Women Are To Listen and Learn

The church at Corinth was struggling with division, chaos and conflict that was hindering the work of the ministry and the edification of its members.

Paul has been writing to correct errors in both their doctrine and conduct.

In this section, chapters 11-14, the context concerns spiritual gifts and their use. He has made the point that God is a God of peace and order, so peace and order is to characterize His church.

It is God's intention, as this passage indicates, that when each local church assembles women are not to assume the authority to lead or teach. Rather the godly woman will be quietly submissive to the men's leading and teaching. This attitude and conduct will be consistent with the order of creation which established the principle for this role. How this is applied to the gifts of prophecy and speaking in tongues that some women had in the early church, is discussed as this message draws to a conclusion.

As is frequently the case, to do other than what God has said causes chaos, division, confusion and disorder, even in our churches down through today.