Biblically Speaking #95 Does 1 Corinthians 14 Mean Women Can’t Lead? + Dr. Lynn Cohick
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May 12, 2026 
Dr. Lynn H. Cohick, Distinguished New Testament scholar who studies women in early Christianity, joins to unpack 1 Corinthians 14. She explains Corinth’s chaotic worship, what public speaking meant, and how Paul navigates prophecy, tongues, and order. She highlights Priscilla as a leadership example and explores whether verses about women’s silence reflect disruption, cultural slogans, or a universal ban.
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Priscilla Taught Apollos And Led A House Church
- Priscilla and Aquila hosted Paul in Corinth, later led a house church in Ephesus, and Priscilla instructed Apollos privately.
- Cohick highlights Priscilla's name often appears first, implying prominent leadership and theological teaching to a male colleague.
Paul Prioritizes Prophecy Over Tongues For Order
- 1 Corinthians 14's immediate concern is speaking in tongues versus prophecy, and Paul values prophecy because it edifies the congregation.
- Cohick explains tongues required interpretation; without it, speakers should be silent to avoid chaos.
Textual Variant Raises Doubt About Original Placement
- A manuscript variant places verses 34–35 elsewhere, suggesting they might be a marginal note or misplacement rather than Paul's original line.
- Cohick notes conservative scholars consider this variant when reconciling the verse with earlier chapters where women already speak in worship.
