1Corinthians 14:34-40 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 any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.
‘Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak.’ This does not contradict the fact that women were free to pray and prophesy at the gatherings (11:5, 13; Acts 2:16-21; 21:9; Joel 2:28-32).
‘But they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.’ A reference to Genesis 3:16. Man is now the head of the woman (11:3-12; Eph. 5:22, etc.), that is the husband over his own wife, not as some claim that all men are head over all women. The husband is the head – just as Christ is the head of the body – for the purpose of taking care of that body as described in Ephesians 5:23-31.
‘If they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.’ If they will learn anything, not preach, pray, testify, or prophesy anything. Let them ask their husbands at home and not at the congregational gatherings.
‘What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?’ Did the Word of God come from you or did it come only to you, that you should have rules and customs different from all other congregations? If you have gifts and are spiritual, you will acknowledge these teaching to be true commandments of the Lord and good for you. If you continue in ignorance after receiving these teachings, then remain ignorant (14:36-38).
‘Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.’ In conclusion, three things I command you: Covet to prophesy (14:1-3). Forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all gifts be exercised lawfully and in order as I have taught you.
Living the Word 