Nougat 6

Years ago, the lay pastor with whom I worked would punctuate key points with the saying, “this is an enigma within an enigma.” While I didn’t always see the depth of the situation as a double enigma, I could relate to the mysterious nature of biblical knowledge. Today’s Holy Nougat could probably qualify as an enigma within an enigma.

“Women should be silent during the church meetings. It is not proper for them to speak. They should be submissive, just as the law says. So, my dear brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and don’t forbid speaking in tongues.” 1 Corinthians 14:34, 39 NLT

I do not doubt the integrity of the Word of God. However, even a cursory reading is enough to confirm that the Bible is written in a specific context and is framed with/by the context. If we begin with this understanding we will find that it answers some questions; but raises other concerns about God and God’s nature. If we are unwilling to accept the contextuality of the Bible, then we still have questions!

One question that is regularly asked is what is the role of women in Church? Perhaps I’m a fool daring to go where angels fear to tread. However I believe that having explored spiritual gifts, it was worth looking at considering, as it is mentioned in the same letter.

In what we consider to be the first letter to the Corinthian church; Paul covers many different situations essential for their formation and growth. These included: immaturity, instability, divisions, jealousy and envy, lawsuits, marital difficulties, sexual immorality and misuse of spiritual gifts (Biblica online). One might argue that this is a lot for one church to address (and it probably was); but it was the reality then, and in spite of their challenges, this was a congregation that sought to worship God in Spirit and in Truth.

As Paul addressed the issue of spiritual gifts, we note that he seems to place a high premium on Prophecy above speaking in tongues. In fact, chapter 14 is primarily concerned with the debate between tongues and prophecy. He advocates that prophecy, though intended for the believers has the potential to transform even the unbelievers. Following this, Paul contends that all brethren should yearn after prophecy (the original Greek uses brethren) and some argue that that instruction was followed by the call for women’s silence.

We note however, that the call for women’s silence lies within the context of other calls for silence – during interpretation, during prophecy or if there’s no interpretation for tongues. And, there’s also the issue of 1 Corinthians 11, which is clear about the understanding of women having a welcome voice – prophetic and beyond – in church. Same author, same book; different chapter.

I admit, I am not fully aware of the context of this call to silence … But I suspect it relates to keeping order during church. We note that Paul recommends they direct questions AT home to their husbands. This suggests that their questions for clarification, or their actions when spiritual gifts were being manifested may have ‘disrupted’ church proceedings! If this was the case, then it would be fair to presume it was not prescriptive for ALL women ALL the time.

We are also aware that the Gospel narratives reflect positive interactions between Jesus and women. This includes the Woman at the Well of Sychar whose testimony convicted an entire community! One might also consider Paul‘s interactions with Lydia, the merchant (Acts 16:11-15; Philippians 4:2) and Peter’s miraculous resurrection of Tabita (Acts 9:36-42). These were women who contributed to the body of believers.

I end with an invitation to serve with Love for God, self and neighbor. When we do, we will find room for women in our spaces of worship; and God’s order will decrease the interruptions and challenges to our credibility.

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May all we seek be found in Christ