A note from our Pastor:

“But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.”

1 Timothy 2:12

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

In considering our study verse this week it is important to remember the context established in last week’s study. (If you have not read last week’s study please go back and do so.) The instructions the Apostle Paul were providing to Timothy in this letter were in the context of false teaching at Ephesus which women were likely involved in perpetuating.

Again, the context of the situation is of vital importance to an understanding of the instruction to be in silence and not usurp authority. The Apostle is adamant and almost harsh in these instructions because of the damage being done to the community of believers at Ephesus. There was a need for the false teaching to immediately cease and the best way to accomplish this was for only Timothy and the pastors he appointed to be teaching.

While the context of this verse is important, we must also consider the larger meaning and application to the modern church. First, the Apostle in writing here and in 1 Corinthians 11 makes it abundantly clear that women are not to be teaching (preaching in public worship). This does not imply women are supposed to be subject to all men. Nor does it mean you women’s spirituality, understanding of scriptures, and knowledge of the doctrine of Christ is any less developed or powerful than a man’s understanding. Rather, it simply provides a structure for the order of public worship.

So does this verse mean women should not be teaching at all? Absolutely not. Some have tried to extend this verse to imply that women are only to be teaching in their home. However, the Apostle also instructed that older women should teach younger women. This verse makes it clear women’s teaching role extends beyond the home.

While verses like this provide ambiguity and difficulty, it is important to remember when scriptures define roles in public worship they do not diminish the spirituality or importance of any person in the worship service. Each individual contributes to the worship service and brings their own gifts which are of vital importance. Let us remember our focus is to praise God not to build up ourselves.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah