As Paul continues to speak about women and worship in the public assembly, he gives some instructions that have been the source of much discussion, especially in recent times. Take a look at the text found in 1 Timothy 2:11-12:

This passage has been the source of much confusion and discussion. What is Paul saying here?

There seem to be two major schools of thought: Some feel that this is a general statement applied to all women everywhere. Others hold that Paul’s instructions here are only for the Ephesian church. I think that the real application is somewhere in the middle.

Let’s take a look at a few specifics about this passage. First, women are instructed to learn, not to teach. Since Paul has been addressing the public worship service, it follows that this instruction is meant to be understood in that context as well.

How should she learn? In full submission and quietness. The key to understanding Paul’s use of the word “submission” here is not inferior value or worth, but to recognize one’s role in the relationship.

Certainly, much of this is culturally specific. In Ephesus, as with most of the world during this time, women were not permitted to teach anywhere, or even to learn. Paul’s statements here spoke out against the cultural suppression of women’s education, not in favor of it.

The second half of the passage gives Paul’s specific instructions concerning teaching. Paul does not allow a woman to teach in the public worship service. This does not include women teaching women, or teaching younger children. Paul himself states that women are to participate in these teaching activities in 2 Timothy 3:14 and Titus 2:3.

Paul’s intent here is women should not teach in the public worship service. In all probability, the Gnostics permitted women to teach and lead in the public services, in both worship and in preaching.

To be sure, Paul is not a woman hater, as some have made him out to be. In fact, he had many women coworkers. He isn’t saying that women can’t speak; he wants them to learn with a quiet demeanor. Since Paul repeats this twice in these two verses, this seems to be a major point of emphasis. Paul isn’t saying that a woman can’t teach, but that she should teach within her role.

These two verses are a study in contrasts. Paul’s statement that a woman isn’t permitted to teach corresponds with his statement that a woman should learn. Paul forbids women to have authority over men stands in connection with her being submissive, which is taught in several other Pauline passages as well. And finally, Paul concludes with the idea that a woman should be not silent, but in a quiet demeanor, which exactly repeats what he says at the beginning of this passage.

While Paul’s statements here have created some controversy over the past few decades, a closer examination of them reveals that they are quite sensible. Simply put, women and men are created different, no matter what our current culture attempts to deny. And since we are different, we have different roles in the church, in the home, and in our relationships with one another.

Paul will go one to reveal the historical basis for these differences in next week’s passage.

What are your thoughts on this passage? What are your questions? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.