1 Corinthians 14:33-35– The silent woman (1)

For God is not for turbulence, but peace, as in all the ecclesias of the saints. Let the women in the ecclesias hush, for it is not permitted to them to speak, but let them be subject, according as the law, also, is saying. Now, if they want to learn anything, let them be inquiring of their own husbands at home, for it is a shame for a woman to be speaking in the ecclesia.

In chapter 11, Paul already argued that public prayer and prophecy is a man thing (: 3). Women could also pray and prophesy, but with an authority (11:10). That is why Paul protests when Corinthian women took off the veil that they used to wear on those occasions. Feminist influences?

In short, by “speaking” Paul obviously does not refer to praying and prophesying in the above verse. To what then? In verse 29 it was said that when two or three prophets speak, “the others discriminate” And in that context Paul says “let the women remain silent”. Why should they speak out openly about something that is not their business? That would be un feminine. In all ecclesias this was also considered not done. If the woman has questions, fine, let her ask them at home. The responsibility to speak out in the ecclesia lies with the man. The woman is exempt from this.

Delen: