PRAY: God Our Creator, thank you for creating us, male and female, in your own image. Help us to grow into the men and women you envisioned at our creation.

READ: 1 Corinthians 14:34–39

MEDITATE:
In reading Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, we encounter this perplexing passage, declaring that “women should be silent in the churches.” This statement is puzzling because it appears to conflict with other passages by Paul in which he describes, in an approving manner, women having an active role in worship and ministry. Some scholars propose that this paragraph was a later editorial insertion. Others have suggested that, as in other parts of 1 Corinthians, a specific issue from the Corinthians’ original letter to Paul is being addressed, and in doing so Paul quotes from their letter. If this is the case, verses 34–35 would be properly in quotation marks, with verse 36 as Paul’s response. A third possibility is that Paul was here addressing a very specific situation in Corinth, namely a group of women promoting a heresy, and that he was giving instructions for them, and them alone, to remain silent.

Questions and Application:

1. Baffling or not, this passage remains a part of God’s holy Word. How do we address the issue of apparent contradictions within Scripture?
2. How can we use the whole Scripture to illuminate specific scripture passages?
3. How do we discern whether a directive is simply a cultural remnant or if it remains binding for all God’s people at all places in all times?
4. Within the Anglican Communion Network, how can we address differences of opinion regarding God’s intended role for women in the church and still remain a united body of Christ?

PRAY: Lord Jesus, you gave women an honor and respect never before seen in the history of mankind. Show us how to partner together in the ministry of your Kingdom.