Women Speaking in Church

If I said that people should be quiet in church, you might agree with me.  If I said that children should be quiet in church you might agree with me still.  But being quiet does not mean that no one should speak- or that there should not be a preacher.

Scripture: 34Women^f should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. 35If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.^g

36Or did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached?37If anyone thinks they are a prophet or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. 38But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored.^h

39Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. (1 Corinthians 14:34-39)

Thoughts: It is apparent that in Corinth there was a problem with women asking questions in church.  Paul is saying they should not be asking questions in the middle of worship but should inquire of their husbands later.  This should not be universalized into the idea that women have no place saying anything in church.  Verse 39 says, "brothers AND SISTERS"... "BE EAGER TO PROPHESY."  So Paul is actually encouraging the sisters to join the brothers in prophesy.  This was true of Philip's daughters ,who were prophets too.  If women could not speak at all, Paul would also tell them to not forbid the speaking in tongues by "brothers and sisters."  Unfortunately, some do not want women to speak, and they bring their thoughts to interpret this as a verse that forbids women to speak at all- which it does not do.  When the Spirit of God prompts someone to speak up- then woman or man- if they are called- they should have the right to speak. 

Prayer: Lord, if you call me to speak, let me speak.  If you call me to listen, give me ears to hear.