1 Timothy 2:11-12 and 1 Corinthians 14:34-36 have been pointed out to the membership and myself recently to mean that women cannot speak once they enter into the church building, nor can they teach children or other women, nor answer any questions when taught by a man, but to be in silence.

Such teaching is not new, but this teaching does under-mine the strength of the church. The writing of apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 2:11-12 and 1 Corinthians 14:34-36 points out that the public preaching in the church was done by the men, and not by the women; however, this does not mean the women have no place in the Lord's work. These verses do not suggest a silent and non-teaching role for women. She is to teach other women and children (Titus 2:3-5; 2 Tim. 1:5; 3:15). She has labored with men in the spread of the gospel (Phil. 4:3). Women have been involved in privately teaching men (Acts 18:26). So women can teach but without taking the lead over the man (1 Tim. 2:12). God has deemed that the man should take the lead in the public worship while the woman is to be in silence and support, uphold, and lead in the teaching of her own sex and children. She (the woman) can also ask and answer questions while being taught by a man (John 4:7-30). If the woman is to truly be in silence, then she cannot sing (Eph. 5:19). To teach that women cannot speak once entering the building is plain nonsense.

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 15, p. 4
August 1, 1996