Commands Concerning Worship

Now I hope that you can see from this passage the difference between command and custom. Most of what Paul is saying here is related to command. Verse 8 – Paul states that it is his apostolic desire; the holy tradition that he is inculcating here in relation to the enduring principle of male headship, that the men, (tous andras), “the males”, pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath or doubting. This is their role in the public gathered worship of the church, and everywhere that they might pray, he says. The women are likewise to pray, but not audibly in the public assembly. In terms of their focus on their own role in public worship, they are to adorn themselves modestly, dressing appropriately and remembering the grace of moderation. They were not to overly focus on their hair (braiding it intricately), or adorning themselves with gold and pearls or costly clothing, but rather they were to be thinking of what was proper for women professing godliness, with good works.