Woman’s Role in the Church

The apostle Paul wrote: “Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church” (1 Corinthians 14:34,35). To Timothy he wrote: “Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence” (1 Timothy 2:11,12).

From the advent of Christianity it was the practice for men to lead in the assembly. Women’s roles were limited in the public assembly. They were prohibited from preaching, teaching and assuming other leadership roles when men were present. In recent years this practice has been called into question, and people have gone to great lengths to discredit the apostle and what the Scriptures say regarding this issue.

Some argue that Paul was a woman hater. They conclude that his remarks merely express his personal prejudice, and are not binding on the church. Such an attitude undermines the authority of the entire Bible. Using this approach, anything one finds personally objectionable can be ignored. This is how many people approach the word of God.

Others argue that the limitations placed on the woman’s role were cultural. They claim that although these limitations were enforced in Paul’s day, they are no longer binding on the church. There is nothing in the Bible which suggests that this is the case.

Paul also wrote: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). This passage is sometimes used to justify the practice of women preachers. The apostle does not set aside previous legislation in this text. He simply underscores the equality which exists in the church regardless of ethnic, social, or gender differences. God loves us equally. This does not, however, negate the fact that he has established different roles for us!

Radical feminists and liberal theologians would like to discard the Biblical prohibitions regarding a woman’s role in public worship. In many churches they have been successful. But, we are committed to respecting what the Bible teaches whether it is socially acceptable or not.

Women are not inferior to men, and men are not superior to women. But, God has ordained different roles for us, and we must respect them if we respect Him.