“Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”

I Peter 3:1-4

WOMEN IN THE CHURCH

By Glen Owens

From the Chapel Glen Church of Christ Bulletin

Through the years there has been much controversy about the role of women in society. Each time period and culture has had individual rules regarding the behavior and freedom of women. History points to the fact that women generally have been deprived of rights that men had. This does not mean they are less important but that they have roles that are different from men. First Peter 4:7 refers to how the husband is to treat his wife, ‘as the weaker vessel’. This might be in reference to physical rather than mental strength since men are actually stronger than women.

In religious settings, women may be relegated to silence or be allowed to function in the same capacity as men. Possibly one of the most controversial passages on this subject is 1 Corinthians 14:34-35. “Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.”

There seems to be two key words in this instruction by Paul. The first is ‘your’. When this word is used it usually refers to a certain person or class of persons. In this case it appears that Paul was talking to a certain class of women who knew the ones he had in mind. This may have referred to wives of the men who were leaders in the church since he mentions the other word to be noted. ‘Let them ask their husbands at home’ must refer to the same women who were to keep silent in the church.

A reasonable conclusion might be reached in regard to those women is that it did not include women who either had no husband at home or had a husband who was not a member of the church. If these women were not permitted to speak they would have been at a disadvantage in learning about the word.

Paul placed other restrictions on the speaking in the assembly so that there was order in the service. One who spoke in tongues was not to speak unless there was one to interpret. Also, those who prophesied were to take turns so that two were not speaking at the same time.

Paul wrote about head coverings of the men and women in praying and prophesying. The man was not to have his head covered during these activities whereas the woman was to have her head covered. In 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 he writes about this situation. If the man prays with his head covered, he dishonors Christ. If the woman does so with her head uncovered, she dishonors her head which is the man. Some have suggested that these women prayed with women and there were no men present. This being the case, in what way would they dishonor the men if they were not present?

One thing that may be in force in the above passage refers to local customs. The instruction may have been limited in scope to the local custom since Paul concluded these instructions with verse 16; “But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God.” Since he uses the word ‘custom’ it suggests a local practice.

Paul gave Timothy instructions about the roles of men and women in the church. In 1 Timothy 2:12 he wrote; “And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man but to be silent.” He uses as a reason that Eve was deceived by Satan. Women in various churches hold positions of authority such as Elders, Deacons and Ministers. Paul gave instructions for the selection of Elders and Deacons and specifically mentioned that they were to be married to a wife. This means male and female rather than same-sex marriage. A thing to remember in all of the instructions about the role of women in the church, the role will not diminish their opportunity of eternal life.