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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: I have an email pal whose church is based strictly on this verse. The women are not allowed to speak during service, have any involvement in church matters, including ministry to other women or children, and must also keep silent during midweek services. Only men are allowed to bring problems or issues to the elders (the church doesn't have a pastor) once a year. In addition, the women (I believe even those with long hair) must wear headcoverings in the form of hats. Events that encourage fellowship among believers outside of those already established by the church is strongly discouraged. Even the music is a capella despite the fact that King David frequently celebrated with musical instruments. How can I minister to my sister in Christ whose husband likes this church but is sympathetic to the fact that his wife cannot freely worship? She feels stifled to say the least and receives absolutely no edification from such an enclosed environment. I suggested that she, through her husband, approach the elders, but that is not encouraged at all. What scriptural references do I use to wake her and her husband up to following God's wishes for the entire family without offending the husband? While her husband is working on this, I also want to be an encouragement to her to continue submitting to her husband's wishes, any references for that? |
Bible Answer: See Titus 2:4-5. Also, do a key-word search on "woman" in the NT. You will find several verses which will show the over-riding sentiment Jesus and the first century church had regarding women. It's really quite amazing. It speaks of women as equals with men, carrying on the business of the church. (See Priscilla). They are mentioned alongside their husbands and listed as those who were persecuted for their beliefs. Quite an unusual proposition in a time when women were considered property. Chrisitanity is the first and only major religion that gives women inherent value. This church seems to be very fundamental. Fundamentalism can be defined as taking peripheral issues and making them essential doctrine. I personally would be extremely wary of a church that does not permit it's congregation to question its elders/pastors or anyone in authority. All teaching should be evaluated in the light of scripture and scrutinized for its trustworthiness and every word that comes from a leader's mouth should be tested in the light of scripture. (See Paul's interactions with the Bereans). Furthermore, husbands are commanded to love their wives as Christ loved the Church and to give themselves up for it. If a husband loves his wife, he should want to see her grow spiritually and be willing to do what ever it takes for her to be closer to God (even if that means leaving a church he loves). Finally, a close examination of the Greek construction shows that time and again, women are commanded to submitt themselves to THEIR OWN HUSBANDS. The Bible says nothing about submitting to every man or all men or even your elders. The husband is the head of the wife just as Christ is the head of the Church. (All this comes from Ephesians 5:22-33). No where does it say that a woman has to submitt to anyone other than Christ and her own husband. God bless you as you minister to this couple! In Him- Amber |
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JKeels |