Originally posted 10/11/23
1 Timothy 2:11-14 ESV
11 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.
As we begin to explore the role of women in the church, we must look at what Scripture says. We have our opinions and our preferences. However, our preferences and opinions don’t really matter. The only opinion that matters is the one expressed in Scripture. I’ve always said that if God says not to do it, I shouldn’t. If I do something that Scripture forbids, then I am committing a sin and attempting to make myself to be equal with God. I do not in any circumstances have better judgement than God.
At first read, it seems a little harsh. Women have to be submissive, and quiet. Are you kidding me? Can this be true? Have you met me? This girl cannot be quiet!
According to www.BibleHub.com, the word quiet comes from the Greek word, hésuchia which is defined as stillness and calm. It does not indicate silence. Sigé is the Greek word for silence.
If we look at the context of the verses around it, we see that the women of that church were displaying unbecoming behavior. There was a tendency for some of the women to flaunt their wealth by the way they dressed. Their dresses were extravagant as well as their jewelry. The church at Ephesus had begun to drift from their original fervor. False teachers were beginning to emerge. Paul is providing correction for the church. This text is prescriptive text which means it is instruction, not just a description of what happened.
According to John Macarthur in his book, God’s High Calling for Women, “some women were usurping the role of men, desiring to be the official teachers. Other women were desecrating the worship service by coming with wrong attitudes and improper dress. Their behavior contradicted their profession to know and worship God. p. 19
In the commentary for 1 Timothy from www.enduringword.com, men and women did not sit together in the early church. Women sat with women and often were disruptive in the service by speaking out on unrelated topics.
We will continue the discussion next week.