Question:
Referencing the Bible, “Are women permitted to speak in the church?”
Answer:
The Bible says in I Corinthians 14:34-37, “LET YOUR WOMEN KEEP SILENCE IN THE CHURCHES: FOR IT IS NOT PERMITTED UNTO THEM TO SPEAK; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.”
Many try to say that this passage only applies to speaking in tongues, and that women can speak in the church, as long as they do not speak in tongues. But the very context proves that interpretation wrong. Number one, because it commands women to be silent in the church based upon the Old Testament practice “but they are commanded to be under obedience, AS ALSO SAITH THE LAW.” This had nothing to do with speaking in tongues, but in being silent before men in a religious setting. Secondly, the context even forbids them to ask any questions in church. “And if they will learn any thing, LET THEM ASK THEIR HUSBANDS AT HOME.”
Another passage deals with the same matter. I Timothy 2:11-13 says, “LET THE WOMAN LEARN IN SILENCE with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, BUT TO BE IN SILENCE. For Adam was first formed, then Eve.”
If you teach this in your church, you may very well stir up the anger of some women, but in the end, we are always better off to preach and teach the truth of God’s Word, no matter how unpopular it may be. One day, we must answer to God for how we led our congregations. May God give you the wisdom and courage to preach His truth. “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).