1Cor 14:34-40 | RWP | e4.org | Keep silence in the churches ( εν ταις εκκλησιαις σιγατωσαν ). The same verb used about the disorders caused by speakers in tongues (verse ) and prophets ( ). For some reason some of the women were creating disturbance in the public worship by their dress ( ) and now by their speech. There is no doubt at all as to Paul's meaning here. In church the women are not allowed to speak ( λαλειν ) nor even to ask questions. They are to do that at home ( εν οικω ). He calls it a shame ( αισχρον ) as in (cf. ; ). Certainly women are still in subjection ( υποτασσεσθωσαν ) to their husbands (or ought to be). But somehow modern Christians have concluded that Paul's commands on this subject, even , were meant for specific conditions that do not apply wholly now. Women do most of the teaching in our Sunday schools today. It is not easy to draw the line. The daughters of Philip were prophetesses. It seems clear that we need to be patient with each other as we try to understand Paul's real meaning here.

‏ 1 Corinthians 14:34-40

Keep silence in the churches ( εν ταις εκκλησιαις σιγατωσαν ). The same verb used about the disorders caused by speakers in tongues (verse 28) and prophets (30). For some reason some of the women were creating disturbance in the public worship by their dress (11:2-16) and now by their speech. There is no doubt at all as to Paul's meaning here. In church the women are not allowed to speak ( λαλειν ) nor even to ask questions. They are to do that

at home ( εν οικω ). He calls it a shame ( αισχρον ) as in 11:6 (cf. Eph 5:12; Tit 1:11). Certainly women are still in subjection ( υποτασσεσθωσαν ) to their husbands (or ought to be). But somehow modern Christians have concluded that Paul's commands on this subject, even 1Ti 2:12, were meant for specific conditions that do not apply wholly now. Women do most of the teaching in our Sunday schools today. It is not easy to draw the line. The daughters of Philip were prophetesses. It seems clear that we need to be patient with each other as we try to understand Paul's real meaning here.

The commandment of the Lord ( Κυριου εντολη ). The prophet or the one with the gift of tongues or the disturbing woman would be quick to resent the sharp words of Paul. He claims inspiration for his position.

Decently and in order ( ευσχημονως κα κατα ταξιν ). That is surely a good rule for all matters of church life and worship. It applies also to the function of women in church service.