Written by Eng Kim Leng (KKCOC Elder)
The role of women has changed in recent years. Many denominations now have women preachers, pastors and deacons. The trend is beginning to catch on in some churches of Christ, where women have assumed extended roles. Clearly, this is a no-no.
The two passages on the role of women in the church specifically on the context of teaching and public speaking are:
“Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church. ” (1 Cor 14:34-35)
“Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.” (1 Tim 2:11-12)
When Are We ‘in Church’?
It is vital for us to understand the context of these instructions. The phrase ‘in church.’ We can agree that 1 Cor 14 applies when the church is assembled for worship, a gathering where acts of worship are being done, including that of teaching (1 Cor 14:26). It is understood that ‘in church’ refers to the gathering of saints, not the building. Other passages also show the church, as a body, acting together in worship (1 Cor 11:18 “When you come together as a church“).
We also see the church gathered for other reasons. There are times when the church acts as a unit, but it isn’t gathered for the purpose of worship. Like, a fellowship meeting or gathering for the purpose of studying God’s word, as in bible class. In Heb 10:24-25, Paul exhorts, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” The command to assemble applies not only to worship services but also bible classes. In both circumstances, the coming together of the Lord’s people ‘in church’ applies.
What is Meant by ‘Silent’?
The word “silent” is used in both passages but there are distinct Greek words being used. In 1 Cor 14:34, “silent” comes from the Greek verb “σιγάω” (sigao). This word did not demand absolute, unqualified silence. A careful examination of the word reveals that the context identifies the nature of the silence under consideration.
For example, at the Red Sea, the Israelites were terrified of the Egyptian armies. They were to “hold their peace,” (not to stop speaking altogether but to stop complaining and trust God. “The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” Ex. 14:14). The kind of silence commanded was that they were to cease their faithless whimpering.
David described in Psalm 32 certain hardships associated with his transgressions, saying, when he “kept silent,” his bones wasted away (Psalm 32:3. “When I kept silent, my bones grew old”). Here, he was not speaking of general silence but keeping silent regarding his sin.
After the disciples witnessed the transfiguration scene, they “held their peace” (i.e., remained silent). Luke 9:36, “… they kept quiet, and told no one in those days any of the things they had seen.” That doesn’t mean they didn’t talk at all. Rather, they did not discuss what they had seen on the mountain with others.
In 1 Cor 14, the verb sigao is used three times in the chapter.
One who has the gift of tongues is to keep silent if there is no interpreter to translate (1 Cor. 14:28).
If a brother is speaking and another receives an immediate revelation, the former is to keep silent (1 Cor. 14:30).
Finally, women are to keep silent (1 Cor. 14:34).
The first two prohibitions demand silence only on matters being discussed. They do not forbid the men to otherwise speak consistent with their divine obligations.
Thus, when we put “silent” in verse 34 alongside verses 28, 30, we note that ‘silent’ is qualified by context. The same word in 1 Corinthians 14:28 tells those who would speak in tongues to be silent if there is no interpreter available. Also, in 1 Cor 14:30, the instruction to prophets is that they are to remain silent while another prophet is speaking. It is an indication that certain actions at certain times are not to be done, it meant respecting God’s order and not muteness.
Similarly, Paul’s direction to women does not demand that they be absolutely silent in church. Rather, in harmony with 1 Tim. 2:12, of ‘woman in submission to the man’), they are not to speak or teach in any way that violates their gender role. The principle in it is about role and authority. Women are not to stand before the church and function as the preacher or teacher where men are present. In doing so, they would be stepping beyond their authorized sphere and violated scripture.
The word ‘silent’ comes from the Greek word ‘hesuchia’ which means quietness, rest, or peacefulness. It appears in Acts 22:2 when the Jewish audience became quiet to hear Paul’s speech. It is also used in 2 Thess 3:11-12 when Paul told gossipers to work quietly and to earn their own living. It doesn’t not mean women can never speak, but that they are not to speak in a way that usurps authority over men in the assembly. It is not a complete prohibition for women to speak because such would interfere with the command to sing in worship.
Is a Woman Forbidden to Speak in Mixed Company?
I believe the challenge for us is whether women should be silent in all church settings when men are present, like in a bible class. We acknowledge that singing is a form of ‘speaking’ and ‘teaching’ (Ep.5:19; Col.3:16), yet the command to sing in church applies to men and women. Both are also commanded to confess Christ before men, which also involves speaking (Mt.10:32; cf. Ac.8:37). Women may confess their sins to others, which will involve speaking (Jm.5:16). In the example of Priscilla, who helped her husband Aquila teach Apollos privately, a woman can speak in a mixed assembly (Acts 18:24-26). Sapphira, in front of a gathering, answered Peter’s questions (Acts 5:8). Rhoda interrupted a gathering of Christians, who had assembled to pray at Mary’s house, to announce that Peter was at the gate (Acts 12:12-15). Therefore, we can conclude that speaking in mixed groups is not forbidden.
Paul’s instruction is not about inferiority but about God’s order of headship. Women are not to lead in public teaching when men are present (1 Tim 2:8). Instead, their role is one of loving submission, which is beautiful in God’s sight. It is important to mention that any element of worship performed outside of church assembly, like saying of prayer during meetings, is to be performed by a man who is present. 1 Tim 2:8 states, “I will therefore that men pray everywhere (in every place), lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.”
A woman can be called upon to read a passage during bible class, but she would be going beyond if she began instructing others even if she is sitting among the students. Any speaking that is domineering or undermines God’s order is considered ‘shameful’ (1 Cor 14:35).
There are many roles women can fill in the church. A woman is not forbidden to teach children. Woman can teach in ladies’ class. She can evangelize, reach out to non-Christians, performs visitations, support the men, and many other tasks.