Women, Called and Serving in Leadership

1 Timothy 2

July 8, 2008 on 3:06 pm | In Women in Ministry | No Comments

1Timothy 2:11-15 is one of the most often used portions of scripture used to support the theological position that God’s set order in the church does not allow women to be used in positions of authority or influence.

1Timothy 2:11-12 A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. 12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet.

We must look at this scripture in context of the whole book of 1Timothy in order to establish the reason “why” Paul wrote this command in his letter to Timothy.

1Timothy 1:2 To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 Timothy is not written as a ‘teaching’ or ‘instruction’ to the whole church, Paul wrote this letter to Timothy.

1Timothy 1:3-4 As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, 4 nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith. 5 But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion, 7 wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions.

Paul wrote this letter to Timothy in order to address a particular situation that existed in the church of Ephesus.

Timothy was left by Paul in the city of Ephesus in order to give INSTRUCTION to those who were teaching strange doctrines, to those who were giving attention to myths and endless genealogies and to those who had strayed away from a sincere faith and turned aside to fruitless discussions.

Paul’s wrote this letter to Timothy in order to give Timothy instruction on how to complete his assignment of giving instruction.

The Greek Word translated as ‘men’ in verses 3 & 6 is “tis” which is a non gender specific word meaning: “anyone, any man, any woman, whoever.” “Tis” is not a gender specific word – both the male and the female gender are denoted by this Greek word.

Timothy was instructed by Paul to give instruction to both males & females who were teaching strange doctrines, who were giving attention to myths and endless genealogies, and had strayed away from a sincere faith and turned aside to fruitless discussions in the church of Ephesus.

We now have the context in which 1Timothy 2:11-12 was written.

1Timothy 2:11-12 A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. 12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet.

Bible scholars vary in their opinions if this was a singular woman being spoken of her by Paul or if it was women in plural. Be it a singular woman or women in plural – Paul’s instruction to Timothy was for her or them to receive INSTRUCTION with entire submissiveness.

According to the context of this letter the instruction she (they) were to receive from Timothy was in connection to “what” she (they) was teaching. This woman (women) was to receive instruction from Timothy so that she no longer taught strange doctrine in the church.

She (they) were to receive Timothy’s INSTRUCTION in correct doctrine with entire submissiveness – which is an attitude of being willing to be taught, willing to receive the teaching of another and learn from them.

Paul continued his instructions to Timothy concerning this woman (women) who was teaching strange doctrine with this instruction concerning her (them) “I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man”.

Paul gave Timothy instructions to not allow her (them) to teach or exercise authority in the church of Ephesus until and only if she (they) submitted and received Timothy’s instruction in correct doctrine.

Paul’s instruction to Timothy DOES NOT mean that she (they) were barred forever from teaching or exercising authority in the church. Paul’s instructions meant she (they) must first submit and receive correct instruction from Timothy BEFORE she (they) could again teach or exercise authority in the church.

There is one more possibly explanation for what Paul meant by his words of “I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man”.

The Greek word translated as “allow” means turn over or transfer. This expression carries with it the connotation of the act of laying on of hands in ordination to the call to ministry. Paul could be saying, “I have not ordained this particular woman to teach or exercise authority in the church. She must not do either of these until she receives full instruction and is properly ordained by those in leadership of the church.”

1Timothy 2:13-14 For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. 14 And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.

We have several possible solutions to Paul’s words in these verses.

1) Paul continues in his train of thought by speaking of another woman who was once DECEIVED as this woman (women). This woman (women) and her deception were compared by Paul to – Eve – who had also been deceived.

Paul was using Eve’s deception and its dire consequences as an analogy for why this woman (women) must be silenced until she has received proper instruction. Paul used the example of Eve influencing Adam in her deception and the dire circumstances it wrought.

Paul is speaking about the influence those who are deceived have upon others. Paul is using this as an analogy to show why this woman must be silenced due to the influence deception has upon others.

2) In Ephesus at this time there were false teachings being taught which said that Eve had been created before Adam and Eve had actually liberated the world when she listened to the serpent and ate of the apple.

In Verses 13 & 14 Paul uses his apostolic authority to refute and correct the strange doctrine which was being taught by this woman (women).

1Timothy 2:15 But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.

The words “women” and “they” are added words by the translators. Paul IS NOT directing this statement at women alone but to all – both male and female – who have been preserved from the dire consequences of the fall through the birth of our Lord Jesus if we continue in faith, love, and sanctity with self-restraint.

Does this woman’s (women’s) restoration to teaching after receiving proper instruction fit the model we find in Scripture??

It most certainly does. Let’s look at several examples.

1) In Acts 18 we have the example of Apollos.

Act 18:24-28 Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. 25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John; 26 and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. 27 And when he wanted to go across to Achaia, the brethren encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him; and when he had arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace, 28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. Apollos after receiving proper instruction in the Word of God went forth powerfully refuting the Jews in public and demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.

He powerfully went forth preaching the more accurate way of God he had received through the instruction of Priscilla and Aquila.

2) Paul gives written directions to Titus instructing him (just as he instructed Timothy) that there were those who must be silenced in the church. After being silenced they were to receive correction and be restored to sound doctrine so that they may be sound in the faith.

Titus 1:10-12 & 13 For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain. Verse 13 This testimony is true. For this reason reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith,

The word ‘men’ in verse 10 is an added word by the translators. Verse 10 should be written as “For there are many rebellious empty talkers and deceivers …”

Paul’s instructs Titus to silence these (male and female) rebellious empty talkers and deceivers and to reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith.

I believe once these were “sound of faith” they were free to go forth again (just as Apollos) teaching the Word of God. I base my belief on the fact that the Word of God instructs all who are of sound faith are to be able to teach.

2Timothy 2:24 The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, …

Who are the bondservants of the Lord – according to Acts 2:18 the bondservants of the Lord are men and women who have believed and been saved.

All the bondservants of the Lord who are sound in the faith are according to the Word of God to be able to teach.

Heb 5:12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers,

We again see in the book of Hebrews an instruction for all believers to be able to teach.

Once these who were silenced were restored to sound faith they were free to go forth teaching the Word of God. They were NOT silenced forever.

Paul’s hope was always for restoration after correction and instruction.

Gal 6:1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness

2Ti 2:25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,

Paul’s goal was for all to be restored after receiving instruction.

Paul’s goal was for this woman to submit and receive instruction from Timothy in sound doctrine and after receiving this instruction for her to be restored and continue on in faith, love, holiness, and self-control.

All who are restored after receiving correct instruction should continue on in faith, love, holiness, and self-control.

Paul goes on to say one who refuses to submit and receive instruction in sound doctrine is proud and knowing nothing.

1Ti 6:3-5 If anyone teaches otherwise, and does not consent to wholesome words (those of our Lord Jesus Christ), and to the doctrine according to godliness, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing. …

First, let’s not Paul used a non gender specific word of “anyone” with teaching. He again did not limit teaching to the male gender alone.

The Greek word translated as consent is “proserchomai” and means” “come near, assent to, consent, come thereunto.”

If anyone does not “give assent to” or “consent to” wholesome words and to sound doctrine they are proud and knowing nothing.

The Word of God does not tell us if this woman (women) submitted herself to the instructions of Timothy or not, we simply see the instructions given for her to do so. If she did not submit and consent to being taught she was indeed proud and knowing nothing.

Why was this woman not publicly named by Paul?

Paul does not publicly names those who are to receive correction through proper instruction. He does not publicly name them because he hopes they will be restored to sound faith through the receiving of proper instruction and the go forth teaching once again.

Those whom Paul had no hope of restoring through instruction he sometimes publicly named as seen in 1 Timothy 1: 20.

1Timothy 1:20 Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme.

Paul did not publicly name the woman (women) teaching strange doctrine, just as he did not name those who were teaching strange doctrines in the book of Titus. Paul hoped all these would receive proper instruction and be restored to full use in the church.

There are numerous scriptural examples of Paul not publicly naming those who were in need of correction, instruction, or were causing problems in the church.

1Timothy 1:3 As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines,

These certain ones (men = “tis” which means “anyone, whoever, any man, any women”) who were know by Timothy were NOT publicly named here by Paul.

1Timothy 1:6 For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion,

Those (men = “tis” which means anyone, whoever, any man, any women) who were straying from these things and had turned aside to fruitless discussion were NOT publicly named by Paul.

1Timothy 5:24 The sins of some men are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins follow after.

These ( men = “anthrōpos” which means “a man or woman, an individual of the human race, a person”) whose sins were quite evident were NOT publicly named by Paul.

2Timothy 3:8-9 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, rejected in regard to the faith. 9 But they will not make further progress; for their folly will be obvious to all, just as Jannes’s and Jambres’s folly was also.

These (= “anthrōpos” which means “a man or woman, an individual of the human race, a person”) who were of depraved mind and rejected in regard to the faith were NOT publicly named by Paul.

Titus 1:10-11 For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain.

These rebellious (men is an added word by the translators) were NOT publicly named by Paul.

Jude 1:4 For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Even these ungodly and marked for condemnation persons were NOT publicly named by Paul.

2Corinthians 11:13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.

Even these (men is an added word by the translators) false apostles and deceitful workers are NOT publicly named by Paul.

2Thesalonians 3:11-12 For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread.

These who were leading an undisciplined life, doing no work, and acting like busybodies were NOT publicly named by Paul.

Just as Paul did not publicly name all these, he did not publicly name the woman (women) who were to be silenced due to teaching strange doctrine.

The interpretation 1 Timothy 2: 11-15 as a command of God which silences women in the church violates the Word of God

To interpret 1 Timothy 2: 11-15 as the command of God to silence all women in the church or to keep women from positions of authority in the church actually violates what God Himself says about women and His desire to use them as effective ministers of the gospel of Christ.

Psalms 68: 11 (New American Standard) The Lord gives the command; The women who proclaim the tidings are a great host:

Psalms 68:11 (Complete Jewish Bible) Adonai gives the command; the women with the good news are a mighty army.

Psalm 68: 11 (Kings James Version) The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.

The Hebrew word company used in the KJV is “tsaba”. Tsaba is a feminine form of the word “tsbaah,” which means “a mass of persons especially organized for war, an army, soldiers.”

God proclaims in His Word that He has a great host of WOMEN who are a mighty army who proclaim His tidings at His command.

The Hebrew word published used in the KJV is “basar,” which means “to announce glad news, a messenger, to PREACH, to publish, and to show forth.”

God Himself has risen up the might army of women who publish, who PREACH, and who show forth the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel.

Women CAN NOT be silent in the church and be the mighty army God called them to be. Women CAN NOT be silent in the church and proclaim – PREACH – the Word of God as His messengers.

Let us look at in the Word of God who can be found in positions of giving instruction to males.

Are woman commanded to teach? Yes, they are according to 2 Timothy 2:2

2 Timothy 2:2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men (men = “anthropus” which means “a man or woman, an individual of the human race, a person”) who will be able to teach others also.

Timothy was instructed by Paul to commit to faithful men and women what he had heard so that they (men and women) would be able to teach others also.

Hebrews 5:12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers,

Paul commands ALL who are mature in Christ to be able to TEACH. This command is not written to just the men in the church – it is written to the whole church – men and women!!

2Timothy 2:24 The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged,

Bond-servants according to Acts 2:18 does not refer only to males – but to both males and females.

As bond-servants of the Lord both men and women are commanded to be able to TEACH.

Priscilla

The Word of God said Priscilla (a woman) along with her husband Aquila gave instruction to a man named Apollos.

Act 18:24-26 Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. 25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John; 26 and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.

Priscilla and Aquila took Apollos aside and explained the way of God more accurately.

Was not Priscilla a woman?? Was not Apollos a man???

This is a clear Biblical example of a woman giving INSTRUCTION and TEACHIING to a man.

The words translated as “took him aside” in the Greek mean “to take to oneself, lead”.

Priscilla and Aquila took Apollos to themselves and they lead him in the correct way. This could have been done in the open or in their home church. Scripture does not tell us ‘where’ this occurred.

1Corinthians 16:19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

Priscilla and Aquila not only gave instruction to Apollos but they as a husband and wife pastor team gave instruction to the church – both men and women – that met in their home.

Lois and Eunice

2Timothy 1:5 For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.

Timothy’s grandmother and mother instructed to him – a male – and built his faith in the Lord.

Let us also look at women who taught men from church history.

Suzanna Wesley

In 1711 Suzanna Wesley (the mother of John and Charles Wesley) began a Bible study in her home which was attended by both men and women. This Bible study drew crowds of up to 200 people each week.

Her son John Wesley referred to his mother as a “preacher of righteousness”. Because of the example of his mother he later encouraged women to enlist in public ministry and sent many women forth as circuit riding preachers.

Lottie Moon

Lottie Moon wrote many letters to the Baptist Mission Board soliciting them to cease to oppose the full use of women in ministry positions. Her letters were filled with requests for the Baptist mission board to cease to oppress and hold back women who desired to serve God fully. She was an outspoken proponent for women and their use as minister in the church.

Extensive lists exist which list what females can and can not do in the church.

Much ‘chaos’ and ‘confusion’ is caused in the church as we all must ‘decide’ what a woman may and may not do in the church.

The denominational and nondenominational churches are greatly divided in the ‘limits’ they each set upon women in church.

In one a woman is not allowed to speak at all, but must remain quiet at all times.

In another a woman can ask questions and express an opinion during Bible Study, but she is not allowed to perform anything that could be considered as ‘teaching or instructing a man’.

In yet another a woman is free to teach women, but never men.

In another a woman may only teach a man if another man is present as her ‘spiritual covering’.

In one a woman is not allowed to teach any one who is of the male gender.

In another a woman may teach small boys under the age of ??? = the allowed age for a boy to be taught by a woman varies in range from the age of 6 to the age of 12 or 13.

In one a woman is never allowed to speak to a group which is made up of both genders.

In another she may speak from the ‘floor’ but can not ever stand behind the pulpit to speak.

In one a woman is not allowed to lead worship because this would be a form of being over a man.

In another a woman may freely led worship.

The “limits” set by individual denominations and churches upon women could go on and on and on.

With all my heart I wish the ‘chaos’ and ‘confusion’ caused in the church as they ‘decide’ what a woman may and may not do would cease. With all my heart I wish women were free in God to minister and serve Him fully.