2224.—Women in the Church.
It is impossible to explain in the light of present conditions many expressions of Scripture. The above are examples of this. The customs of the time, the manners of the heathen, the bringing of these customs into the Christian church, doubtless have a bearing on these prohibitions of the apostle. Man and woman are equal, but their spheres are different. Man is the stronger; God has given him the ruling position by virtue of that fact, and the silence enjoined in the above cited texts seems to refer to governmental matters in the church. But that this does not refer to woman's taking part in the worship of God, see the following scriptures, which show the honor bestowed upon them by the Father: Ex. 15:20, 21; Judges 4; 2 Chron. 34:22-28; Luke 23:55, 56; Acts 2:17, 18; 16:13-15; 21:8, 9; 18:1, 2; Rom. 16:1, 2, 6, 12; 2 Tim 1:5. The apostle gives directions as to the modest dress and deportment of the women who take part in public service. 1 Cor. 11:5. 1 Cor. 14:34, 35, is by some thought to be the words of objectors which Paul repeats in order more forcibly to make reply. See verse 36. These scriptures need cause no trouble to women in the church if they are truly humble, modest, faithful. They will not assume to rule or control, but by a godly life and modest demeanor will win and hold and mold hearts more strongly and truly than by any arbitrary methods or the assumption of authority.