that produces feelings of euphoria. The gas drifted up from a fault line under the temple. Modern researchers have verified the presence of this gas and it can still be detected today.[7]  The priestess would utter "prophecies" while she was in a trance-like state, and these would pour out in a garbled state. Male priests "interpreted" these sounds. Interpretations were usually vague and ambiguous-- increasing their chances of being perceived as accurate.[8]

 

The Oracle of Delphi existed for twelve centuries and was very famous in the ancient world. The congregation in Corinth was well aware of it and many probably witnessed the "oracle" in person. The unconverted mates of church members might still have been involved in similar pagan worship, as Delphi was only about forty miles north of Corinth across what is known today as the Gulf of Corinth.

 

Control yourselves!

Paul writes, "For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted;" 1 Cor 14:31. Notice he doesn't say that all MEN may prophesy, but that ALL can prophesy if it is done "one by one".  In verse 32 he adds that "the spirits of the prophets are subject to prophets"; meaning that true prophets are not out of control or in some gas-induced trance, as were the priestesses of Delphi. Prophets of God have control over their spirits and their speaking.

 

A God of Peace in all the churches of the saints

Verse 33 clearly illustrates that this entire issue was about confusion and disruption in the church, not Paul seeking to take away the rights of Christian women to participate.

 

1 Cor. 14:33    for God is not {a God} of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.[9]

Wives/Women keeping silent

1 Cor 14:34

34   Let the {or *those} women (the same word as "wives") keep silent in the churches {church}; for they are not permitted to speak, but let them subject themselves, just as the Law also says.

 

*The Greeks have many forms of the word "the" but this exact word is "hai" 3588. .In all the following  New King James scriptures the same word in the male form --"hoi" is  translated "those":  John 6:14, "those men" ;  John 8:29 KJV, "those things"; Romans 8:5 "For those who"; Romans 8:8, "those who are in the flesh" NKJ;  1 Cor 10:18, "those who eat";  1 Cor. 15:18, "those who have fallen asleep"; and 1 Cor. 15:23, "those who are Christ's";   Gal. 3:9, "those who are of faith"; Gal. 5:24, "those who are Christ's"; Gal. 6:13, "those who are";  1Thes. 5:7, "Those who sleep"; 1 Tim 3:13 "For those who have served well; 2Tim. 1:15, "all those in Asia"; 2 Tim 3:6, "those who creep".

 

By using the feminine form of this word, "hai",  Paul is saying, "Let those wives keep silent..."  Not ALL women, just those causing confusion!

 

Paul is urging the churches to start a policy of limiting the participation of "those" wives, unconverted wives, who must subject themselves to their converted husbands, not causing any further disruption. Paul's reference to "the Law" may be a reference to Genesis 3:16 which relates to being subject to a husband in marriage.

 

Wives with converted husbands

1 Cor 14:35

35   And if they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; ..."

The phrase "if they desire to learn anything" expresses doubt whether these wives were wanting to learn. He implies they were just there to cause problems! Clearly Paul is dealing with specific wives because these being reprimanded have converted husbands they may ask at home.  Wives with unconverted husbands could NOT "ask their own husbands at home, nor could unmarried women or widows.

 

He continues, "for it is improper for a woman (wife) to speak in church (the last two Greek words are-- en ekkleesia, which can also be translated among the true believers.)

 

The Greek en is translated "among" in Matt. 27:56, "among which was Mary Magdalene" and Romans 8:29, "among many brethren" and countless other scriptures.[10]   Paul says that this unconverted wife may not speak among the "ekkleesia"  among the converted male and female members participating in services!

 

The word "ekkleesia" translated "church" does not refer to a church building but to the entire congregation of Christian believers-- both men and women! Ekkleesia is defined by Thayer's Greek/Engllish Definitions as "an assembly of Christians gathered for worship." It also means "called out" ones.  This disruptive wife who babbles blasphemous "prophecies" is not a part of the baptized believers (the ekkleesia), and she is not to speak among the converted Christian men and women as do the women with the true spiritual gift of prophecy. The passage should be translated as follows:

 

1 Cor 14:34-35

34   Let those wives keep silent among the called out ones; for they are not permitted to speak, but let them subject themselves, just as the Law also says. And if they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a wife to speak among the called out ones.

 

God only talks to you?

Paul's next words of biting sarcasm reflect his anger at this would be prophetess:

1 Cor. 14:36

36      Was it from you that the word of God {first} went forth? Or has it come to you only?

 

This proves that prophetic blasphemy has caused this uproar, the false prophecy of 1 Cor 12:3 delivered by a woman acting in a manner much like a prophetess of Delphi speaking for Apollo! She uttered a garbled "prophecy" and interpreted it as "Jesus is cursed." To be sure that this woman who considered herself a prophetess accepts his ruling in this situation Paul adds--

 

1 Cor. 14:37-40

37   If anyone thinks he[11] (or she) is a prophet or spiritual, let him (or her) recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord's commandment.

38   But if anyone does not recognize {this}  he (or she) is not recognized.

 

Yet Paul is NOT limiting the brethren of the church, the men and women given spiritual gifts, for he tells the "brethren," the converted men and women-- to desire to prophesy!

 

39   Therefore, my brethren (men and women of the ekkleesia), desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues.

 

Paul's last words of chapter 14  show he is dealing with disorder-- and those causing it.

40      But let all things be done properly and in an orderly manner.

 

A Curse on the person cursing Jesus!

Paul ends his letter with a threat towards the one who announced in services, "Jesus be cursed" mentioned in 1Cor 12:3. He concludes, "If anyone does not love the Lord, a curse be on him. (The Greek could mean him or her.) O Lord, come!"  1Cor 16:22, NIV.

 

No "Male" or "Female" Gifts

Further proof that Paul did not limit women's participation in the church services of the churches is found in this same letter in 1 Cor 12:28-31.

28   And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, {various} kinds of tongues. (Paul lists prophets second in the order of responsibility before God.)

29   All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not {workers of} miracles, are they?

30   All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they?

31   But earnestly desire the greater gifts....

 

There is not a single scripture that lists some of these as "male" gifts and some of these as "female" gifts. Paul argues that each person receives a gift, and advises all to "desire the greater gifts"! Would he say that if any of the top five gifts were "off limits" to women?

 

1 Cor. 12:7

7   But to each one[12] is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

 

Women are given spiritual gifts by God to use for the common good of the people of God. Paul did not take away the right of women to use these spiritual gifts in services-- a woman with a gift of encouragement must be allowed to encourage. A woman with a gift of faith must be allowed to offer a prayer of faith. A woman with a word of wisdom must be allowed to publicly share her wisdom with the congregation. A woman with a musical gift must be allowed to lead joyful songs of praise. A woman with a gift of teaching must be allowed to teach truth. (See "Paul and Woman Teachers" for an explanation of the very misunderstood 1 Tim 2:12.) God does NOT limit His women. God sees women as equal to serve Him with whatever gifts He has given them to use for the common good.

 

If women are unable to participate during church services, then many are unable to contribute the gift God has given to them. Each spiritual gift is given for the benefit of the church as a whole-- the inability to participate in church services is like God giving a woman a beautifully wrapped, expensive gift--a present that would help her entire church-- and then telling her that she cannot open it! Would God do such a thing? No, He does not. Neither must men. To quote the words of Craig S. Keener, "...it is a dangerous thing to turn people from their call, or to oppose their call if it is genuinely from God.[13]