was Paul anti-feminist?

[jesusisthegod]

in the first Corithians

'1 Corinthians14:34Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.context14:35And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church
'


but at present women talk and talk in churches. is that right? or Just Paul made a mistake? but how can any mistake ever happen in the Bible?

 

[evangeline]

No way was Paul anti-feminist, he appreciated and valued his female coworkers and mentions 10 of them in Romans chapter 16 alone!

This passage of scripture you mention is referring to a specific problem that they had in the Corinthian church. The women were seated seperately from the men and if they didn't understand something (like the prophecies that were happening in verses 29-32) they would just call out and be very disruptive and disorderly. Paul is telling these ladies to wait untill they get home and then they can ask their husbands about it.

These verses do not mean that a gifted and orderly woman cannot speak in church, as Paul mentions elsewhere that women can pray and prophecy. Philip had four daughters who could prophecy. Phoebe and Priscilla were famous for their preaching, and Paul thought very highly of them.

 

[Chad]

Thank you evangline for sharing that. Sounds like Paul was giving an order of discipline (makes sense) in the church so everyone can enjoy the service and hear without disruption. You know, some people (men/women) are just plain ol' loud and rude sometimes LOL (i.e. cell phones in the wrong places - modern day example)

 

[Legacy]

Jesusisgod,
In Romans16:1-2 Paul writes, I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

 

[jesusisthegod]

it is very interesting to know the relevant history. what you talked about is new to me. thank you again. I will collect all your answers and print them out, in case next time the others ask me the same questions.