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NASB | 1 Corinthians 14:34 ¶ The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 14:34 ¶ the women should be silent in the churches, for they are not authorized to speak, but are to take a subordinate place, as the Law says. |
Bible Question: In Corinthians 14:34-35 it speaks of a womans role in church. Does this exactly translate to the church of today? |
Bible Answer: Let's remember the context of this guidance. Here Paul is addressing the christians in Corinth about the way they were abusing their spiritual gifts, especially with each other and during their worship assemblies. During these gatherings, his Divine guidance is correct: women are to maintain silence with the exception of course in their singing. But remember Aquila and Priscilla in their taking Apollos home for correcting. There, Priscilla was able to voice her words to a brother where respect could be maintained. This guidance of women's silence in the public worship setting is consistent with the balance of the Bible, i.e. the leadership of the elders and the asking of questions to their husbands. Now, please don't misunderstand. It's very important to remember I'm not advocating chavunism here, at least not man's. This is God's creation and the order of things in His universe. However, men in general CANNOT abuse and lord this power over women for they have a very important function in the Lord's church. Ladies are welcome to perform almost any function outside the worship assembly. Our ladies teach class and assist with the Deacons in their ministries. Women conduct their own classes, go to retreats and support their husbands with absolutely vital enthusiasm. Without their support, these men would not and could not possibly be near as fruitful or productive for the Lord. There's nothing more powerful than a dynamic couple, married for many years, setting the proper example for other younger couples, giving advice and love and dispensing an occasional bit of stern encouragement. I know this so well because I've been on the receiving end several times and can truthfully say, men AND women such as these have saved our marriage many times over. I look forward to the day when my wife and I can do the same and repay the Lord for his kindness and gentle guidance. The bottom line: God's pattern works when you work His pattern. |