A note from our Pastor:

“Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.”

1 Timothy 2:11

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

Our study verse this week presents a uniquely difficult verse to interpret and apply. In the larger world of Christianity it impacts a fundamental question of the role of women in “churches” and their place in leadership. However, while much focus has been placed on a divisive question the real aim we should have is aligning our understanding of this verse with the larger body of scripture.

First, when it comes to this verse and the subsequent verses there is very little debate among biblical scholars regarding the actual words on the page. The struggle with this verse is not one resolved by questions of translation. Rather, the struggle is with context both chronological context and biblical context.

In the limited scope of this particular writing, I want to focus on the instruction the Apostle gives for women to learn in silence. What was meant by this instruction and why was it given?

To be abundantly clear, any understanding of this verse which does not allow women to participate in public worship vocally is not in alignment with scriptures. A study of the gospel clearly shows a group of women who actively traveled with Jesus. They learned from him, the ministered to him and the Apostles, and they were part of the most important moments in his ministry. Christ welcomed women as his closest disciples and embraced their role in the early church. Furthermore, the Apostle Paul wrote in a letter to a different church that women were permitted to be praying and prophesying in the church (1 Cor. 11). This verse should not be interpreted to apply to all churches and apply a requirement for women to be silent.

But the Apostle did write this instruction to Timothy for the church at Ephesus. So why the instruction? What now constitutes the first chapter of 1 Timothy addresses a great deal of false teaching at Ephesus which Timothy and others were to combat. What seems most likely is the women at the church at Ephesus were responsible for spreading and teaching these false doctrines. Thus, the instruction was really for the women to be silent and learn from Timothy and the elders he ordained in order to stop the spread of false doctrine.

This verse like so many others in scripture are far less intimidating and difficult for the bible believer when they are placed in chronological and biblical context.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah