35 If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.
The verse right before this says that women are to keep silent in the church. O how this has been distorted in our history. It is so convenient to stop at the end of verse 34 and preach a great sermon that will bring an “Amen” from a rebellious man. But so many men don’t even engage with their wives at home! This verse in its historical context makes perfect sense. Think of a day before sound systems and children’s church, sound proof buildings and air conditioning and heat. Then picture men and women sitting in different areas of the gathering as was the Jewish custom at the time. Picture, if you would, Mary yelling to Joseph half way across the gathering. “What did he say, I couldn’t hear him?” Or “What does that word mean?” And then he yells back, (I am sure he is not annoyed at this point) “I can’t believe you weren’t listening” or some similar word of kindness and compassion. Can you see how this might bring about something other than peace! So Paul’s words fit perfectly well in their context. So how does it fit in ours? If our questions, or any other action for that matter, cause a distraction from what the Spirit is doing at the moment, we should stop the distracting action. Some churches handle the cell phones by flashing “Turn off cell phones” prior to each service. Ruffling through purses, whispering during prayer or the preaching, those snacks that seem to come out for the ‘kids’, passing notes, or cuddling. The list could go on, but if I continued I am sure I would miss your favorite one. The point is to avoid things that might distract others and yourself in the process. Ask the question, “Does this need to be done NOW?” If the answer is no, don’t do it. Wait for after the service. God works on us during our corporate gatherings. That is part of His plan. Let us work with God by not participating in things that would be distracting to others. And this is both men and women of all ages. No listening to the ball games, ladies!
The Arnold Journey 