In Paul’s instructions he tells the Corinthians the women
are to “keep silent in the churches” (v 34). Whatever this
restrictions means, it includes speaking in tongues and
prophesying, it contradicts what Paul wrote in chapter 11
verse 5 and what is written in Joel 2:28. In chapter 11
verse 5 Paul does not simply condemn the women for praying
and prophesying in church, he condemns the manner of
performance, that is, praying or prophesying with the head
uncovered, which, in that age and country, was throwing off
the distinction of sexes, and setting themselves on a level
with the men. However, here he seems to forbid all public
performances of theirs. They are not permitted to speak in
the church, neither in praying nor prophesying. This invites
the question why do the women have this gift of prophecy if
it must never be publicly exercised? For these reasons, some
think that these general prohibitions are only to be
understood in common cases; but that upon extraordinary
occasions, when women were under a divine inspiration, and
known to be they might have liberty of speech. They were not
ordinarily to teach, nor so much as to debate and ask
questions in the church, but learn in silence there; and, if
difficulties occurred, ask their own husband.
In his first letter to Timothy, Paul told him, “I do not
allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but
to remain quiet” (1 Timothy 2:11-12).
There are two important points related to Paul’s
instructions women keep silent in the churches. In his
letter to Timothy, there is no reference to what Jesus
taught or reference to divine inspiration.
Second, Paul’s instruction a woman is not permitted to speak
in the churches is based on the Mosaic Law (v 34).
Paul’s instructions to the Corinthians concerning public
worship included the principle of edification and a rebuke
of the confusion created by the manner in which the worship
service was conducted.
In verse 35 Paul said, “If they desire to learn anything,
let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper
for a woman to speak in church.” The women in the church
were to stop interrupting the service by asking questions
during the service regarding matters they did not
understand.
In verses 36-40 Paul closes his instructions concerning the
worship service with a rebuke of the Corinthians for their
extravagant pride and self-conceit. He asks them, did
Christianity come out of Corinth? Did Christianity originate
among them? If Christianity did not come out of Corinth,
originate among them, is it now limited and confined to
Corinth? Paul wants the Corinthians to tell him if the
church in Corinth is the only church favored with divine
revelations, why they have departed from the proper use of
spiritual gifts, and why the display of their spiritual
gifts, bring confusion into the church.
Paul lets them know that what he said to them was the
command of God and no true prophet can deny it (v 37). If
any man claiming to be a true prophet will not admit what
Paul spoke to the Corinthians to be the will of Christ, he
himself never had the Spirit of Christ. Paul’s point is, the
Spirit of Christ can never contradict itself; if it speaks
in him, and in them, it must speak the same things in both.
If their revelations contradict Paul, they do not come from
the same Spirit; either Paul or they must be false prophets.
If they say that Paul’s instructions are not divine
commandments, their instructions are not divinely inspired.
However, if any continue, through prejudice or obstinacy,
uncertain or ignorant whether they or Paul spoke by the
Spirit of God, they must be left under the power of this
ignorance. If their pretences to inspiration can stand in
competition with the apostolical character and powers which
Paul had, Paul loses all his authority and influence; and
the persons who allow this competition against Paul are out
of the reach of conviction, and must be left to themselves.
It is just with God to leave those to the blindness of their
own minds who willfully shut out the light. Those who would
be ignorant in so plain a case were justly left under the
power of their mistake.
Paul’s charge to the Corinthians is, let all things be done
decently and in order (v 40), that is, that they should
avoid everything that was manifestly indecent and
disorderly. They should not bring into the Christian church
and worship anything that a vain mind might think indecent
and confusing. They must do nothing that was manifestly
childish or that would give occasion to say they were crazy.
However, they were to do things in order; they were to speak
one after another, and not all at once; take their turns,
and not interrupt one another. To do otherwise was to
destroy the end of a Christian’s ministry, and all
assemblies for Christian worship. They should have nothing
in them that is childish, absurd, ridiculous, wild, or
tumultuous; but all parts of divine worship should be
carried on in a manly, grave, rational, composed, and
orderly manner. God is not to be dishonored, nor his worship
disgraced, by unbecoming and disorderly performance of it
and attendance at it.
