When Women should Be silent in Church

1 Corinthians 14 is often misunderstood because it's about women's roles in the church.

The full text of 1 Corinthians 14 is below the devotion.

Understanding the context of a verse is important. 

For example, suppose someone took the phrase “blessed are you when people insult you” out of the context of Matthew 5:11-12 and explained that Christ wants us to be annoying.

In the same way, we must put “Women should remain silent in the churches” in context:

First Corinthians 14 addresses proper use of spiritual gifts.(1)

Verses 29-33, explain that prophecies shared in the church must be judged for validity. 

Verses 34-35, explain that women should be silent. 

Verses 36-40 insist that people who exercise spiritual gifts should understand these instructions because “everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.”

Because Acts 21:8-9 and 1 Corinthians 11:1-5 (2) tell us woman can pray and prophecy in church, we know this silence must apply to specific situations so we study the context.

The logical conclusion is that women should be silent when prophecies are judged as part of a church service. If a woman judged the prophecies, she'd be publicly judging men who prophesy, perhaps even judging her own husband. If she sees something wrong in the prophecies, she can discuss it with her husband later and he can address it with the church leaders, if necessary.

The verses following the command for her silence reiterate the importance of fitting and orderly worship. When we combine this with the 1 Timothy 2:12, we can easily conclude that women are prohibited from tasks in the church which place them in authority over men or cause them to publicly judge a man's teaching.  

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If you would like to read about 1 Timothy 2:15 in regard to our 2 previous devotions about 1 Timothy 2, see I Don't Know Exactly What This Verse Means.

If you want to read about a time when I feel I poorly handled a disagreement with my pastor see When I Violated Scriptural Guidelines.

For further insights, see Do Women Have to Remain Silent in Church and Must Women Be Silent in Church. To see a pertinent aspect of this question as it applies to marriage see Women's Intuition which explains some of the things that have shaped my understanding of submission in marriage. 

(1) Genuine believers hold differing views about the gifts mentioned in this chapter. Some believe they have ceased and others believe they are still in operation. Whatever you believe, the principle expressed in these verses is still pertinent: Women are free to speak in church services in appropriate ways as long as they aren't in a position of authority over men. We'll discuss that more thoroughly in future posts. 

(2) To better understand 1 Corinthians 11, See Should Women Wear Head Coverings? 

I encourage you to read the entire context of these misunderstood verses:

1 Corinthians 14: “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. 2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. 3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. 4 Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.

6 Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? 7 Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? 8 Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? 9 So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. 10 Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. 11 If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker is a foreigner to me. 12 So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.

13 For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding. 16 Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer, say Amen to your thanksgiving, since they do not know what you are saying? 17 You are giving thanks well enough, but no one else is edified.

18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue. 20 Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults. 21 In the Law it is written:

‘With other tongues
    and through the lips of foreigners
I will speak to this people,
    but even then they will not listen to me,
says the Lord.


22 Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is not for unbelievers but for believers. 23 So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 24 But if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, 25 as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, God is really among you!”

 26 What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. 28 If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God.

29 Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. 30 And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. 31 For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. 32 The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. 33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.

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 anyone thinks they are a prophet or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. 38 But if anyone ignores this, they 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 Corinthians 14 is often misunderstood because it's about women's roles in the church.

1 Corinthians 14 is often misunderstood because it's about women's roles in the church.


Such a Pity, Not a Party

Self-pity is destructive. These 7 Biblical principles can help us move beyond it.

Self-pity: "excessive, self-absorbed unhappiness over one's own troubles."


Sometimes when I'm dealing with a difficult situation, I give in to self-pity. But self-pity is never a good thing. It's a destructive waste of time.

Paul said he was once so discouraged he felt he couldn't go on (2 Corinthians 1:8-10). But he didn't give in to self-pity. Instead, he turned everything over to the Lord. And that's what we must do.

Self-pity is self-focused, self-indulgent, self-pandering, and self-destructive. It's sin.

We overcome it by:

    1. Forgiving others (Matthew 6:14-15).
    2. Denying ourselves (Luke 9:23).
    3. Thinking of others (Philippians 2:3-4).
    4. Dwelling on the positive (Philippians 4:8).
    5. Remembering God uses bad for good (Romans 8:28).
    6. Remembering God wants to comfort us in difficulty (2 Corinthians 1:3-7).
    7. Moving on (Philippians 3:10-14).


      May the Lord help us do these things whenever self-pity starts to take over our thoughts. He is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

      For added insights, see Don't Sit in the Prison Cell of Self-Pity.

       

      Self-pity is destructive. These 7 Biblical principles can help us move beyond it.

      Self-pity is destructive. These 7 Biblical principles can help us move beyond it.

       

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      Proverbs: Biblical, Relevant, Humorous, Understandable

      Proverbs is such a great book in the Bible. It's easy to read and understand. This devotion explains.

      I love the book of Proverbs. It gives us bite-size nuggets of God's truth.
       
      Proverbs 1:1-6 explains it’s a collection of divinely inspired wise sayings. And they are just as relevant today as when they were written. 
       
      For example:
       
      They're relevant regarding the common sin of anger:
      Proverbs 14:29: “People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.”

      They're relevant regarding sexual immorality:
      Proverbs 6:32-33The man who commits adultery is an utter fool, for he destroys himself. He will be wounded and disgraced. His shame will never be erased.”*
       
      They're relevant in our fight for the unborn:
      Proverbs 31:8: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.” 
       
      Proverbs sometimes make a point with humor:
       
      Proverbs 17:28: “Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.”

      Proverbs 15:17: “A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate.”

      Proverbs 11:22A beautiful woman who lacks discretion is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout.
       
      Proverbs often make a point using figurative language:
       
      Proverbs 16:24: “Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”

      Proverbs 7:2Obey my commands and live! Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes.
       
      Proverbs 17:22A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.
       
      And since there are 31 chapters in Proverbs, we can read the whole book in a month by reading a chapter a day!
       
      Proverbs are meaningful sound bites that give us wisdom for our daily lives. What's your favorite proverb? Why not share it in a comment?

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      * We know that in Christ, a fully repentant man or woman can find forgiveness and restoration, but they still live with the consequences of their adultery, which may cause divorce, pregnancy, or loss of trust and respect. 

      I recommend these devotions for additional insights:
       
      Bible Project Video using drawings to give an overview of the book of Proverbs. This eight-minute video is a fun way to learn about Proverbs.
       
      And please check out my book, which offers 100 one-minute devotions based on Psalms and Proverbs.


       
      It's a great time to buy Wisdom for Life because of the great sales on LifewayAmazon, and CBD.

       
       
      Proverbs is such a great book in the Bible. It's easy to read and understand. This devotion explains.

      Proverbs is such a great book in the Bible. It's easy to read and understand. This devotion explains.

      Proverbs is such a great book in the Bible. It's easy to read and understand. This devotion explains.

       
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      Nameless Young Girl

      This nameless young girl in the Bible was quite a heroine. This 1-minute devotion shares her story.

      I love to read a Bible passage and see something I've never seen before. 

      Reading about Naaman's healing (2 Kings 5:1-15), I noticed something remarkable. 

      A young slave girl taken captive against her will…

      Serving those who had probably killed and kidnapped others of her people… 

      Away from home and family… 

      But she maintained her faith in the true and living God!

      She forgave her captors and encouraged her leprous master, Naaman, to seek healing from God. 

      God healed him, and Naaman proclaimed: "I know at last there is no God in all the world except in Israel" (2 Kings 5:15). 


      We don't even know this young girl's name, but we know it is written in the Book of Life, perhaps next to Naaman's. And we know she'll receive a crown in heaven for her faithfulness in the midst of adversity. 

      My prayer is that, no matter what happens, I might have faith like this young girl. How about you?

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      This is such a wonderful passage to study, so I encourage you to take time for today's Bite Size Bible Study.
      https://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Life-Devotional-One-Minute-Reflections/dp/1087775760

      I also encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. And find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE. You can read the first four devotions in the book by clicking "look inside" on Lifeway or AmazonIn addition, you can buy the book in Kindle format on Amazon and as an ebook on Barnes and Noble.
       
      You can sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes. Find out more HERE.


      This nameless young girl in the Bible was quite a heroine. This 1-minute devotion shares her story.


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      From Tent to Paradise

      If you're feeling discouraged, this devotion will give you inspiration by reminding you where you are headed.

      Imagine that your family had to live uncomfortably in a tent for a few months before moving into a wonderful, spacious home. Whenever you felt like complaining, you could remind yourself of what’s to come. And those few months of discomfort would be forgotten when you took possession of your new home. 
       
      This is also the biblical way we should handle discouragement, hardship, sorrow, illness, loss, etc. 
       
      If we've made Christ our Lord and Savior, in the midst of our difficulties we can remind ourselves how very short our earthly life is compared to our eternity in heaven. 
       
      That doesn’t mean we don’t feel pain, sorrow, fear, and disappointments during our tent life.” But when our hope is in the Creator of heaven and earth, we can find rest for our souls by reminding ourselves that our eternity will be perfect:
       
      For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.  2 Corinthians 5:1  

      And we can seek God's rest until that time:
       
      “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
       
      See Some Insights on Tents and Eternity and Tent Life for more inspiration.
       

      If you're feeling discouraged, this devotion will give you inspiration by reminding you where you are headed.

      If you're feeling discouraged, this devotion will give you inspiration by reminding you where you are headed.

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      Leadership and the Fall of Mankind

      This reference to the Fall in 1 Timothy 2 ties male leadership to the Fall in Genesis 3.

      After explaining that male leadership was established in creation (1 Timothy 2:13), Paul explains that it's further illustrated in the Fall (Genesis 3). 

      “Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner.” 1 Timothy 2:14

      The Fall illustrates important truths:

      1. God designed women with powerful influence.

      In the Fall, Eve used that influence to lead Adam into sin.

      Women can/should use our influence for good (Proverbs 31;1 Peter 3:1-2), but history is replete with bad examples, starting at the Fall. Men are not the only ones who abuse creation design.

      2. Leadership bears a responsibility no one envies.

      Eve was held responsible for her sin, but Adam was held responsible for the Fall because of his position as leader. Romans 5:12-14 says sin entered the world “through one man.” And 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 says, “For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.”

      3. Men are not given leadership because they're superior.  

      Adam's sin was worse than Eve's. She was deceived; he wasn't (see Luke 12:47-48). God sees men and women as equals (Galatians 3:28). If you want to read about the superiority of men, you'll have to read the Quran (see Top ten rules in the Quran that oppress women).  

      Even if we don't fully understand God's design of male leadership in the home and church, we can rely on His love and wisdom (1 Corinthians 13:12; 1 John 4:16). When we fight against biblical truths, we never make things better.

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      For more insights, read:
      On the Eve of Destruction – a poem and short Bible study

      If you are interested in better understanding 1 Timothy 2:15, see I Don't Know Exactly What This Verse Means.
       
      Note: Some believe that one reason men are called to be leaders is because women are more easily deceived. We'll discuss that in an upcoming devotion.



      This reference to the Fall in 1 Timothy 2 ties male leadership to the Fall in Genesis 3.

      This reference to the Fall in 1 Timothy 2 ties male leadership to the Fall in Genesis 3.

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      Give Me Truth!

      Christians should never sacrifice truth for peace. This 1-min. devotion explains.

      Many Christians have bought into the idea that we'll advance the gospel by presenting Christ in culturally acceptable ways. 
       
      It's true that we'll be called hateful if we speak up against abortion, or warn people of sexual sins, or explain that those who reject Christ will spend eternity in Hell. But our goal is to please God and share His uncensored truth with people. It's sinful for us to remain silent. 
       
      "If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.... If anyone is ashamed of me and my message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in his glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels" (Luke 9:24-26).

      The message of the cross is foolishness to unbelievers (1 Corinthians 1:18). In fact, Scripture says our love for God and His Word makes us an "aroma of death" around the unsaved (2 Corinthians 2:15-16). 

      But we know that pleasing man is both useless and selfish, so let's be strong and courageous and share God's Word fully and accurately.
       
      Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 AMP
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      Free Subscription to 1-Minute Bible Love Notes
      Why not add some more of God's Word to your schedule by having a one-minute devotion like this one delivered to your email each weekday. Sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes. Find out more HERE.
       

      Christians should never sacrifice truth for peace. This 1-min. devotion explains.

      Christians should never sacrifice truth for peace. This 1-min. devotion explains.

      Christians should never sacrifice truth for peace. This 1-min. devotion explains.


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      When You Feel God Has Forgotten You

      When we're suffering and feel like God has forgotten us, we need to remember this.

      When you’re going through struggles, do you sometimes feel like God has forgotten you? The psalmists sometimes felt that way (Psalm 42:9). 

      It can be hard to understand why God allows some circumstances in our lives.

      That's when we need to remind ourselves that God never promises to eliminate all of our problems. He promises to bring us through them. When we lean into Him, seeking His help and trusting His Word, our faith grows through hardship in ways it cannot grow during easier times.

      Consider the “great cloud of witnesses” who cheer us on in our struggles and the example of Christ (Hebrews 12:1-13). 

      Christians who have serious challenges and persevering faith are the best examples when we're dealing with difficulties. They prove that God is enough.

      In my life, I've been taught by a number of people:

      Some are family members, like my grandmother.  

      Some are friends, like Steve Saint and Ginny Saint and Lani.

      Some are well-known authors and speakers whom I’ve never met, like Joni.

      Some are Christians who have already died, but I’ve “met” them through their biographies (see list below devotion).

      God doesn’t promise to spare us hardship, but He promises to bring us through it and use it in marvelous ways for our good and the good of others (Romans 8:28).

      💙💙💙

      This is a small sampling of those whose biographies have impacted my faith:

      Corrie ten Boom

      George Washington Carver 

      Rachel Saint 

      Robert Sadler 

      Gladys Aylward

      Francis Asbury 

       

      When we're suffering and feel like God has forgotten us, we need to remember this.

      When we're suffering and feel like God has forgotten us, we need to remember this.



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      I Remember the Plank

      Matthew 7:1-5 discusses "Eye plank disease" and explains how to cure it! This 1-minute devotion explains.

      Matthew 7:1-5 tells us to judge ourselves first (i.e., honestly repent and turn from our sins) before judging the sins of others.


      "You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye." 

      We can't see other people's sins clearly with a big old plank of sin in our eye. 

      There are famous examples, such as well-known pastors who preached against immorality while living secret immoral lives. But we don't have to be a celebrity to grow a plank. It starts with pride:

      "If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves." Galatians 6:3

      For example, we can rudely condemn people who are rude. We can be intolerant of people who are intolerant. We can be disrespectful to people who are disrespectful. We can refuse to forgive someone who holds a grudge.

      Pride can blind us to the fact that we're judging others for the very things we do ourselves. The more we do this, the more that plank blurs our spiritual vision.

      So, let's first take the plank out of our own eye, and then we can see things clearly.
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      For additional insights, see I'm a Recovering Pharisee and Job's Judgmental Friends.
      https://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Life-Devotional-One-Minute-Reflections/dp/1087775760

      I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. And find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE. You can read the first four devotions in the book by clicking "look inside" on Lifeway or AmazonIn addition, you can buy the book in Kindle format on Amazon and as an ebook on Barnes and Noble.
       
      I also encourage you to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes. Find out more HERE.


      Matthew 7:1-5 discusses "Eye plank disease" and explains how to cure it! This 1-minute devotion explains.


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      Do You Know What It Is to Have "Hot Faith"

      I think you'll enjoy this unique story about the faith of my 83 year old neighbor.

      My neighbor Elaine had her air conditioning quit working, and they couldn’t get the parts to repair it for weeks. This would be challenging for anyone, but especially for Elaine, who's in her 80s, recently widowed, and living in Florida where the temperatures are usually higher than her age. 
       
      But Elaine is a Christian, and she considers her neighborhood one of her ministries, welcoming new people and helping those in need. In the last month, she's delivered coffee cake to two new families in the neighborhood, cleaned a neighbor's garage door, and planted flowers in her next-door neighbor's garden. 
      https://youtu.be/C5WzzosIIKA

      I loved hearing her explain. “I asked God why He couldn’t have had the air conditioning go out during a cooler time of the year,” she said. “Then I asked God’s forgiveness. I know He has purposes for me.” 
       
      Elaine has dealt with some challenging situations in her life, but she sees her circumstances as God’s way of teaching her something new and strengthening her faith.

      As Oswald Chambers explained, “Salvation is a joyous thing, but it is also something that requires bravery, courage, and holiness. It tests us for all we are worth.… God’s grace produces men and women with a strong family likeness to Jesus Christ, not pampered, spoiled weaklings.” 

      This view is affirmed in Romans 8:28.*
       
      My friend Elaine inspires me to face my difficulties, confident that God has something to teach me and confident that He loves me. I pray her story helps you do the same.

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      For more on this subject, see: 
       
      * Romans 8:28: “We know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” AMP

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      I think you'll enjoy this unique story about the faith of my 83 year old neighbor.

      I think you'll enjoy this unique story about the faith of my 83 year old neighbor.



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