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Complementarian 1 Corinthians 14:1, 5 ●●●○○

Are Women Included in "All May Prophesy"?

prophecy spiritual gifts women prophesying edification desire tongues egalitarian

Summary

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The Opposing Argument

Complementarian position: Women prophesying (as in 1 Cor 11:5) is acceptable, but 14:34 restricts the kind of speech involved — perhaps evaluative prophecy or authoritative teaching. Egalitarian response: Paul draws no such distinction in ch. 14. His instruction in 14:29-31 for all to prophesy one by one, with others weighing what is said, is described as available to "all" (pantes, v.31). Prophecy in this context includes speaking, being heard, being evaluated, and contributing to communal discernment — which is exactly what 14:34-35 (on a complementarian reading) would prohibit for women.

Egalitarian Response

Debate: Are Women Included in "All May Prophesy"?

Complementarian position: Women prophesying (as in 1 Cor 11:5) is acceptable, but 14:34 restricts the kind of speech involved — perhaps evaluative prophecy or authoritative teaching.

Egalitarian response: Paul draws no such distinction in ch. 14. His instruction in 14:29-31 for all to prophesy one by one, with others weighing what is said, is described as available to "all" (pantes, v.31). Prophecy in this context includes speaking, being heard, being evaluated, and contributing to communal discernment — which is exactly what 14:34-35 (on a complementarian reading) would prohibit for women.

Linked Passages (1)

1 Corinthians 14:1, 5 📖 (Explore →)

Primary verse for this claim (1 Corinthians 14:1, 5)

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