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The three key words we shall look at are Teach… Authority…Silence.
1 Tim 2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
This was understood for 1900 years!
'I do not permit a woman to teach'
No women to teach the congregation nor hold ruling office.
This is an authoritive statement with no room for compromise.
Not to obey this is not accepting this as the Word and will of God.
Refers to official public teaching of scriptures and authority over men.
In scripture, teaching is an authoritive, governing activity. Jewish / early Christian teachers in the church gave personal direction and exercised authority.
They told the listeners what they were expected to do and what to accept.
People were expected to obey and follow, no questions asked!
Teaching is central to the health and the life of the church.
The teacher had some sense of authority over the learner, master over pupil.
It is truth communicated with authority.
As Christians we do not have a choice whether or not to obey God's Word.
Please read 1Thess 5:12. Heb 13:7,17. 1 Tim 3:1-7. Titus 1:5-9 regarding God's order of Elders.
Bible teaching was a distinct men’s ministry in new testament times, and still is, because it carries authority. It is not a matter of intellect or ability, but part of God’s divine order.
There is a difference between authoritive teaching ministry of elders, and sharing scripture with one another, an every member ministry of the church.
Col 3.16 "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another... "
Bible teaching is not the same as sharing or giving out information.
All Christians are called to defend the Word of God in its purity.
Women can write if it defends the Gospel. Give out information. Teach children; support husband. Share the good news in evangelism.
God wants women submitted in their hearts to elders / husband.
Submission = freedom.
Within the boundaries, elders can delegate authority to share understanding of scripture on occasion, but woman must not be pushy.
This provides safety for all concerned.
With regard to the women being silent. 'silence' here in Greek = in a quiet, attentive spirit. i.e. pay attention, don't let mind wander. Silence is the best pose for learning.
Paul was actually a liberator as he allowed women to "learn" in church – culture, pagan religions and Judaism expected women to merely "listen".
What then of the ordination of women?
Here are some arguments used to justify women as teachers and having a place of authority within church today.
Not wish to deny freedom to a woman who feels 'called' to teach.
The apostle Paul was wrong or Paul didn't actually write this.
What works must be right.
Not care what Bible says.
Spirit of new age in the church.
No longer applicable today, it was for then.
The scriptures are wrongly interpreted today, so have to erase some wrong words.
The biblical teaching was specific to the situation in Ephesus.
(Ephesus- feminine religious culture Paul was countering. Artemis the Great Mother would not take second place to any male god with supreme spiritual authority).
Socially unacceptable for women to teach then, this not true today, so OK for women to
teach men today.
This shows us that many today lack respect for the Word of God, have listened to the spirit of the age and do not understand God's divine order.
The truth is that apostasy usually blurs the distinction between men and women.
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