Today's Passage - 1 Corinthians 14:32-36

1 Corinthians 14:32-36   The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.  As in all the congregations of the saints, women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. If 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. Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached?      Perhaps when you read this you will think that this teaching is really unfashionable. In fact Paul said these to the women for a reason. Verse 32, 33 and 34 should be read together.   Why did Paul say such harsh words to the woman at that time? Verse 32 says that the spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. Verse 33 says, God is not a God of disorder, but of peace". From this we see that in the church back then, there were many women who do not want to submit to order, and were causing chaos.  For this reason, Paul was rebuking the women at that time, asking them to remain silent in the churches.  At that time, many women in the church were claiming to be prophets. Verse 36 in this passage says "Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached?" These people denied the church authority and thought that they were the only ones with the gift of prophecy and was spirit-filled so that God's Word could only come through them. Once you understand this historic background, you will begin to understand why Paul said such harsh words towards them. It was because these women did not submit to the church authority and wanted the congregation to listen to them only. They created chaos within the church, hence did not line up with God's principles.   God's principle is for prophets to submit to the authority of the church. If the prophet does not submit to the church, he does not obey the order set by God. No matter apostles, prophets, teachers, pastors or evangelists, they all have to be recognized by the church and appointed by the church.  This is in line with God's principles.  If we want to serve God, we cannot separate ourselves from the authority of the church, otherwise it will cause chaos.  Paul criticized the women here not because they were not allowed to speak, but because they need to speak under the authority of the church.  The same principle applies to men as well. If we speak randomly without regard for the church authority, that is not in line with the principle of the Bible. From this we understand that a church needs to have order.         Pray with Pastor Tong   Lord, we thank you because the Holy Spirit is a God of order. Let us know the order of the Holy Spirit and learn to submit to church authority and operate under authority.  May your name be lifted up high once again and your will be satisfied. We thank you and pray in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!        Find out more about ROLCC Ignite English ministry, a dynamic multi-ethnic young professional congregation!