Husbands Teaching Wives in the Home and Church

The biblical basis for husbands teaching their wives in the home and the role of women in the church is rooted in several key passages. In 1 Corinthians 14:35, it is written, "If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church" ^[1]. This verse suggests that wives are expected to seek knowledge and understanding from their husbands in a private setting.

The concept of husbands having authority over their wives is also supported by other biblical references. According to Easton's Bible Dictionary, the man has preeminence over the woman because she was "taken out of man" (Gen. 2:23), and "the head of the woman is the man" (1 Cor. 11:3, 8, 9) ^[3]. Torrey's Topical Textbook lists among the duties of husbands to their wives: to love them, respect them, be faithful to them, and dwell with them for life ^[2].

In the context of the church, the role of women is further clarified by the apostle Paul's writings. The prohibition on women speaking in church (1 Cor. 14:34-35) is understood by some as a directive for women to seek guidance from their husbands at home rather than asking questions or teaching in public gatherings ^{[1, 4]}. John Gill interprets this passage as indicating that women should ask their husbands privately if they have questions or need clarification on matters discussed during church services ^[4].

The relationship between husbands and wives is also addressed in Ephesians 5:25-33, where husbands are instructed to love their wives as Christ loved the Church. This involves sacrificial love, care, and nourishment, mirroring Christ's relationship with the Church ^{[5, 7]}. According to Adam Clarke, this means husbands should labor to promote the salvation of their wives and their edification in the faith ^[5].

The early Christian tradition reinforces these biblical teachings. The writings of the early Church Fathers, such as Clement and Augustine, emphasize the importance of marital harmony and the role of husbands in leading their wives spiritually ^{[9, 10]}. In his Homilies, John Chrysostom discusses the submission of wives to their husbands, drawing parallels with the Church's submission to Christ ^[11].

The Catholic tradition, as represented by Thomas Aquinas, interprets the biblical directives on women's roles in the church as prohibiting them from teaching publicly but allowing them to engage in private instruction or conversation ^[6]. This view is grounded in the understanding of the female sex's condition and the need to maintain order in the church.

In summary, the biblical and traditional understanding of husbands teaching their wives in the home is rooted in the concept of male headship and the specific roles assigned to men and women within the household and the church. While traditions may vary in their interpretation of these roles, the underlying biblical principles remain a common foundation.

The historical development of these teachings is evident in the writings of the early Church Fathers and the continued discussion among various Christian traditions. The Reformed tradition, represented by John Calvin, emphasizes the mutual love and respect between husbands and wives, using the relationship between Christ and the Church as a model ^[8].

The role of women in the church continues to be a subject of discussion among different Christian denominations, with varying interpretations of the biblical directives. However, the core principle of husbands loving and leading their wives, as Christ loves and leads the Church, remains a consistent theme across many traditions.

The biblical and patristic emphasis on the husband's role in teaching and guiding his wife underscores the importance of the home as a setting for spiritual instruction and growth. This is reinforced by the expectation that wives will seek knowledge and understanding from their husbands, as indicated in 1 Corinthians 14:35 ^[1].

Sources

1 Corinthians “1 Corinthians 14:35 (NASB) — If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church.”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Husbands — Should have but one wife -- Ge 2:24; Mr 10:6-8; 1Co 7:2-4. Have authority over their wives -- Ge 3:16; 1Co 11:3; Eph 5:23. Duty of, to wives To respect them. -- 1Pe 3:7. To love them. -- Eph 5:25-33; Col 3:19. To regard them as themselves. -- Ge 2:23; Mt 19:5. To be faithful to them. -- Pr 5:19; Mal 2:14,15. To dwell with them for life. -- Ge 2:24; Mt 19:3-9. To comfort them. -- 1Sa 1:8. To consult with them. -- Ge 31:4-7. Not to leave them, though unbelieving. -- 1Co 7:11,12,14,16. Duties of, not to interfere with their duties to Christ -- Lu 14:26; Mt 19”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Woman — Was "taken out of man" (Gen. 2:23), and therefore the man has the preeminence. "The head of the woman is the man;" but yet honour is to be shown to the wife, "as unto the weaker vessel" (1 Cor. 11:3, 8, 9; 1 Pet. 3:7). Several women are mentioned in Scripture as having been endowed with prophetic gifts, as Miriam (Ex. 15:20), Deborah (Judg. 4:4, 5), Huldah (2 Kings 22:14), Noadiah (Neh. 6:14), Anna (Luke 2:36, 37), and the daughters of Philip the evangelist (Acts 21:8, 9). Women are forbidden to teach publicly (1 Cor. 14:34, 35; 1 Tim. 2:11, 12). Among the He”
1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 14:33: And if they will learn anything,.... If they are desirous of learning anything in relation to doctrine, duty, or discipline, and of improving their knowledge of divine things, which is very commendable in them; if any difficulty arises in their minds whilst hearing the word, which they want to have removed, or any question to ask for information sake, let them ask their husbands at home; privately, when retired from the public assembly; for though men might ask one another concerning this, and the other point, in the church, as was usual in the synagogue wor”
Ephesians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Ephesians 5:25: Husbands, love your wives - Here is a grand rule, according to which every husband is called to act: Love your wife as Christ loved the Church. But how did Christ love the Church? He gave himself for it - he laid down his life for it. So then husbands should, if necessary, lay down their lives for their wives: and there is more implied in the words than mere protection and support; for, as Christ gave himself for the Church to save it, so husbands should, by all means in their power, labor to promote the salvation of their wives, and their constant edification in”
theology (Catholic (Scholastic)) “Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Second Part of the Second Part (Secunda Secundae), Of the Gratuitous Grace Consisting in Words, Art. 2: Article: Whether the grace of the word of wisdom and knowledge is becoming to women? I answer that, Speech may be employed in two ways: in one way privately, to one or a few, in familiar conversation, and in this respect the grace of the word may be becoming to women; in another way, publicly, addressing oneself to the whole church, and this is not permitted to women. First and chiefly, on account of the condition attaching to the female sex, whereby woman should b”
Ephesians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ephesians 5:23: Husbands, love your wives,.... Which consists in a strong and cordial affection for them; in a real delight and pleasure in them; in showing respect, and doing honour to them; in seeking their contentment, satisfaction, and pleasure; in a quiet, constant, and comfortable dwelling with them; in providing all things necessary for them; in protecting them from all injuries and abuses; in concealing their faults, and covering their infirmities; in entertaining the best opinion of their persons and actions; and in endeavouring to promote their spiritual good and welfare”
CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 101: speak concerning Christ and the Church” ( Eph. 5:28 , 32 ). To treat Scripture thus is to confound heaven and earth. Paul, in order to show husbands how they ought to love their wives, sets Christ before them as an example. As he shed his bowels of affection for the Church, which he has espoused to himself, so he would have every one to feel affected toward his wife. Then he adds, “He that loveth his wife loveth himself,” “even as the Lord the Church.” Moreover, to show how Christ loved the Church as himself, nay, how he made hims”
Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 1: Clement, Polycarp, Ignatius, Barnabas, Papias, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus — CHAP. V.--THE DUTIES OF HUSBANDS AND WIVES.: Flee evil arts; but all the more discourse in public regarding them.(2) Speak to my sisters, that they love the Lord, and be satisfied with their husbands both in the flesh and spirit. In like manner also, exhort my brethren, in the name of Jesus Christ, that they love their wives, even as the Lord the Church.(3) If any one can continue in a state of purity,(4) to the honour of Him who is Lord of the flesh,(5) let him so remain without boasting. If he begins to boast”
Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 3: Augustine — On the Holy Trinity — ON CONTINENCE. (part 22): but that it may be holy and unspotted. So," saith he, "husbands also ought to love their own wives, as their own bodies. Whoso loveth his own wife, loveth himself."(5) Then he added, what we have already made mention of, "For no man ever hated his own flesh, but nourisheth it, and cherisheth it; as also Christ the Church."(6) What saith the madness of most impure impiety in answer to these things? What say ye in answer to these things, ye Manichees; ye who wish to bring in upon us, as if out of the Epistles of the Apostle”
CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: is not, “but, nevertheless,” as the Church is subject to Christ, so let wives be to their husbands, etc.—Ellicott, Meyer, Bengel, Calvin, and Alford.—G.A.] as the Church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their husbands in everything.” Then after saying, “The husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is of the Church,” he further adds, “and He is the Saviour of the body.” For indeed the head is the saving health of the body. He had already laid down beforehand for man and wife, the ground and provision of their lo”

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