The elusive law
The problem that occurs in this passage is that the “law” is the key reference for the required silence. Many have tried to ignore this “elusive” law making their interpretation around it. This has resulted in the silencing of women from asking their husbands questions in the assembly. But where is this “elusive” law found that silences only women from asking questions in the assembly? Paul doesn’t say that it is disruptive to talk in the assembly. The wording is a direct prohibition attached to an existing “law”.
Some have tried to “shoe horn” Genesis 3:16 as a “law” that silences women. This connection is not possible. For women like myself who have very supportive husbands who encourage me to use my gifts for the benefit of the body of Christ (including benefiting men), I am not being silenced at all by Genesis 3:16 no matter how the “he will rule over you” is taken.
So where is the “law” that silences women in the assembly? One cannot interpret this passage without finding the elusive law.
I will let my readers answer this one before we continue on with 1 Corinthians 14. What do you think? Why is there a “law” quoted in 1 Cor. 14:34 that cannot be found in the Old Testament? Have you heard of any other reference to a “law” from the Old Testament? Is it possible that verse 34 is a new law that Paul has just created? Why or why not?