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HomeBible Commentary1 CorinthiansChapter 141 Corinthians 14:35

1 Corinthians 14:35 meaning

In the context of early church gatherings in Corinth, where chaos often overshadowed order, Paul addresses specific conduct for women during worship. This directive is rooted in the cultural norms of that time, where public speaking by women was typically frowned upon, thus calling for silence among women in the church. The apostle articulates that if they have questions or need to learn, they should do so privately by consulting their husbands at home. This approach not only aligns with the principles of edification and order but also reverberates with existing practices of submission outlined in the Jewish Law.

The passage highlights a tension between the empowerment of women in spiritual matters and societal expectations of their roles. While women could actively participate through prophesying or praying, asking questions publicly was discouraged, ostensibly to preserve the assembly's unity and decorum. This instruction, although seemingly repressive today, could have been viewed as progressive within its historical and cultural context. The scripture emphasizes that the observance of order in worship is critical and that teachings should be respected as part of God's established order.

Other Relevant Commentaries:

  • 1 Corinthians 2:10-13 meaning. 1 Corinthians 2:10-13 explains that God has given us some of His wisdom and His plans by telling us about them. He has sent His Spirit to guide us after Jesus returned to Heaven. Paul illustrates that no one can know what someone is thinking except for that individual person; likewise, no one can understand God’s thoughts except God’s Spirit, but that Spirit indwells believers, so that we can know God’s will for our lives. We have to listen to the Spirit’s leading, not following the wisdom of the world and sin, not what other men tell us to value or to perform, but to live by the lead of the Holy Spirit.
  • Acts 16:35-40 meaning. The following morning, the chief magistrates send for Paul and Silas to be released. Paul refuses to leave the prison. He tells the magistrates’ messengers to inform them that he and Silas are Roman citizens, and that they were unlawfully beaten and jailed. If the magistrates want to release them, they have to come to the prison in person and bring them out. The magistrates are terrified at this news, and personally bring Paul and Silas out of the jail. They beg the preachers to leave Philippi. Paul complies, but first he goes to Lydia’s house and encourages the new church of Philippian believers.
  • 1 Corinthians 3:10-17 meaning. Paul has offered two analogies, one where the Corinthians are like God’s field, and one where they are like God’s building. In either case, whatever is added to us in life will be judged at the judgment of Christ. Jesus Christ is the foundation of every believer; He cannot be moved. But how we live our lives will be evaluated. If we build upon the foundation with flimsy, burnable materials (selfish living and disobedience), we will not be rewarded by Christ. But if we build with precious metals and gems (obedience to God through faith), we will be rewarded. Even if we waste our lives on earth, we will be saved to eternity with Jesus, because He is our foundation.