In the Old Testament, women were object of uncleanness and unrecognised, In the family and in Public places.
They were not counted in genealogy.But the coming of Christ has unified all.

Galatians 3:28
    , there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

But despite all these,women still constantly face relegation and segregation in God's house based on misunderstanding of certain scriptures such as:

1 Cor. 14:34-35
    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. [35] 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.

Paul was dealing with marital issue here . Firstly , the word "women" or "woman" GK Gune: is only used for married woman. The unmarried ladies and girls were never called women, but were called virgins or the unmarried or daughters ,maiden,damsel etc.

Acts 21:9
    And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

It was only married women that Paul was dealing with which means ,it was a marital problem. Thats why Paul said they should ask their husbands at home.What of a lady without husband ? Women were new to such active participation,they had so many question to ask and by this they interrupt meetings to ask questions and get clarifications which was part of Corinthians unruly attitude, Paul was dealing with the nuisance of the married women in taking liberty for granted and disrespecting the husband openly.Some even try to lecture their own husbands on scriprural things.

Prior to this time , women were not allowed to participate actively in assemblies, they did nt have privilege to even sit where men sited. Because of the new faith in Christ , some began to disturb the services with questions,The early church had a peculiar problem, especially Corinthian church, because of the unruly attitude of some
Paul was dealing with respect for husband here.A woman also should not try to lecture HER OWN HUSBAND.Not that she cant teach any man, but not to teach her own husband.

1 Tim. 2:12
    But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man , but to be in silence.

Remember He said "over the man"(Husband) and not "over men".(definite article) Paul was never against women preaching ,teaching etc. They were allowed to prophesy, what is prophecy? it means to speak or preach or teach the word of God. You dont prophesy under the table but openly that others may learn.

1 Cor. 14:31
    For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn,
. ,

1 Cor. 11:5
    But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.

Here shows an indication that women can preach; To prophesy means to speak the word of God openly in teaching,preaching,or exhortation.


The bible is not against women preaching the word of God. either in church or anywhere else. when the Bible address the issue of women and authority It always has to do with married women. Young girls were not called "women" but the married.

Paul had a couple he converted, and the couple ministered to other people together.(husband and wife ministry?)
They converted Apollos together.

Acts 18:26
    And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.   
Priscilla was not teaching women, she was teaching everybody with her husband. Paul commended them several times.

Romans 16:3
    Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:

Later this couple began to pastor a church together as husband and wife

1 Cor. 16:19
    The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

Paul was dealing with peculiar problem of respect and reverence only to their husband "The Man" The same issue applied to covering of head; it was for only married women and it was a cultural way of respect for husband those days


Covering of head

It was customary for a married woman that appears in public to cover her head, This is not face cap or handkerchief  but the covering of the entire head like some alhaji's wives. Some of these Corinthian women refused to cover the head , which was a sign of marriage, It was like the wedding ring of our time. Indian women have a red dot on their head as sign of marriage and respect for the authority of "the man" .This is not referring to single ladies. It was like a wife go out without her wedding ring. She dishonours her husband who is her head

1 Cor. 11:3
    But I would have you know, , that  the head of[b] the woman[/b](wife) is "the man"(husband);

1 Cor. 11:5
    But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head( the man).

Our adopted western culture makes no room for head covering, but wedding ring. this is not a spiritual issue here but marital. If you want to cover ,it is OK. but you must cover the entire head and not just the hair!.It should be an issue of agreement between husbands and wives but certainly not applicable to singles.