Of Tongues and Women

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Proverbs 1,2 and 1Corinthians 14:21-40

More will be said of some thoughts in the passages in Proverbs in another post.

Chapter 14 of 1Corinthians puts a cap on the arguments first surfaced in 1Co 12. One of the problems that the brethren were facing was this notion of superiority and faction. First it was the "pedigree" as we read in 1Co 1 and now even in spiritual gifts were people comparing with one another.
Even as Paul devoted an entire chapter in 13 to explain the greater concept of love over spiritual gifts, he deemed it necessary to illustrate further with practical examples and yea even an assurance that his writing were by no means "suggestions" but the very commandments of God Himself (v. 37), to quell any shadow of doubt or contention.

The church is not a "show and tell" market place where brethren try to out do one another! Everything has to be done in order and for the overall edification of the brethren (v. 26, 33, 40).

The concept of "tongue speaking" is also clearly explained in this chapter. Notice that a "tongue"
1) Can be interpreted (v. 5,13,27,28)
2) Is not unintelligible gibberish (implied in v.9-11)
3) If not understood is useless to people other than self (2,4,6,16,17)

The fact of the matter is, "tongues" even though is a literall translation of the Greek "glossa", is understood to mean "languages". This is clearly illustrated in Acts 2:4-6. And of course as pointed out by Paul in 1Co 14, is indeed not just any imaginary, mystical language but that which can be interpreted.
On the functionality perspective, we note from v. 22, it is exactly the effect that was first recorded in Acts 2 - a sign to the unbelievers. As part of all the signs/miracles to confirm the word (Mark 16:20). That gospel maybe spread quickly among all the nations. The gift of tongues, in it's real intended sense have lost it's purpose since the completion of the New Testament. Much less the modern day contortions that serve only to contribute to chaos in church and irreverence to God Almighty.

Then in the same breath, Paul arrives at a seemingly controversial statement about the behaviour of women in the church.

1Co 14:34  Let 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.
1Co 14:35  And 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.

Keeping these verses in the context (c.f.v.23), we realise immediately that Paul was talking about the worship service. The manner of "speaking" was also inline with prophesying and tongues (note that the women too at that time could possess spiritual gifts. c.f. Act 2:18). When in comes to a public setting, men were to take lead and this is further affirmed by Paul in 1Ti 2:12-14. And all this comes into clearer light when Paul seemingly exclaims out of nowhere in v. 36  "What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?" What? Are you saying you Corinthians were the only ones capable of speaking the Word and that all that you do are right? Thus it seems, to make the confusion and cacophony worse, even the women joined in the fray!

Obviously, women in the church could not be utterly silent. What about the commandment to sing (and yea even teach! Col 3:16; Eph 5:19)? In a bible class situation, when called upon by an authorised teacher, women could and should speak up. The whole crux of the matter was what manner it is done and under what situation. Just like the gift of tongues, which had an intended purpose but may not be appropriate. Wherefore Paul concludes the chapter, "Let all things be done decently and in order."

It is precisely the same reason that today we have the order of worship, song leaders, prayer leaders, men serving tables, etc. All for the sake of decency and orderliness, as commanded by God. Our worship to God was never meant to be a "no-holds-barred", "anything goes", wanton and uncontrolled carnival. But an orderly, awe-provoking, reverent and solemn occasion, even as we praise God and commemorate Jesus' death on the cross.

Let us continue to practice sobriety and propriety in our worship to God.

The Lord bless our day ahead.

in Him
Paul

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But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. ~ Ephesians 4:29