"Women should remain silent in the churches."

The women of today should learn to be quiet in the church. This message wasn't just for your local street preacher-ess, parking lot prophet or (for those fond of big words) egalitarian. But for the men in the church to step up to their appointed roles and office.

This has been a controversial issue and has in some cases created a power struggle in the church. Although this is a secondary issue concerning salvation, it should be addressed without any dancing around or biblical gymnastics.

Let's get to it!

1 Corinthians 14:34-40

34 Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. 35 If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church. 36 Or did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? 37 If any think they are prophets or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command. 38 Those who ignore this will themselves be ignored. 39 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.

1 Timothy 2:11-15

11 A woman should learn in quietness and full submission.12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. 15 But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.

The context of "in the church" and "remain silent" is spoken of and defined in 1 Corinthians 14: 1-33. In the church; When we as Christians meet together. Remain silent; As opposed to talking or speaking words of instruction, called in this passage *prophesying*. Many women were called prophets in the bible but this passage goes on to say that women are not to prophesy within the church meeting. In our modern vernacular and church services it would be that women should not give a message, preach or teach over the *pulpit*, nor seek authority over a man in that respect.

1 Timothy 2:14: Explains that Eve was deceived by the serpent. Men are to be the guardians of the doctrine and conduct of the church. As well as in their homes as explained in Ephesians 5:25-27.

This issue isn't just some cultural preference that Paul had: The literary form is straightforward, the purpose for the Epistles are God's instructions for the church and (2 Tim. 3:16-17) "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." Let's also not forget what Paul just said in 1 Corinthians 14:37 "If any think they are prophets or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command."

Many point to Deborah (Judges 4), Huldah (2 Kings 22:14-20), Anna (Luke 2:36), etc. The Bible calls these women "prophetess", neither one of these women of faith were anointed king or priest. And there is no biblical precedence for any of these women speaking *in the temple (or church meeting). The women who saw Jesus first after the resurrection had a prime opportunity to preach under the New Covenant but yet you here no word of that happening. Jesus could have easily made one of the twelve disciples a woman, etcetera.

The previous passages are very loud, very clear and very consistent with all scripture. I believe that issues like these on a global level are a small sign of an emerging "Babylon the Great" a picture of loveliness spoken of in the book of Revelation.


Authored by,
Maurice