C. Hermeneutic No. 3

When Paul issued his dictum enforcing silence upon women in Christian churches he was either staring a principle (which never changes), or he was making a policy application. Which was it?HIPSA 19.4

If he were enunciating a principle, then such would, of necessity, apply with equal force today. Add thus the Church of Christ evangelist could logically accuse the Seventh-day Adventist Church as being a false church because it doesn’t follow a law of the Bible.HIPSA 19.5

But if we are in trouble, so are others: in the days of Jesus a woman—Anna—prophesied in the temple in Jerusalem concerning the future role of the baby Jesus. There is no evidence that she was scolded or condemned for inappropriate behavior by the male priest who witnessed it all (see Luke 1:25-38).HIPSA 19.6

Four prophetesses are mentioned by name in the Old Testament, at least one of whom (Miriam) led the choir in front of the whole congregation (Exodus 15:20, 21)!HIPSA 19.7

No, logic and consistency compel me to believe that Paul’s counsel against women speaking in church was a policy, rather than a principle. But upon what principle(s) was it based? I see at least five separate principles in Paul’s writings upon which he based his policy. These principles are binding upon us today—though they may well have a somewhat different application than in Paul’s day.HIPSA 19.8

1. 1 Corinthians 14:40: “Let all things be done decently [Paul was concerned with morality] and in order [he was equally concerned about reverence in the house of God].”HIPSA 19.9

2. 1 Thessalonians 5:22: “Abstain from all appearance [as well as the substance] of evil.”HIPSA 19.10

3. 1 Corinthians 8:9 and Romans 14:13, 21: Don’t place a stumbling-block in front of a weak brother (or sister).HIPSA 19.11

4. 1 Corinthians 6:12: Paul never taught that, strictly speaking, all things were lawful; for sin, by definition, is lawbreaking. He meant instead that though some things are in themselves lawful, they are not expedient. He abstained from them for reasons related to circumstances.HIPSA 19.12

5. 1 Timothy 2:9: Modesty is to be cultivated by all women (and all men, too!).HIPSA 19.13

I am totally satisfied that Paul’s counsel to Corinth and Ephesus that women not speak in church is a policy to meet a particular situation. It was his temporary caution to the members there. It would apply equally today in any place where there are circumstances that are identical with those Paul had to face in Corinth and Ephesus.HIPSA 19.14

No, Paul wasn’t antifemale, as feminists have sometimes mistakenly charged. And God wasn’t down on women, either.HIPSA 19.15

We have noted Paul’s policy. But his permanent principle regarding women, I believe, is found in Galatians 3:27, 28: “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (NASB, emphasis supplied).HIPSA 19.16

Paul and other New Testament writers depict women in strong leadership roles. Barclay points to a few:HIPSA 20.1

• Mary, a Galilean peasant girl, was chosen (without the aid of any human male) to give birth to and train the One who would become our Saviour.

• Four women, of all them disciples, remained by the cross at a time when it was dangerous to identify and affiliate with Jesus. Women also were the first to see and proclaim the risen Lord.

• Priscilla (with her husband Aquila) served as a valuable teacher in the early Christian church, and led the mighty Apollos to a knowledge of the truths of salvation.

• The four daughters of Philip served as prophetesses.

• The 16th chapter of Romans records the names of many other women whom Paul esteemed. ^{9Ibid., p. 68.}