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[Bob Pickle]

How do you harmonize the fact that God is no respecter of persons with the command of Paul in 1 Cor. 14:34, 35 that women are not to speak in church?

We believe that in this instance Paul is seeking to prevent women lording it over men — "usurp authority over the man" is the language used in similar instruction in 1 Tim. 2:11, 12. In both these passages Paul refers for his authority to the law; but the only law he can cite is that of Gen. 3:16, which defines the place of the wife in relation to her husband. He is the head of the family and God has so placed him. He does not assume the authority, for it has been delegated to him, and there is trouble if he does not exercise it, as human experience proves. Women are in no way inferior to men, but different. Though women excel men in many respects, they are not, on an average, as good leaders as men. For the sake of harmony in the churches, Paul advises that the men be the executives and that the women follow along.

Comparing other scriptures, we conclude that there is no Bible command forbidding women to speak in church under all circumstances. In 1 Cor. 11:5, 6 it is taken for granted that women are to prophecy and pray, no doubt in public. Then we have the example in both the Old and the New Testament times of feminine leaders, such as Deborah (Judges 4), Huldah (2 Kings 22:12-20), Anna (Luke 2:36-38), Priscilla (Acts 18:24-26), Philip's daughters (Acts 21:9), and other prominent women mentioned by Paul. The apostle was not so much against women speaking, and even leading in certain affairs, as he was against them usurping authority. We must keep in mind also that the status of woman in general in Paul's day was much lower than it is now, and the early church found it safest to avoid all unnecessary causes for criticism from those who were without, and who were likely to misunderstand Christian motives.

[Artiste]

How do you harmonize the fact that God is no respecter of persons with the command of Paul in 1 Cor. 14:34, 35 that women are not to speak in church?

We believe that in this instance Paul is seeking to prevent women lording it over men — "usurp authority over the man" is the language used in similar instruction in 1 Tim. 2:11, 12. In both these passages Paul refers for his authority to the law; but the only law he can cite is that of Gen. 3:16, which defines the place of the wife in relation to her husband. He is the head of the family and God has so placed him. He does not assume the authority, for it has been delegated to him, and there is trouble if he does not exercise it, as human experience proves. Women are in no way inferior to men, but different. Though women excel men in many respects, they are not, on an average, as good leaders as men. For the sake of harmony in the churches, Paul advises that the men be the executives and that the women follow along.

Comparing other scriptures, we conclude that there is no Bible command forbidding women to speak in church under all circumstances. In 1 Cor. 11:5, 6 it is taken for granted that women are to prophecy and pray, no doubt in public. Then we have the example in both the Old and the New Testament times of feminine leaders, such as Deborah (Judges 4), Huldah (2 Kings 22:12-20), Anna (Luke 2:36-38), Priscilla (Acts 18:24-26), Philip's daughters (Acts 21:9), and other prominent women mentioned by Paul. The apostle was not so much against women speaking, and even leading in certain affairs, as he was against them usurping authority. We must keep in mind also that the status of woman in general in Paul's day was much lower than it is now, and the early church found it safest to avoid all unnecessary causes for criticism from those who were without, and who were likely to misunderstand Christian motives.

This explanation brings in the cultural element.