Ask Us Anything: 1 Corinthians 14:34-35

A few weeks ago, we put out a call for questions. A very interesting one came in, and the Senior Leadership team asked Rachel Knight-Messenger, as a member of the Canadian Martyr's community, to tackle it. Rachel has a Ph.D. in systemic theology with a focus on ecological theology and Catholic ethics. 

Q: 

Hello!! if you don’t mind, could you explain the context of 1 Corinthians 14:34-35?? thank you!!

1 Corinthians 14:34-35 34 Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. 35 If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church. 

A: 

This is a very interesting line from Saint Paul, which requires some unpacking. First, let's remember this chapter of the letter has focused on speaking and teaching in the church (especially on the use of the gift of tongues). Now, when Paul writes this sentence regarding who can teach during worship, the Church interprets this statement to mean women are not to 'instruct the congregation in the official capacity of a pastor or homilist' (this quote is from the "Ignatius Catholic Study Bible New Testament," pg. 306, notes). This does not mean women cannot teach or share in the gift of tongues or prophesy ever — women can and often do share in these gifts. Paul's meaning here is very specific. It is specific to who can teach when the Christian community is worshipping. 

In addition to this passage, I think it is also helpful to consider how Saint Paul had a very good relationship with many important women, such a Prescilla (a supporter of Paul), Lydia (baptized by Paul and a woman who opened her home as a place for Paul to preach), and Phoebe (a Deaconess Paul mentions in his letter to the Romans asking the Romans to support her in their community). These are just a few of the many women Paul knew who supported his work and were in turn greatly supported by Paul. 

There is more to say on this subject but hopefully, this offers a way for us to begin to come to know Paul and this letter to the Corinthians.

If you have anything you'd like to ask us, let us know!