Women should observe a proper sense of modesty, free from vanity and worldly display, at all times, but especially in public worship. A godly woman's attractiveness is her character, not her costly clothing. see 1 Peter, 3:3,4
Positively, Paul exhorts women to be disciples and to maintain a conduct that would not discredit the church. The prohibition of v. 12 refers to the authoritative office of apostolic teacher in the church. It does not forbid women to educate, proclaim truth, or exhort ( prophesy ). See Acts 2:17; 18:26, 21:9, 1 cor. 11:5, Phil. 4:3, 2 Tim. 1:5; 3:14,15; Titus 2:3-5.
The fact that Adam was formed first by God indicates a priority of responsibility. God appointed the mand as the head of the family, and the wife is not to usurp authority over him in this office. Conversely, the man is therewith charged to accept and serve this role, not as a tyrant but as a servant under God's assignment and subject to His holy and loving Spirit. Adam acted by delibrate choice, but Eve was deceived. Paul does not teach that Adam was morally, intellectually, or spiritually superior to Eve, simply that her trustfulness made her susceptible to deception.
To be a Christian homemaker, wife, and mother is as lofty a work as can be inspired, especially as we study the abundant historical evidence of a mother's influence in shaping the destiny of children, who have in turn shaped the history of the church and of nations.
Each of you: The things of the Spirit are intended for every member of the body of Christ, no an elite few. This verse 1 Cor 14:26 describes typical Christian worship in the present age. In orderto preserve balance and prevent confusion in the worship service, Paul regulates prophecy. Others present, especially those who function in the gift of prophecy, are to judge the authenticity of the prophetic utterances. The judging includes its content, alignment with God's word, and relevancy to the meeting.
These verses 1 Cor 14:34,35 may be interpreted in various way. The best interpretation is probably to see Paul as not forbidding women to manifest spiritual gifts in the service ( see 11:5, Acts 2:18, 21:9 ). Rather, he prohibits undisciplined discussion that would disturb the service. Also possible is the forbidden speaking along the lines of 1 Tim. 2:11-15, which precludes women from becoming independent doctrinal ( apostolic ) authorities over men. One other view sees vv.34,35 as Paul's quoting from their letter to him in beginning a new paragraph. Proponents of this view then see v.36 as his rhetorical answer, essentially saying. "What? Men only? Nonsense!" Perhaps more helpful is noting that the Greek word her for "women" is also transiatable "wife". Thus, the command may confront the impropriety in any age for a wife to domineeringly issue doctrinal commands and enforce authoritative teachings, embarrassing her husband in public. The Bible does not assign rigid social or church roles to men and women, but it does place headship and authority in husbands as an abiding principle for this age. The spiritually minded will receive Paul's instructions with apostolic authority. Those who reject them are responsible for the consequences of their ignorance. Discontinuance of spiritual gifts was not Paul's solution to their abuse. The guidelines he has given will provide safeguards assuring order in the service.
