Order in the Exercise of Authority to Teach.1 Timothy 2:11-14.
Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; And Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.
Dear Pilgrims and Sojourners,
We examine one of the most controversial passages of the New Testament. Christians are divided on the right interpretation and meaning of this passage, so it is wise to not be dogmatic.
Silence (vv. 11-12). Paul says that a woman should learn in silence and submission, and should not “teach or exercise authority over a man.”The main problem with this command is that it is politically incorrect. There are those whose a priori position is that one’s gender cannot dictate one’s role in the church. For them, the interpretation must leave the door open for women to serve in all spheres, hold any office, and exercise all authority. Then there are others who insist that whatever the Bible says is final, even if we do not like it. These tend to take this passage at face value. The context of this passage does not seem to be local and contemporary, as has been argued by some, but universal and timeless.
Support (vv. 13-14). Paul uses two related arguments for his command: Formed (v. 13). That Adam was formed first would imply that he has priority over Eve in leadership. Such priority does not imply superiority but the basis for the order. Fooled (v. 14). That the woman was deceived seems to imply that the reversal of order was to blame. In other words, the decision to eat or not to eat should not have been Eve’s to make. Speculation as to whether Adam would have acted any different is beside the point and moot. It is best to leave the argument where Paul leaves it. The use of a universal argument in this situation casts doubt on the claim that this was a purely local problem.
There definitely was a problem, else Paul would not have addressed it, but the reason he gives creates a challenge for anyone who argues that the command is not relevant today. The challenge of the church today is to work out the place of women and their spiritual gifts, while honouring this restriction.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.