The Full Stature of Women as Servants of Christ in His Church - Part 9

THE

SPEAKING ROLE

OF WOMEN

 IN THE

NEW TESTAMENT

CHURCHES - 2c

From an Obscure Word to an Interpretation that Illumines the Whole Chapter
 
So far, we've looked at several possible ways to interpret Paul's statement in 1 Timothy 2:12-14 that many take as restricting women from teaching or speaking in church. All of these proposed interpretations make sense and show that an anti-woman rendering of this passage is unnecessary.
 
But there is another scenario that not only explains Paul's meaning in this verse but also brings the whole chapter together into a meaningful whole. (Remember that when we looked at the entirety of chapter two, we found it riddled with problematic statements.)

The Full Stature of Women as Servants of Christ in His Church - Part 7

THE

SPEAKING ROLE

OF WOMEN

IN THE

NEW TESTAMENT

CHURCHES - 2a

The Issue at Ephesus
And the Infamous 1 Timothy 2:11-14

So what's the deal with Paul's comments about keeping women silent and restricting them from teaching in 1 Timothy 2:11?

Doesn't he say a woman should learn in silence?

Well, the word used for silence, hesuchia, more literally means "quietness." When Paul instructs women to learn with quietness and submission, he is simply telling them to be cooperative. Some scholars point out that just by commanding women to be taught, Paul was advocating a significant liberating advance for that culture from the perspective of both Jews and Greeks. It is as though he said, "Let the women go to seminary and get their M.Div. degrees." It may be that the women Paul refers to did not even know how to behave in such a context.

Why then, our hypothetical search committee asks, does Paul explicitly say in 1 Timothy 2:12-14 that women may not teach or hold authority over men?

"I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent [hesuchia: quiet]. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner." (1Tm 2:12-14)

This seems to contradict all we have been saying -- and all the New Testament is saying -- about women and their total equality with believing men as priests. But just how explicit is Paul in this chapter?

New Class @ Willow Creek McHenry County - Starts January 13, 2010

Please join us in Januray for:

The Genius of Bible Genres

All Bible books are not the same! So don't read them all the same way! This class will help you discover how the genius of each genre can bring remarkable clarity and insight to your Bible reading. Each week will explore the unique aspects of a new genre of scripture as the class studies representative passages.

This course is open to anyone who wants to dig deeper into the rich literature of the Bible. Although each topic stands on its own, class sessions will build upon each other as later classes draw on principles and assumptions established earlier.

Class Schedule

January
13 – Overview & How to Read New Testament Epistles
20 – How to Read Old Testament Narratives
27 – How to Read The Book of Acts

February
3 – How to Read The Gospels & Parables
10 – How to Read Old Testament Law
17 – How to Read The Prophets

24 – How to Read The Psalms

March
3 – How to Read Wisdom Literature
10 – How to Read The Book of Revelation

Teacher Bio
Dave Leigh is no genius but he holds an M.A. in theological studies from Wheaton College. His varied ministry experiences include having served as an editor and freelance writer for a number of Christian publications, plus several years in pastoral ministries. Dave says, “I’ve learned more from my many failures than from books. But my greatest life-lesson has been that God’s grace is big enough to include even me.” Dave combines humor with academic and experiential dimensions to his classes that are bound to bring you inspiration and insight.

Questions? Contact Dave@TheJesusAgenda.net

To register visit http://bit.ly/biblegenres