Can women speak in the church?

Quick Answer: Can women speak in the church? There are two primary verses which might seem to teach against women speaking in church: 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, and 1 Timothy 2:12. However, neither verse is presenting a universal restriction for all time. Paul was addressing situations in the early church, not forbidding women from speaking in church for all of human history.

Diving Deeper: In 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, and in 1 Timothy 2:12, Paul forbids women from speaking. However, context matters. In 1 Corinthians 14, the women were likely seated far away from the men. When they had questions, they would shout it to their husbands who were seated on the other side of the room. This caused a disturbance in the church service. For this reason, Paul was addressing the need for orderly worship. Women were among the most unlearned people in society and likely had many questions. Paul was urging them to “keep silent”, and if they have any questions, to ask their husbands at home (1 Corinthians 14:34-35).

In 1 Timothy 2:12, women were seeking to exercise authority over men. This was likely due to the cult of Diana, the Roman version of the Greek Artemis cult. It was comprised exclusively of women and taught that Eve was created first, that only Adam was deceived by Satan, and that females were inherently superior to males. Evidently the influence of these women had infiltrated the church and caused disruptions in the church service. So, Paul encouraged Timothy to ask the women to remain silent during the church service.

So, where does this leave us today? As long as false doctrines are avoided and order is maintained, church is to be a place where men and women can use their gifts freely to the glory of God.

Let’s Make It a Conversation!
1. What have you been taught about women speaking in church?
2. Does knowing the early church context in Corinth and Ephesus help you interpret the two challenging passages on women? Why or why not?
3. Galatians 3:28 says, “there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” How does this factor in to our view of women in church?