Doesn’t the Bible say women should not teach men?
In his letter to Timothy, was Paul giving a universal order to all women of all time not to teach nor have authority over a man? Or was Paul addressing a particular problem specific to the church at Ephesus in which false teaching was resulting in inappropriate behavior. Many have struggled with understanding Paul’s words. We invite you to explore the resources below and decide for yourself.
In Church or Home? What is 1 Timothy 2:8-15 Really About?
How to Understand 1 Timothy 2? Context, Context, Context
WATCH
WHAT TO SAY WHEN SOMEONE SAYS…
SHORT ANSWERS
EXPLORING OUR QUESTIONS
WHAT TO SAY WHEN SOMEONE SAYS…
What to Say When Someone Says Women Are Not Permitted to Teach
Editor’s Note: This article is one of a nine-part series on difficult Bible passages entitled “What to Say When…” 1 Timothy 2 is a tricky passage to interpret well. Verses 11-15 alone contain four biblical “buzz phrases” often employed by those who oppose women’s equality in the church. Paul writes:1
SHORT ANSWERS
Short Answers to Challenging Texts: 1 Timothy 2:11-15
Let a woman learn in silence with full submission. I permit no woman to have authority over a man; she is to keep silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.
EXPLORING OUR QUESTIONS
1 Timothy 2
Some of us come from traditions where you don’t ask questions of the text. If the Bible says it, you believe it. If you ask questions, that means you are questioning God, and that’s not allowed. So I would imagine that as I speak, you might feel fear, and you might have questions that you’ve never thought to ask before, and that’s okay.