Anyone who attempts to misuse God’s word that they might keep women from ever engaging in public discussions of theology must contend with the fact that God has clearly provided women the means to do so. To continue to make such unbiblical demands of women places the men who do so in contention with God Himself.

Christians on social media have to navigate a minefield of posts designed to inflame reactions and create confrontations. It can sometimes be difficult to maintain a humble and contrite heart when interacting with people who seem intent on being entirely uncharitable. However, when encountering fellow Christians, one would expect that charity, grace, and kindness would be extended to one another. Sadly, that is not often the case. In fact, it seems the anonymity offered by the internet draws out the worst even in Christians. When this occurs, not only do fellow Christians get abused, but so do the Scriptures themselves to justify this sinful behavior.

One such example, especially within biblically conservative Christian camps, is the twisting of Scripture by some men to silence any woman who dares to engage in public discourse about the things of God. Two passages of Scripture, 1 Corinthians 14:34–35 and 1 Timothy 2:12, are the particular focus of such misuse. While the scenarios may differ, the essential pattern is that, in an online discussion, a Christian woman will offer some comment or response on a theological topic, quickly followed by a professing Christian man saying, “Silence, woman!” while throwing out one or both of the verses as the prooftext justifying his demand. Rather than a godly discourse over the topic at hand, the male half will only repeatedly assert that all women everywhere are required to be silent on Christian matters in the presence of men. This demand is fallacious, unbiblical, and should be rebuked decisively.

Context is Key

With regard to the passages being used, context is always key. Both passages are written to churches by Paul as commands to be obeyed as an apostle speaking with the authority of Christ. And both have universal application to the church throughout all time. They were not simply local matters that had no bearing on the church at large. With that in mind, it is necessary to examine the context so that the meaning and application are not twisted to serve nefarious purposes.

1 Corinthians 14:34–35

The first passage, 1 Corinthians 14:34–35, reads,

[T]he women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. 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. (1 Corinthians 14:34–35, ESV)

When isolated from the rest of the text, it is easy to see why someone might argue that women are not permitted to ever speak on theological issues. However, Scripture provides a much-needed context for this passage. In verses 26 to 33, Paul is providing specific instructions on the order and structure of the church gathering. He directs the gathering to be conducted in such a manner as it builds up the body (26). He restricts the number of those speaking in tongues (27) and those who speak a prophetic word, with others weighing in on what is said (29). All of this is to be done, “so that all may learn and all be encouraged” (31). This is the context that precedes Paul’s admonition that women must be silent in the church.

With that established, the commandment given to the women of the church is one regarding who can speak authoritatively to the church body, not one of generally silencing women indefinitely. As will be seen in the following passage, God’s design for the church is that biblically qualified men are called to lead, teach, and hold authority over the entire church body. Therefore, when the people all come together for worship and instruction, only those men called and equipped by God can teach in such a fashion. Paul is then addressing women who seek to speak prophetically or authoritatively, or who are seeking to question the prophetic teaching given. This is not a command to silence all women in the church from ever speaking in a public setting, but rather he is restricting the order and function of the church according to God’s design for authority in the gathered church body.

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