1 CORINTHIANS 14
As in all the churches of the saints, 34 the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. 35 If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.36 Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are you the only ones it has reached? 37 If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord. 38 If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. 39 So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But all things should be done decently and in order. – 1 Corinthians 14:33-40
1 CORINTHIANS 14 GOD’S REQUIREMENT FROM WOMEN
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
The woman believer is required by God to be silent in church services
This shows that they are submitting to their husband’s leadership
They are not to boldly speak out their queries in church
Instead, they are to consult their husbands at home
As they obey their husbands, they’re honoring God as well
When they defy God’s requirement, rebellion is at hand.
If an unbeliever reads this verse, they would probably revolt because this would look like a discrimination to women. The world system has created a standard where men and women have equal rights. These following verses don’t focus on equality of rights, but on submission to God’s authority through the men that were placed in the woman’s life. Even if the context of this letter had to do with ancient practices when women are more subservient to their authorities, we could learn submission to authority and respect for God’s order. This does not mean that God doesn’t think women have no rights in the church, but it only emphasizes that man was first in his creation of humanity and not woman. The world system is very different from how God runs his church. God’s order is there for a reason. It is to create unity in the body of Christ so that we keep our eyes on Jesus. It doesn’t mean women are not important. It only means that man speaks up about their concerns.
REFLECTION
· What do you think of this order that God required for women to obey?
