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Old 05-31-2009, 11:31 PM
Bro. Parrish
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The key to this is understanding and observing the CONTEXT of the passage. The context is the Corinthian church which was noted for the chaos and lack of ORDER that was rampant in that assembly (v. 33) and the result was mass confusion. Paul was actually concerned that new Christians or visitors would think they were insane:

23 "If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?"

Because of this lack of order, things were becoming counter-productive, there was no edification.

26 "How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying."

40 "Let all things be done decently and in order".

It is in THIS CONTEXT of the chaotic Corinthian church that Paul makes the statements about women, and so it is apparent that there were women who were driving much of this confusion, perhaps trying to lead the services or even preach and assume leadership roles (we still see this problem happening in some churches today).

However it should be noted that Paul ALSO offered a situation when MEN should be silent in the church:

28 "But if there be no interpreter, let HIM keep silence in the church..."

So we have to keep things in context.