1 Timothy 2:11-15 The Role of Women in the Church

A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint. [1 Timothy 2:11-15 NASB]

This passage is difficult because it appears to run counter to our understanding of the relationship between the sexes, especially in regards to equality. Before we go any further, let me state that the Bible does not teach any inequality between the sexes. On the contrary;

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. [Galatians 3:28 NASB]

While the Bible teaches equality between the sexes, it also teaches that there are different roles of authority for men and women in the public worship services.

Which leads me to the subject of context. Every scripture must be read within its context, not only of the verses immediately surrounding it, but of the whole Bible. In this context, Paul is speaking of the order of public services, in other words, how to behave in church. This does not apply outside of that context.

First, he says that women must receive instruction quietly, and submissively. Don't get hung up on the word "submissive". After all, we are told;

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; [Philippians 2:3 NASB]

The principle is simply; don't be disruptive in church. Apparently, it was a problem in the some of the early churches. What I have been taught is that the churches in the first century were segregated with men on one side, and women on the other. During the service, the women would call across the room to her husband, disrupting the service.

Next, Paul says, "I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man." Does this mean that a woman is never allowed to speak in church, or have any authority? No. The New Testament speaks of women who are prophets. Paul actually endorses women who prophesy in the church, and gives instructions to maintain order within the Corinthian culture (1 Corinthians 11:5).

Acts 18:24-26 tells us that Priscilla and Aquila (husband and wife) taught Apollos about Jesus. The issue is not one of teaching, but of teaching without being under the authority of a man.

This doesn't mean that women aren't allowed any authority. In Romans 16:1, Paul greets Phoebe, a deacon of the Roman church.

He has this to say about deacons;

Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. [1 Timothy 3:11 NASB]

For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. [1 Timothy 3:13 NASB]

But the Bible makes no provision for women serving as elders. According to the Bible, a man must be in charge of the church service. And women, regardless of their gifting, must be under that authority.

This is not a question of equality, but of authority. Jesus is under the authority of God the Father, but is in every way equal to the Father. In the same way, women must be under the authority of a man, even though she is in every way his equal.

It is tempting to dismiss this passage as a cultural reference that no longer applies. After all, our society encourages women to be head pastors of churches, and leaders of preaching ministries.

It's true that there are cultural references in the Bible that no longer apply. When that is the case, you can be sure there is an underlying principle that does still apply. We no longer segregate men and women in the services, so yelling across the room is no longer an issue. But the principle remains that we have orderly services.

What about the issue of authority? Outside the church, there is no issue. A woman can be a CEO without violating any Biblical principles. But inside the church there is a principle of spiritual authority that must be observed.

The Father has authority over the Son. Jesus has authority over every believer. In marriage, which is a type of Christ and the church, the husband has authority over his wife (not superiority, but authority). And in the church, a man has authority over the whole church (under the authority of Christ). Women serve under that authority.

In the Garden of Eden, Eve was deceived and became the first person to sin. She then convinced Adam to sin. They were equally guilty of sin. But what we are taught is;

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned— for until the Law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. [Romans 5:12-14 NASB]

Eve sinned first, but Adam takes the blame for bringing sin into the world. Why? Because, having been created first, he had the authority.

This principle of authority is not politically correct, but it is scriptural. It is especially hard for some modern women to accept. I only ask that you pray and search the scriptures for yourself. If you believe that I am mistaken in my understanding of this passage, then I am open to Biblical correction.

Father, I pray that You will give us wisdom to understand the roles of men and women in the church. Please forgive the men who claim superiority over women, as well as the women who have claimed ungodly authority. Help us all to accept and understand each other.