by Peter John Brooks
“Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.” (1 Timothy 2:11-14)
FAQ
What does it mean that women are to learn in silence with all submission?
When instruction is being given, especially when the word of God is being taught, women should take a position of quietness. To learn in quietness means to not enter into debate or take authority over others in discussion, but to willingly receive instruction. Women are to quietly receive the word of God, following the example of Mary (Luke 10:39). The word silence is hesuchia. This does not necessarily refer to being strictly quiet, but it means stillness, quietude, and being free from bustle (see 2 Thessalonians 3:12). This is a different word than the word for silence used in 1 Corinthians 14:34, which is sigao.
Why do women need to learn quietly with all submission?
The Bible gives two reasons why women need to learn quietly with all submission. The first reason is the order of creation, which establishes the man as the head of the woman. The second reason is that Eve was deceived about the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, but Adam was not.
Does this command apply only in church?
The Bible does not indicate that women must learn quietly only within church. The previous passage (1 Timothy 2:9-10) tells women to wear modest clothing, which should be done whether inside or outside of church. The command that women learn in quietness seems to apply to all situations of learning.
How does this command affect marriage?
A husband has a responsibility to teach his wife God’s word, for he is called to sanctify his wife through the word of God (Ephesians 5:25-27). A wife should receive the word of God quietly with all submissionfrom her husband.
What should a woman do if she believes that false doctrine is being taught?
If a woman believes that false doctrine is being taught, she should pray. After the meeting she should respectfully share her concerns with the teacher, with her husband, or with a spiritual leader.
What if a woman thinks she knows more about a subject than the man doing the teaching, and that he is omitting important facts?
If a woman feels that she has information that the man who is teaching needs to know, then she can speak about this afterwards to the teacher, to her husband, or to another leader.
Why can’t women teach men?
Teaching means to systematically and appropriately explain doctrine. Women are not allowed to teach men because teaching involves a manifestation of authority that women should not exercise over men. Women also should not teach men because Eve was deceived but Adam was not deceived, and teaching must be done carefully without error.
Can a woman share her thoughts or insights from the Bible to men?
Men should be the primary ministers to other men. However, under the leadership of their husbands and in the appropriate circumstances women can share insights from the Bible to men, share spiritual revelations to men, and operate spiritual gifts among men. However, they should only do these things within the parameters of God’s word. Women should not teach men, nor should they share God’s word in an authoritative way to men. They should not speak the word of God in church (1 Corinthians 14:34), and if they prophesy they must cover their heads (1 Corinthians 11:5). If a dispute arises as a woman engages in these activities, she should maintain a quiet and submissive attitude.
Did Priscilla teach Apollos the word of God?
The Bible says that both Aquila and Priscilla, husband and wife, took Apollos into their house and expounded to him the word of God (Acts 18:26). The Bible does not say Priscilla (the wife) was teaching Apollos. Men and women can have Christian fellowship together. A husband and wife should minister God’s word together. A woman can function in her spiritual gifts when men are present, under the leadershiip of her husband. All of these things may have been happening in this verse, but it does not say that Priscilla was teaching Apollos.
Can women teach men other subjects besides the word of God?
Teaching involves the use of authority, and women are prohibited from exercising authority over men. Therefore it appears that women are not permitted to teach men in any context.
Can women teach at all?
Women can teach other women (Titus 2:4-5) and children.
What does it mean that women cannot take authority over men?
To take authority over someone means to rule over them, direct them, or lead them. Women are not allowed to have authority over men. This is because of the order of creation and the fact that Eve was deceived but Adam was not deceived. Women should communicate with men in an nonauthoritative way. This command is for both inside the church and outside the church, and it encompasses both spiritual and natural subjects.
Does the example of Deborah in the Old Testament show that women can lead men?
The example of Deborah does not prove that women can lead men. Deborah was living in a time when Israel was at a low point and had no proper leadership. She was used by God to raise up men like Barak to fulfill their calling and lead Israel to victory. Her example does not justify female leadership, nor does it prove that in times of apostasy God will make exceptions and allow women to lead men. Instead Deborah shows that when there is a void of healthy male leadership, godly women should become spiritual mothers (Judges 5:7) to encourage men to take their rightful leadership positions.
Can women lead a group that contains men and women?
Women are not allowed to have authority over men. Therefore they should not lead groups that contain both men and women.
Bethel Cornerstone 