"Let your women keep
silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but
they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law. And if they will
learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame
for women to speak in the church." -- 1 Corinthians 14:34-35
First Corinthians for Skeptics
Paul has an important message in First Corinthians: time is running out. There's no time for learning; no time for sex, marriage or families.
Jesus is coming soon. In the meantime, slaves should obey their masters, woman should obey their husbands, and everyone should speak in
tongues. Just not as much as Paul. ("I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all.")
Highlights:
Paul expected Jesus to return within the lifetime of his followers. 1:7-8, 10:11, 10:11,
15:51-52
Christians started out divided (into followers of Paul, Apollos, Cephas, or Christ), and it has remained so ever since. 1:12, 3:4
Poor Paul is confused. First he says that he baptized no one. Well, except for Crispus and Gaius. And maybe Stephanus and his household. He can't remember if he did it to anyone else.
1:14-16