5 Lin,

What are the reasons 1 Corin 14 could not be used as a second witness against women teaching men? Just curious.

There are two reasons that it cannot be used as a second witness. The first reason is that it would have to be Paul’s words not a quote from the Corinthians to make a second witness and since verse 36 refutes the previous position, the “second witness” cannot stand.

Secondly if we were to take 1 Cor. 14:34, 35 as Paul’s command, it still isn’t a second witness. There is nothing in that passage that forbids women to teach men. Can women teach men in groups outside the church? 1 Cor. 14 cannot be used to prohibit that.

Lastly if we were to take the passage as Paul’s command, everyone interprets it as allowing speech to some extent. Otherwise women wouldn’t even be able to say “hello” in the church. So if speech is allowed, what isn’t allowed? The passage in Corinthians says not one word about “teaching men” as something forbidden and since Paul has already told the Corinthians they all can prophesy so that all can learn, prophesying (teaching) to men could not possibly be forbidden in this passage by Paul.

Thanks for asking! I am sure that “Paul” will have more to say when we get to this passage.