33. Not of confusion (ou – katastasias). God is not a God of disorder, but of peace. We need this reminder today. As in all the churches of the saints (hōs en pasais tais ekklēsiais tōn hagiōn). Orderly reverence is a mark of the churches. This is a proper conclusion of his argument as in 11:16.
34. Keep silence in the churches (en tais ekklēsiais sigatōsan). 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 (lalein) nor even to ask questions. They are to do that at home (en oikōi). He calls it a shame (aischron) as in 11:6 (cf. Eph. 5:12; Titus 1:11). Certainly women are still in subjection (hupotassesthōsan) to their husbands (or ought to be). But somehow modern Christians have concluded that Paul’s commands on this subject, even I Tim. 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.
37. The commandment of the Lord (Kuriou entolē). 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.
40. Decently and in order (euschēmonōs kai kata taxin). 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.
The Web of Practical Theology is committed to the inerrancy and infallibility of the 39 Old Testament and 27 New Testament books of the Christian Scriptures. We believe "Theology is Practical."
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"Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers." 1 Timothy 4:16 |
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"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15 |
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"For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." 2 Timothy 4:3-4 |
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"He [an overseer] must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it." Titus 1:9 |
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"You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine." Titus 2:1 |
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