Indeed, Thomas often leads the reader through mind-boggling distinctions and unnecessary complications. This is especially true of his categorizations and restrictions of spiritual gifts. Present, also, in this work is a troubling tension between human and divine instrumentality in receiving and utilizing spiritual gifts. Here one finds a microcosm of difficulties found elsewhere in this volume. Such leadership is the responsibility of men.
Women are to remain silent in worship.
No doubt, this interpretation is possible, especially when the larger context of 1 Corinthians and Paul's undisputed letters are not fully considered, but it is certainly not the only or best way of understanding this passage. The problems manifested in this interpretation are threefold. Finally, there is the matter of attentiveness to the Greek text. Thomas passes without comment the curious presence of a masculine, plural personal pronoun in v. 36 which means that Paul may be addressing the men or the men and women but cannot be addressing the women only. Indeed, the prevailing view of Paul and of scripture is that God does not restrict God's gift-giving on the basis of gender.