The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church (1 Corinthians 14:34-35).
Paul’s words have been employed as a universal statement that denies any role to women in the ministry of the gospel. While I admit that at first reading they seem rather straightforward, when taken in the context of the narrative of Scripture, they seem out of place. So, I wonder, what if women had been silent?
On the day of Pentecost, Peter explained the advent of the Spirit through the words of Joel: “And it shall be in the last days,’ God says, ‘That I will pour forth of My Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy…’” (Acts 2:16-17). If women are to be silent in church, then why is a sign of the Spirit daughters who prophesy?
The Virgin Mary was the first daughter to prophesy.
My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; for behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things for me; and holy is His name. And His mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who fear Him. He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. He has brought down rulers from their thrones, and has exalted those who were humble. He has filled the hungry with good things; and sent away the rich empty-handed. He has given help to Israel His servant, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his descendants forever” (Luke 1:46-55).
The prophetic words of the Virgin Mary have been recited in Christian churches for centuries; hence her voice reverberates throughout the vast cathedrals and small chapels of Christendom. If women are strictly forbidden to speak in the church, there would be no Song of Mary in Christian worship.
Anna the prophetess “never left the temple” and was present when the infant Jesus was presented for dedication. Luke tells us that as Simeon was prophesying over Jesus “she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:36-38). I wonder, would Paul have rebuked her praises and prophesying in the Temple? Would Paul have told her to be silent?
A woman of Samaria encountered Jesus at a well. She was overwhelmed by his presence and began to tell the people of Samaria of her encounter. John tells us that “many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified” (John 4:39). I wonder if Paul would have forbidden her to testify.
When Jesus was in Bethany, after the death of Lazarus, Martha of Bethany confessed, “Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world” (John 11:27). This is one of the most profound confessions of faith in the gospels. Should we excise these words from the gospel because they come from a woman?
On the first Easter, Mary Magdalene proclaimed, “I have seen the Lord!” (John 20:18). Her testimony is the first witness to the resurrection. Should her eyewitness testimony of the risen Lord be discounted? Should her words be read in public worship? Or maybe, her voice should remain silent.
There are so many women mentioned throughout the New Testament, women who suffered and toiled for the sake of the gospel; women who served as deaconesses and apostles; and women who led house churches (pastors!). Priscilla, with her husband Aquila, mentored Apollos and “explained to him the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26). Priscilla was also a prominent leader of the church at Ephesus (Romans 16:3-5). Chloe apparently was a house church pastor at Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:11). Other house church pastors may have included Nympha (Colossians 4:15); Phoebe (Romans 16:1); and the “elect lady” of Asia Minor (2 John). Junia served Christ as an outstanding apostle (Romans 16:7). The teaching and witness of Lois and Eunice were a profound influence in the life of Timothy, and most likely many others in Ephesus (2 Timothy 1:5). Prominent leaders of the Roman church included at least five named women: Mary, Junia, Tryphaena, Tryphosa, and Julia (Romans 16). This list is not inclusive of many other named and anonymous women in the early church who served with distinction and honor.
If women are to be silent in the church, then why do we hear the voices of so many women in the New Testament?
