1 Corinthians 14:36Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In addition, he draws reproofs from the agreement of all and from the universality of the commandments, as he does here: “Or did the word of God come out from you? Or did it reach you alone?” (1 Cor 14:36).

Here he expresses that the other churches observe the same law. In this way, he cuts off the disorder by pointing to an innovation, and makes his words more persuasive by appealing to the voice of all.

Therefore he also said elsewhere, “I have sent Timothy to you, my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church” (1 Cor 4:17).

And again, “For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints” (1 Cor 14:33).

The speech is addressed to someone as though he had objected to him. What are you saying? Do you resist and not acknowledge that it is good for women to keep silence in the churches? Is it because you are teachers, and from you the preaching passed to the rest? Was the faith established among you alone, so that you need not accept what others have accepted? You are believers, but not the first and not the only ones. Therefore you also must willingly accept what is pleasing to the whole world.

These are words of censure. The Corinthians had become so proud as if the promise of salvation proceeded from them, and as if other nations were called to faith according to their example.

It was as if there were no one who could receive the grace of God when the apostles preached.

They exalted themselves as though they gave more mercy than they had themselves received when they came to faith. Therefore Paul says, “Or did the word of God reach you alone?”

For anyone who wishes to buy something that he knows no one else seeks approaches the purchase with a certain arrogance, as if conferring a benefit on the seller.

For this reason the Apostle Paul censures the Corinthians, who had advanced so far in haughty vainglory. For if they themselves do not submit to the words of faith, neither will there be anyone who believes.

You were not the first, nor were you the only ones, to receive the Gospel preaching. Therefore do not be satisfied with your own laws, but follow the ordinances of the Church.

“Or did the word of God come out from you?” In restoring order in the Corinthian Church, the Apostle requires the Corinthians to submit to him as to what is common to all the Churches. The rule for order in divine services does not proceed from them, nor did they alone receive the Gospel preaching.

The law for women is this: they must not teach, even if they come into inspiration. Nor must they ask questions for instruction, but “ask their own husbands at home, for it is shameful for a woman to speak in church” (1 Cor 14:34-35).

Through this, the Apostle makes the women modest and the men attentive, as Chrysostom says.

Moreover, this rule concerning women is observed in all the churches: “Or did the word of God come out from you? Or did it reach you alone?” (1 Cor 14:36).

Everywhere one may observe this manner of his speech. He reproves not only by divine Scripture, but also by common customs, as Saint Chrysostom says.

Having spoken about the participation in church assemblies of men chosen by God, the Apostle commands concerning women that they be strictly forbidden to speak in church.

He bases this prohibition on their relation to their husbands as heads, whom they may ask at home about matters of faith. He also bases it on the fact that such a custom had been established in all the churches.

According to Saint John Chrysostom, “Here the Apostle does not exhort or advise, but commands with authority, bringing forward also the ancient law. Which one? ‘Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you’ (Gen 3:16).

“Here he expresses that the other Churches observe the same law. In this way, he cuts off the disorder by pointing to an innovation, and makes his words more persuasive by appealing to the voice of all.

He speaks as if to say: You are not the first, and you alone are not the faithful, but the whole universe is so.

You cannot say, he says, ‘We were teachers of others, and we ought not to learn from others.’ Nor can you say, ‘Only here has the teaching of faith been established, and we ought not to imitate the example of others.’

Do you see how many arguments he brought for their reproof? He brought forward the law, showed the shamefulness of the matter, and presented the other Churches as an example” (Saint Chrysostom).