An Exegetical Study of 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 and its Relevance to Redeemed Christian Church of God Women in Nigeria
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Date
2019
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UNILORIN PRESS
Abstract
The study provided an exegetical study of 1Corinthians 14:34-35 as a premise for the examination of Αἱ γυναῖκες ὑμῶν ἐν ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις σιγάτωσαν· ‘let your women keep silence in the churches’and its relevance to Redeemed Christian Church of God Women in Nigeria. The objective of this paper was to examine the text in its original Greek language. Again, the work attempts an exegetical study of 1Corinthians 14:34-35 for clear understanding of the meaning, application and implications of terminologies related to ‘let your women keep silence in the churches. Furthermore, this paper explores views of Biblical Scholars on 1Corinthians 14:34-35, because it is of central importance in this paper. Methodologies adopted were exegetical, historical and sociological. The exegetical method facilitated a comprehensive examination of the content and context of the text under consideration to enhance precise interpretation. The historical method aided the reconstruction of the place of women in the church, while the sociological method was imperative for understanding the relevance of let your women keep silence in the churches and the society. The major findings were that: Silence in this passage is restricted to some certain period of time to avoid disturbance during church meeting, and that does not mean Apostle Paul is saying that they are not allowed to talk at all in the church or even in the society. However, Customary Practices across Nigeria hold that the man is the head of the house and has the absolute control in the decision making process of the home. This has contributed in no small measure to the repression of the aspirations of women, as permission would have to be taken from her ‘owner’ before she embarks on pursuing any endeavour in life. In conclusion, those who deny women the gender equality in fundamental human rights both in the church and the Nigerian society are doing a disservice to women and discouraging peaceful co-existence among adherents of the religion.
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Keywords
Silence, Law, Woman, Church, Relevance.