Abstract
The command for women to be silent in church worship in 1 Corinthians 14 has generated much debate. After examining the controversies, this article has adopted the view that the sanction in verses 34�35 was a punishment for certain local offences of the female Christians in Corinth. The contention of the article is that interpretations of the text which criticise women �talking to the congregation� when under inspiration in worship services, and which universalise such local rules are unfair. The article attempts to correct the sexist interpretation of 1 Corinthians 14:34�36 by re-interpreting the text in the context of women founding new assemblies, preaching, teaching, and leading congregational prayers in the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), a Nigerian initiated Pentecostal denomination.
Highlights
Whilst the issue of women ‘contributing authoritatively’ within church worship is controversial, that of ‘speaking authoritatively’ within the same setting is more divisive, the issue of women ordination to church service is the most contentious. 1 Corinthians 14:34–36 does not address the issue of church ordination
Keener (2005:171) holds that 1 Corinthians 14:34–35 is fraught with problems and is difficult to interpret but Nelson (2005:27) weakly disagrees with him
Like in the third model of traditional religious priesthood, women participate in Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) priesthood, and 1 Corinthians 14:34–35 would be interpreted from this perspective using the Pentecostal theological model in the context of the CAC
Summary
Like in the third model of traditional religious priesthood, women participate in Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) priesthood, and 1 Corinthians 14:34–35 would be interpreted from this perspective using the Pentecostal theological model in the context of the CAC. The issue of women remaining silent in 1 Corinthians 14 is discussed generally in the context of church public worship (1 Cor 11–14). To speak] in 1 Corinthians 14:34 forbids women to absolute silence in the church even from prophesying and praying in worship (Carson n.d.).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
