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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 (short): How to harmonize this passage |
Question (full): Hi, Rowdy; I've asked before for a way to harmonize Paul's instructions with the rest of the NT. The usual answer is that I'm "throwing out" part of the Bible to suit my own preferences. I'm not interested in throwing out chapter 14, but here are some other parts of the Bible I'm not throwing out either: Jesus said "where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." (Matthew 18:20) Surely when we are in worship, Jesus is present with us. Paul said "all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galations 3:27-28) So when we are together in worship, in Jesus' presence, gathered together in the Spirit, these earthly distinctions do not apply. "There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to one hope when you were called - one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (Ephesians 4:4-6) This oneness - this unity and equality in Christ - permeates our entire existence. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1) The freedom for which Christ set us free is for all of the body of Christ, for all believers. None of these passages expresses a unique idea not found elsewhere in the Bible. Indeed, these pasages express ideas of Christian unity, equality, and freedom that are found throughout the New Testament. So how does this isolated message of division, inequality, and a new law that applies only to women fit with the rest of the New Testament? Peace and grace, Steve aka Indiana Jones |