Matthew Henry Commentary


Matthew Henry Commentary
"let the women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but let them be in subjection, as also saith the law. And if they would learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home: for it is shameful for a woman to speak in the church. What? was it from you that the word of God went forth? or came it unto you alone? If any man thinketh himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him take knowledge of the things which I write unto you, that they are the commandment of the Lord. But if any man is ignorant, let him be ignorant. Wherefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. But let all things be done decently and in order." — 1 Corinthians 14:34-40 (ASV)
When the apostle exhorts Christian women to seek information on religious subjects from their husbands at home, it shows that believing families should assemble to promote spiritual knowledge. The Spirit of Christ can never contradict itself; and if their revelations are against those of the apostle, they do not come from the same Spirit.
The way to keep peace, truth, and order in the church is to seek what is good for it, to bear with what is not hurtful to its welfare, and to maintain good behavior, order, and decency.