It Starts Small

¹¹ A woman is to learn quietly with full submission. ¹² I do not allow a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; instead, she is to remain quiet. ¹³ For Adam was formed first, then Eve. ¹⁴ And Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and transgressed. ¹⁵ But she will be saved through childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with good sense.

1 Timothy 2:11-15

Paul did not just follow culture

He wanted the women to learn. Throughout the Bible, women are elevated to a position far beyond what society deemed acceptable at that time. Paul’s bold instruction for women to “learn” (1 Timothy 2:11) was nothing short of revolutionary. The very idea of women receiving an education was seen as scandalous. Yet, Paul, with unwavering conviction, invites them to participate equally in church activities. He encourages them to embrace instruction alongside men. In Ephesians, Paul calls on husbands to “love [their] wives, just as Christ loved the church” (Ephesians 5:25 NASB). A radical notion in a culture where such love, respect, and care for one’s wife were almost unimaginable. The literature of the day barely whispers of such commands! Paul boldly proclaims the equality of women and men in the body of Christ (Galatians 3:28). This notion was so alien to his contemporaries. Jesus shattered societal norms by forgiving the adulteress and granting her freedom. Moreover, several of His closest followers were women. These included Mary Magdalene, Martha, and Mary, the sister of Martha. His resurrection is first revealed to women. They were tasked with spreading the good news, affirming that women are indeed called to proclaim the gospel!

All of the disciples were fiercely regarded as virtual rebels by the leaders of their respective cultures. Eleven of the twelve boldly faced death for their unorthodox teachings. These men exemplified courage, unafraid to challenge societal norms. It was even proclaimed that they had “turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6 NKJV). Paul’s teachings on women’s roles were not merely influenced by cultural norms. They were ignited by the divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit. He championed a powerful role and position for women. This role was equal to that of men. It was beautifully distinct in its own right.

Is this command cultural?

Many passionately argue that these instructions were merely cultural, aimed solely at the church in Ephesus. Yet, in verse thirteen of chapter two, Paul boldly presents God’s divine creation order as the bedrock for this commandment. If this instruction stemmed from a unique circumstance in Ephesus, he would have cited that specific context as the rationale. He would have done this rather than invoking creation itself to prohibit women teachers! Verse fourteen amplifies this notion, revealing that the fall is a stark consequence of God’s natural order being upended.

Critics fervently highlight two potentially cultural commands in the preceding verses. They argue that the prohibition against women teaching was rooted in the culture of the time. These commands speak to men lifting “up holy hands” (verse 8). They also speak to women refraining from braiding their hair or donning gold and pearls (verse 9).

These directives likely reflect cultural norms. They are underpinned by a profound universal principle. This principle stretches beyond cultural confines. The call to pray and lift hands should be done without “wrath and dissension” (verse 9). It emphasizes that the spirit of worship is far more significant than fleeting outward appearances. These appearances ebb and flow with time. When it comes to clothing and style, Paul articulates a timeless principle of embodying proper behavior. Godliness should inform women’s choices instead of a superficial preoccupation with beauty.

Nevertheless, no comparable universal principle emerges regarding women teachers. Paul’s reference to Creation underscores this notion. If it were simply a cultural issue, we would expect to uncover an enduring cultural principle. It would extend beyond the prohibition against women teaching within the church. Yet, none exists. The immediate context reveals no compelling rationale to interpret the command in any other way, leaving one to grapple with the reality that

Having stated that no author writes in a vacuum, it’s crucial to recognize that Paul was no exception. The exact circumstances remain shrouded in mystery nearly two millennia later. However, it’s likely that issues in Ephesus and Corinth compelled Paul to articulate God’s divine principles for church leadership. Perhaps women were overstepping their bounds within the churches. This prompted God to guide Paul to provide clearer instructions for the faithful.

Regardless of the original motivation, we cannot dismiss the relevance of Paul’s mandates to our present context. Indeed, if Paul were alive today, he would witness troubling developments within churches globally. Feminism, a movement prevalent in contemporary culture, has seeped into the church. It has led the church astray from God’s Biblical design. One can only assume he would again feel the need to issue strong commands. These commands would challenge women assuming spiritual authority.

she is to remain quiet

What does it mean to “remain silent”? – The Greek word that is used here for “silence” or “quietness” (depending on the translation) is “hesychia.” It does not denote a complete silence or absence of any talking. It is also used in Acts 22:2 and 2 Thessalonians 3:12.

² When they heard that he was addressing them in Aramaic, they became even quieter.

Acts 22:2

¹² Now we command and exhort such people by the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and provide for themselves.

2 Thessalonians 3:12

In both instances means “settled down, undisturbed, or unruly”. This is what one would expect it to mean based on the English. Thus, the command is not for women to never speak in church. Instead, she should be subdued and maintain an attitude of submissiveness. She should not attempt to control the situation. “Didasko” is the Greek word used for “to teach”, and refers to a condition or process. This word is closely related to “didaskalos”. This term is translated as “to be a teacher”. It is used consistently to refer to an office of a teacher in the church.

Paul is forbidding women to exercise the same role. This role of teaching in a church belonged to the church leaders who held that office. “The Greek word for ‘permit’ is used in the NT to refer to allowing someone to do what he desires”. The implication is that although women at that time may desire authority in the church, Paul was prohibiting them from it. This prohibition extends indeed until now, including the right to teach men. The Greek words used in this passage leave little wiggle room. They strengthen the complementary position of taking the text literally and straightforwardly.

Gender Roles

God’s Word passionately reveals distinct gender roles. It affirms the equal value of both men and women. This profound truth, along with other powerful passages, unmistakably supports the uniqueness of gender identities. God has intricately designed the church to be boldly led by men. This truth resonates within the family structure as well. However, let’s celebrate the divine reality that every person, regardless of gender, holds immeasurable worth in God’s eyes. Men are not superior; women are not inferior. They are beautifully different, each contributing to the tapestry of life in their own extraordinary way.

In God’s design for the church and the family, every individual is called to harness their unique gifts. Each person is part of a vibrant team. The aim is for the collective good of all (1 Corinthians 12). Men must wield their authority within the church. This authority should not be a means of dominance. Instead, it is a humble service to those they guide. Men must stand against any tendency to marginalize, exploit, or abuse women in any form. It is utterly disheartening to hear tales of pastors or leaders. They have misused this sacred responsibility and masquerade like wolves in sheep’s clothing. Such stories serve as a poignant reminder for us to stay vigilant. We must also remember that Satan seeks to corrupt God’s intentions for good, twisting them into something harmful. The answer is not to discard God’s standards. Instead, we should strive, by His grace, to truly embody and uphold them.

God Created Order

A compelling reason for male headship in the church is rooted in God’s magnificent creation order. Paul ventures all the way back to the dawn of time to passionately defend the position he espouses. This isn’t just a cultural standpoint; it’s woven into the very fabric of how God intricately designed humanity. Our modern world shouts, “There is no difference between men and women. You can be whatever you want.” But let me tell you, this mindset is sheer “nonsense”! God has crafted us as wonderfully unique beings. Male and female are not merely different; we are exquisite manifestations of diversity. Each individual possesses their own extraordinary gifts, making us akin to breathtaking works of art. God, the master artist, has painted each of us with purpose and creativity. These differences are not just to be accepted; they should be celebrated with fervor! Imagine the lackluster recognition an artist would receive if they created six billion identical reproductions of a single painting!

Another compelling reason for male headship lies in the story of Eve’s deception. Women often experience emotions more deeply. While this can sometimes cloud judgment, it also makes them incredibly insightful. The Apostle Paul underscores this as a key reason for male leadership within the church. Who are we to question God’s perfect and intentional design?

saved through childbearing

Women are not powerless! Paul passionately argues that in many realms, they wield more power and influence than any man. Behind every formidable man in the annals of history stands his mother, a tireless architect of greatness. Mothers dedicate far more time nurturing their children than fathers, investing years into shaping the next generation’s destiny. Icons like Mozart, Abraham Lincoln, and Napoleon each drew strength from the nurturing embrace of their mothers. Some mothers may have excelled in this sacred duty more than others. Yet the truth remains: A mother who pours her heart into raising her children can profoundly change the world. The mother of John and Charles Wesley instilled the gospel in them from a tender age. This ignited a flame that would reverberate through history.

Women should never doubt the immense value of their role, which stands proudly alongside that of any man. Each individual, regardless of gender, possesses a distinct and vital purpose within God’s kingdom. Women should fervently ask, “How can I unleash my unique gifts and resources? How can I passionately serve God and help build His glorious kingdom?”

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Cross References

• 1 Corinthians 14:34-35
• Titus 2:3-4
• Ephesians 5:22-23
• Galatians 3:28
• Genesis 2:18
• 1 Corinthians 11:3
• 1 Timothy 3:2

Discussion Questions

• How would you summarize the key theme in verses 11-15?
• Is this based on the culture of that time or not? Why or why not?
• What key attitude is the woman to display?
• What key role is the woman to have in the church?
• Does this apply outside the church? Why or why not?
• In a day and age of feminism and equal rights for all, how can we understand why God’s prescription for women and the church is so different?
• What then should a woman not do in church?
• How can a godly woman still minister for and serve God?
• Does God view woman as less valuable in some way? Defend your answer.
• What would you say to a person who says this passage is “sexist?”
• What does the statement mean in verse 15 “but women will be preserved through the bearing of children?”

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