Why does Paul say women should be silent in church — how should that be understood?
The Devotional Answer
The devotional answer is that God values and uses the gifts of both men and women for the building up of His Church (Question 80). The controversial passages you refer to are not a blanket command to silence women's praise, prayer, or participation; rather, they are specific instructions aimed at maintaining order, avoiding cultural offense, and respecting God-given authority structures within the church.
The Holy Spirit (Question 66) distributes gifts—teaching, prophecy, service—without regard to gender (1 Corinthians 12:7). When interpreting this difficult text (Question 85), we must always read it in light of the Bible's clear message: Christ is the ultimate authority, and both men and women are equally gifted and called to share the good news of the Gospel.
The Simple Answer
The command for women to be silent appears in two main places: 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 and 1 Timothy 2:11-12. These commands are generally understood in two ways:
Addressing Disorder (1 Corinthians 14): In the Corinthian church, worship was chaotic. The "silence" command here likely targets disruptive, loud questioning or challenging of the public teaching that was causing disorder. Paul advises them to ask their questions at home to maintain reverence and order in the service.
Addressing Teaching Authority (1 Timothy 2): This passage is interpreted by many to prohibit women from holding the primary teaching/governing authority (e.g., the office of elder/pastor) over men in the gathered church, a role based on creation order, not competency. It is not a prohibition against teaching women or children, praying aloud, or sharing testimony.
The Deeper Dive
When facing a confusing text, it's vital to look at the immediate and broad biblical context (Question 85).
1. Paul’s Affirmation of Women Speaking
If Paul meant absolute silence, he would contradict himself in the very same letter! Just two chapters earlier, Paul gives instructions for women who pray or prophesy in church (1 Corinthians 11:5), indicating that women were clearly audible and active participants in public worship. The command for silence in Chapter 14 must therefore be conditional and limited to a specific kind of disruptive speech.
2. The Corinthian Problem
The city of Corinth was known for its moral and social looseness, and the new Christian gatherings were reflecting that chaos. The "silence" command was part of a larger directive to bring all gifts and expressions—including speaking in tongues, prophecy, and questions—under the control of order and edification (1 Corinthians 14:40). The goal was not to oppress women but to bring order to a disorderly service.
3. The Authority Issue (1 Timothy 2:12)
This passage is usually translated: "I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet."
This is the text that most clearly defines gender roles in the church. Many traditions (complementarian) understand this as a binding command for all time, reserving the role of senior pastor/elder (governing authority) for qualified men.
Other traditions (egalitarian) view this as a command limited to Paul’s immediate cultural context, where women lacked proper theological education and teaching would have undermined the Gospel's credibility.
Regardless of the position taken on the office of elder, virtually all Christians agree that women are essential to the church's mission and are gifted to teach, lead, and serve in countless capacities (e.g., as deacons, Bible study teachers, missionaries, and prophets).
God's Assurance
God assures you that His primary concern is your spiritual health and the effective, orderly proclamation of the Gospel. He uses everyone who is willing to be used.
"For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus... There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." — Galatians 3:26, 28 (ESV)
You are assured that your worth and your spiritual opportunity are equal to all believers, regardless of your gender.
Your Takeaway Thought
Do not let one confusing passage cause you to doubt the goodness of God or the value of women. Interpret the command for "silence" as a directive to orderly conduct, not an absolute muzzle. Seek a church where women's gifts are celebrated and encouraged, and where the teachings align with the overarching biblical truth of mutual submission and equal worth under Christ.
