Speaking in the assembly Another Pauline custom that belongs to this category concerns women speaking in the public assembly. During instruction, a woman should be quiet and respectful. I am not giving permission for a woman to teach or to tell a man what to do. These texts were made much of in scholastic theology to prove that women could not be given any authority in the Church. Silence is more suitable to woman's humble status in the presence of men.
Man possesses better reason and judgment and more discretion than woman.
By speaking, woman may be tempted to lead man to sin. It is better that woman should remain ignorant of what is not necessary. By asking stupid questions in church she would give scandal to others. 67 Cornelius' exegesis was obviously tainted with prejudice. He read more into the text than is warranted because he was anxious to see it confirm what he already believed.