The Woman’s Right in the Church

Those who are “mere men” always find something to argue about. They set up doctrines that become walls of division among believers, dividing them into many denominations. These doctrines usually have nothing to do with taking up your cross daily and following Jesus. Luke 14:27. And they have nothing to do with the doctrines that—if we obey them—set us free from sin. Rom. 6:17-18. This is plain to see when they formulate doctrines concerning the woman’s right in the church. In such discussions one scripture is often set up against another.

“Nevertheless, neither is man preferred to the woman, nor is woman preferred to the man, in the Lord.” 1 Cor. 11:11.

We see that we all have the same rights in the church, which is the body of Christ. However, the members have different ministries. Each one can only have his spiritual development in the ministry that God has allotted to him.

In Chapter 11 Paul clarifies what we need to know regarding the relationship between man and woman, as God has created them and ordained their respective ministries.

“But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved.”

This is put so simply and plainly that there is nothing to argue about. In an indirect way, in plain and simple terms, it says that a woman can pray as well as prophesy. Paul says that speaking prophetically is to speak edification and exhortation and comfort to men. Ch. 14:3. Philip had four virgin daughters who prophesied. They were in the leading of the Spirit, their words being unto edification and exhortation and comfort.

“Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.” 1 Tim. 2:11-12.

Being a teacher is the same as being appointed over the ones you teach. Part of being a teacher is to use authority. Paul did not permit a woman to do this, because she was to be in submission. Speaking words that are unto edification and exhortation and comfort is not using authority; it is saying good words. It is to bless, which all of us are permitted to do.

“Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak, but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in the church assembly.” 1 Cor. 14:34-35.

These are also simple words, and it is evident that in this scripture Paul does not contradict what he says in Chapter 11. Here it says that she is to be silent, in connection with being in submission. She is not to interfere in administrative matters. That is the man’s ministry. If she wants to know anything she should ask her own husband at home.

However, when it concerns partaking of “divine nature,” we have the same right and the same possibilities within the ministry that has been allotted to us, whether we are man or woman. This is what produces eternal glory, which we cannot gain by being a busybody in other people’s ministries. 2 Pet. 1:3-11; 1 Pet. 4:15.

Sigurd Bratlie