WOMEN SILENT IN THE CHURCH?
DID GOD SAY THAT?
What Does The Bible say About Women Speaking In The Church?
Joel 2:28-29 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
1 Timothy 2:11-12 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
It is time to look into the truth of both of these sets of scripture and see that they do not contradict each other but, in fact, harmonize in full agreement. First let us look at the issue of prophecy.
Prophecy, here in the Hebrew, is - naba' - naw-baw' - a primitive root; to prophesy, i.e. speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse):-prophesy(-ing), make self a prophet. (Strong’s)
This prophesying, spoken of in Joel, as we will see, would not be something done in private prayer, because prophecy serves others. The Bible makes it very clear that God intended to use women to prophesy. It would be done as God poured out His Spirit upon them. It was prophesied in Joel that He was going to do this, and it was fulfilled after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Acts 2:16-18 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
This was God’s doing. It was His plan. It was His choice. He does not say that in order to make it obvious that the woman is under male domination, only men would be used to speak aloud in prophecy. He did not say that He would only speak His authoritative words through the mouths of the men or the husbands specifically. He did not say that for the woman to be used in this capacity there might be confusion about her position. Nor did He suggest that her position was of less value or importance than her husband’s.
Remember that Jesus is the Word that came from the mouth of God. The words that Jesus spoke were the words of the Father. And the marriage is a reflection of elohiym – God. So why would a woman not speak the words of God, or even speak for her husband whom she was united with as one?
When a person hears a married woman speak, should it not be as though they heard her husband’s words if they are in agreement and if they are of the same heart and mind? And when any woman speaks words of prophecy, does she not speaks words that are of God and not her own?
But what is prophecy? What is its purpose?
In the Old Testament, to prophesy is, in the Hebrew,- naba; to prophesy, that is, speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse) (NT): - prophesy (-ing)- make self a prophet. (Strong’s)
In the New Testament, in the Greek, it is - propheteuo; to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office:- prophesy. (Strong’s)
Some believe that since the definition of 'prophesy' includes speaking under inspiration, that this includes 'preaching.' I’ll not dispute that interpretation, but there is another word that is used in scripture for preaching.
When we see prophecy spoken of in the Old Testament, it was not simply preaching a sermon from scripture but rather specifically foretelling something that was going to take place.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF PROPHECY IN THE NEW TESTAMENT?
1Corinthians 14:3-4 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church
5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
Here we see prophecy being used to edify the church. It is spoken of as being used in the congregation. And the words spoken are spoken to men (human beings) for edification, and for the Church. Certainly, a prophecy could be given to an individual, as the church is made up of individuals, yet it was also to be part of what took place in the congregation.
To prophesy is to speak under inspiration. At times God speaks through an individual to the point that He speaks in the first person, such as “I, the Lord your God, say...." Other times the one prophesying may simply tell an individual or the Church, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, what God is going to do. If a person is prophesying as God, through His Spirit, is telling him to do, his words are authoritative words, as they are coming from God.
Now the speaker himself has no particular authority over the people, but the words he speaks do, if indeed they come from God. And if they are of God, they will always be in agreement with the written Word of God.
The scriptures above make it clear that God spoke through His prophets and that it came to pass. And it tells us that God was going to speak His words through women. In order for a woman to prophesy in the congregation, she would obviously have to speak out and speak very authoritative words. She could not both 'be silent,' in the sense of not speaking out verbally, and, at the same time, speak out aloud.
Now let me ask a question. What is the difference between God speaking words through the mouth of a woman by means of prophecy and a woman speaking the words of God that are written in the Bible in the form of a sermon? Remember, in either case, whether by a man or a woman, he or she should not be attempting to take authority over the people, for God’s words are His own authority.
God had every intention to use women to speak out (not be silent) in the congregation. He spoke through Joel to foretell this would happen, and in the New Testament it did!
The fact that God was going to use women to prophesy did not annul did not annul the position of the husband.
Acts 21:8-9 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.
9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.
Romans 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
1 Corinthians 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
1 Corinthians 14:31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
Here it is made known that prophesy was for all and not limited to males. ALL could prophesy.
So, the scriptures say plainly who could prophecy and what it was for. It was spoken to men (human beings). It was for edification and exhortation. It was so that all could learn and be comforted. If others learned through prophecy, then it must have had the ability to teach something. It served to edify the church. Therefore, if a woman prophesied and the people were taught something through the prophecy, they would learn from the words she spoke under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Thus, we could say God taught through women.
1 Corinthians 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
The definition of edification is - (Greek [Strong’s]) - oikodome; architecture, i.e. (concr.) a structure; figuratively confirmation: - building, edify (-ication), -ing).
Exhortation is translated from the Greek word, “paraklesis; imploration, hortation, solace:- comfort, consolation, exhortation, intreaty.” (Strong’s)
According to Webster’s 1829 Dictionary ‘exhort’ is “1. To incite by words or advice; to animate or urge by arguments to a good deed or to any laudable conduct or course of action. 2. To advise; to warn; to caution. 3. To incite or stimulate to exertion.”
Hebrews 13:22 And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.
In order for God to use any woman to speak words that may build up the Church, comfort, advice, or even warn or caution, she would have to speak up in the congregation and her words - though not she herself - would be very authoritative.
Yet - at all times, she was to be a godly woman, and there was no need that this should make her submission and respect for her husband to be seen any less. Submission, however, does not necessarily mean inferiority, suppression, or being of lesser value. Jesus submitted to His Father while, at the same time, being equal to Him.
Now, take a look at some of the prophetesses in the Bible.
NEW TESTAMENT PROPHETESS AND MINISTERS’
Ana - Luke 2:36And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
Ana was a widow who had been married for seven years before being widowed. And she was a prophetess.
Four Virgins - Acts 21:9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.
What else might women have been doing in the way of ministry in the New Testament?
What does the Bible say of some of the other Christian women in the New Testament?
Phebe - Romans 16:1-2 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.
The word ‘servant’ is translated from the Greek word diakonos; (to run on errands; an attendant, i.e. gen.) a waiter (at table or other menial duties); spec. a Christian teacher and pastor (tech. a deacon or deaconess): - deacon, minister, servant. (Strong’s)
Succourer is - prostatis; a patroness, i.e. assistant: - succourer.; (Strong’s)
According to 1913 Webster’s 1913 dictionary, a ‘patron’ is “1. One who protects, supports, or countenances; a defender.” [1913 Webster]
Paul referred to himself as a 'minister' in 2 Corinthians 3:6, 6:4, 2 Corinthians 11:23. And in all of these cases, the word ‘minister’ is the same word that was translated as ‘servant’ in Romans 16:1, speaking of Phebe. It is interesting that the translators chose not to translate the same word the same way when speaking of Phebe as they did when speaking of Paul, when translated from it same word.
Colossians 1:23 … I Paul am made a minister.
It seems Phebe's role has been debated, as there are differing opinions concerning her. Whatever her role in the church, Paul wanted the people to assist her in whatever business she had need of them.
Assist is (Greek, [Strong’s]) - paristemi; to stand beside, i.e. (trsans.) to exibit, proffer, (spec.) recommend, (fig.) substantiate: or (intrans.) to be at hand (or ready), aid,:- assist, bring before, command, commend, give presently ... yield.
Business is (Greek, [Strong’s]) - pragma; a deed; by impl. an affair; by extension an object (materially):- business, matter, thing, work.
Not only did Paul want the people to assist Phebe in whatever business she needed them, he gave her a recommendation as well.
Priscilla - Romans 16:3-5 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
This couple had a church in their home.
Acts 18:2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
Acts 18:18, 24-28 And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.
24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
Both Aquila and Priscilla, took Apollos unto them (took him aside), not just Aquila, the husband. And both expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. Not just the man.
27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:
28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
1 Corinthians 16:19 The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.
Here we see a woman with her husband who had a church in their house and who, as Paul says, were his helpers. Not only so, but they had laid down their own necks for his life.
The word 'helpers' here is translated from the Greek word sunergos; “a co-laborer, i.e. coadjutor:-companion in labour, (fellow-) helper (-labourer, -worker), labourer together with, workfellow.” (Strong’s)
Webster’s 1828 dictionary gives this definition for coadjutor - “noun 1. One who aids another; an assistant; a fellow-helper; an associate in operation. 2. In the canon law, one who is empowered or appointed to perform the duties of another.”
Notice Paul does not say that they only assisted him but rather that they were 'sunergos' - co-labourers. They labored together with him.
When it came to Apollos, Aquila and Priscilla found him to be a learned man who was eloquent and mighty in the scriptures. At that time, the scriptures would have been the Law of Moses. He spoke and taught diligently the things of the Lord, though he only knew the baptism of John.
When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they (both) took him aside and – “expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly”
‘Expounded’ is translated from the Greek word ektithemi; “to expose; to declare- cast, out, expound.” (Strong’s)
The Webster’s 1828 dictionary gives this definition for expound - “1. To explain; to lay open the meaning; to clear of obscurity; to interpret; as, to expound a text of scripture; to expound a law.”
Now look at the definition of ‘teach’ - 1. To impart the knowledge of; to give intelligence concerning; to impart, as knowledge before unknown, or rules for practice; to inculcate as true or important; to exhibit impressively; as, to teach arithmetic, dancing, music, or the like; to teach morals. 2. To direct, as an instructor; to manage, as a preceptor; to guide the studies of; to instruct; to inform; to conduct through a course of studies; as, to teach a child or a class. "He taught his disciples.” [1913 Webster]
Doesn’t ‘expound’ sound a lot like teaching? To expound was to explain and lay open the meaning, whereas the first meaning of the word 'teach' has to do with imparting knowledge and includes – as ‘knowledge before unknown.’
It appears that both Aquilla and his wife filled in the gaps in Apollos' knowledge. This would be considered teaching. The scripture lets us know that his knowledge went only as far as John's baptism. Priscilla was involved in teaching Apollos what he needed to know. There is nothing in these verses that suggests that Priscilla only accompanied Aquila but said nothing. To the contrary, it says that - they (plural pronoun) took him unto them and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. They (plural) took him and expounded, indicating that both took him and both expounded.
We see Priscilla working with her husband. She was a part of him and a part of the ministry he did. She must not have ever presented herself as a teacher who had authority over either Apollos or her husband in a domineering way, but as one sharing the Word of God, which was the true authority. Why do I say this? Because Paul never suggested that anything she did was out of order. Evidently, although Priscilla taught a man, together with her husband, she did not teach ‘over’ apollos as if she was an authority ‘over’ him, nor was she teaching ‘over’ her husband usurping his authority. She worked with her husband and shared the truth and authority of God.
Philippians 4:3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
The definition of ‘laboured’ is – Greek (Strong’s) - sunathleo; to wrestle in company with, that is, (fig.) to seek jointly:- labour with, strive together for.
The definition of ‘fellowlabourors’ is - Greek (Strong’s) - sunergos; a co-laborer, i.e. coadjutor:-companion in labour, (fellow-) helper (-labourer, -worker), labourer together with, workfellow.
The definition of ‘Gospel’ is - Greek (Strong’s) - euaggelion; a good message, that is, gospel:- gospel.
Here, Paul is requesting that the people help the women who had worked with him in the gospel of Jesus Christ. This suggests that they helped him in spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. He does not say “They assisted me by means of finance or encouragement in the work that I was doing,” but rather it says they laboured with him. He seems to be including them with the ‘others’ who were also fellowlabourers, or co-labourers, those who he labored together with.
Does he call them preachers? No, not directly. But he apparently includes them without a suggestion that the work they did was different from, or less than, anyone else who worked with him in the gospel. If we look at the meaning of ‘labored’ which they did with Paul, we might say that they wrestled in company with him or strove together with him for the gospel.
Romans 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Paul claimed himself to be a preacher and a teacher and these women labored with him.
1Timothy 2:7 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.
2 Timothy 1:11Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
‘Teacher,’ here, is translated from the Greek word didaskalos; “an instructor (gen. or spec.): - doctor, master, teacher.” (Strong’s)
‘Preacher’ is translated from the Greek word kerux; “a herald, that is, of divine truth (espec. of the gospel):- preacher.” (Strong’s)
I can see no way to get around the suggestion here that these women ministered alongside Paul and their work was in seeing to it that others heard the gospel, which is ‘heard’ through preaching. Does it say they preached to men? Not in direct wording. Neither does it say that in Paul's travels, he separated the men from the women before he spoke to them. And there is no suggestion that these women, who were helping spread the gospel, were usurping anyone’s authority.
DOES THE BIBLE CONTRADICT ITSELF?
WOMEN KEEP SILENT?
1 Corinthians 14:26-35 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
27 If any man (person [Strong’s]) speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
Take a close look at these scriptures.
Keep silence in verses 28 and 34, is in the Greek (Strong’s) – sigao, see-gah'-o - … to keep silent (transitively or intransitively):--keep close (secret, silence), hold peace.
First, note that the writer is speaking of "when you come together" (verse 26) or, in other words, we might say ‘in the congregation.’ This can be seen further from the use of the word "churches" and "church" in verses 34 +35, which is - Greek (Strong’s) - “ekklesia; a calling out, i.e, (concr.) a popular meeting, espec. a religious congregation…."
So, it would seem that the same one who said that "all" could prophesy, which is for edification, exhortation, learning, and comfort, and who made it clear that this is for the Church (1 Corinthians 14:3+4), is now saying, in verse 34, that women cannot speak in the congregation. Also, notice that he did not mention the ‘pulpit.’ Some find if acceptable for women to sing in church, testify, and teach children. They just believe that it is forbidden for them to preach. But, none of this is stated here.
And we have already read that God said He was going to use women in a way that would require them to speak and not be silent in the Church.
It is very important to understand the context of what is being said. Are these scriptures, then speaking of women being quiet in every way in the church? Does one scripture contradict another? Unless we find what the writer of these scriptures is referring to, obviously we can come up with all sorts of opinions. Again -
Acts 2:16-15 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
These verses are in complete agreement with –
1 Corinthians 14:31- For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
Notice that in verses 27 and 28 of 1 Corinthians 14, the same chapter, Paul said this as well –
1 Corinthians 14:27-28 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three,and that by course; and let one interpret.
28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
‘Man,’ here, comes from the Greek - tis, meaning - “some or any person or object…." (Strong’s)
And the meaning of ‘keep silence’ here is the same as when it is used of women in verse 34. In this case, no person, male or female, is to speak out a message in tongues if there is no interpreter. In that case he is to "keep silence." Notice that it is not that he cannot speak at all. Paul goes on to say, “let him speak to himself and God.” He can speak to God, and he can speak to himself. What he is not to do is to speak out a message in tongues when there is no one to interpret. In that case, he is to ‘hold his peace.’
So, it appears that in order to have all things be done decently and in order, there were times to speak out and times not to do so.
Since Paul made it clear that God would use women to speak out in prophecy in the church and that they were allowed to pray (evidently aloud), it is most likely that when he said they were to keep silent, he was specifying 'when' she should refrain from speaking. Notice that Paul also states that the woman is to be under obedience.
Under obedience is, in the Greek (Strong’s) – hupotasso, hoop-ot-as'-so… to subordinate; reflexively, to obey:--be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto), be (put) in subjection (to, under), submit self unto.
Who is it that a woman is, specifically, to obey?
Titus 2:5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
1 Peter 3:1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
It is her husband, not all men, that she is to submit herself to. Of course, there can be no coming together in the marital union if the two do not yield themselves to each other. How else can they be one? The wife is subject only to her own husband. She belongs to him and no other. He belongs to her and no other. There are times for the man to also submit to his wife and physical intimacy is one of those times.
1 Corinthians 7:4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.
Now, going back to 1 Corinthians 14, the word translated as 'women' in the King James version of the Bible, in verse 34, is the same word for 'wives’ in 1 Peter 3:1. Since, in verse 35, Paul plainly says - "And if they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home....” this word ‘women’ may have been better translated as ‘wives,’ since that is who Paul is referring to.
“And if they will learn anything....”
We are told to 'rightly divide the Word of truth, and that is what we should do!
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Considering all the verses of scripture that make it known that there was a place for women to speak out in prayer and prophecy in the congregation, and knowing that prophecy served the church, it does not make sense that Paul would suddenly make void all these truths.
So then, when we see that Paul specifies, “If they will learn anything, let them ask their 'husbands' at home," it seems safe to assume this is the specific situation he is addressing - learning. Wives were not to interrupt the service asking questions about things they did not understand, perhaps even concerning a message in tongues or a prophecy.
Look again at verse 31 –
31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
The purpose of the prophecy was that all may learn, and all may be comforted. If a wife did not understand but wished to learn, she was not to interrupt the service asking her husband questions. The place for her questions would be 'at home.'
This seems to agree with 1 Timothy 2:11-12.
1 Timothy 2:11-12 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
The word ‘woman’ here is translated from the Greek word - gune, goo-nay' … a woman; specially, a wife:--wife, woman. (Strong’s)
The word ‘man’ here can refer to an individual male but also to a husband. Interestingly, the word ‘silence,’ that is used here, is not the same as the word for ‘silence’ in 1 Corinthians 14:35.
‘Silence’ here. is translated from the Greek word hesuchia; (as noun) stillness, that is, desistance from bustle or language: - quietness, silence. (Strong’s)
What comes to mind is, ‘Be quiet and listen if you want to learn.’ You may find that this is what rabbis often required when they taught anyone: that the pupil listen quietly, without bustle, and in submission to the teacher.
We do not know if there was something going on in these particular churches that prompted these instructions to be given particularly to women, but, nonetheless, it is apparent that it is concerning ‘learning,’ not all other activities. If they were going to learn, they needed to be still and listen. As one who sometimes teaches scripture, I see the value of this. When you begin to teach something that is new, it is beneficial for the learner to hear you out, as it were, and see how the scriptures fit together, rather than jumping to conclusions too soon and inserting questions or remarks that distract from the teaching.
But Paul went on to say that he did not suffer a woman (wife?) to teach nor to usurp authority over the man (husband?).
Some of the definitions Strong’s Concordance gives for ‘usurp authority over’ is - ‘dominate’ and ‘usurp authority over.’
Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines ‘usurp’ as - USURP', verb transitive s as z. [Latin usurpo.] “To seize and hold in possession by force or without right; as, to usurp a throne; to usurp the prerogatives of the crown; to usurp power. To usurp the right of a patron, is to oust or dispossess him.”
When it pertains to learning, how would she learn anything if she kept speaking up over the one doing the teaching, as if she were the teacher, if she kept trying to overpower him and, rather than ‘learn,’ she tried to be his teacher?
After making this statement, in verse 13, Timothy points out that -
13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve.
In the marriage, the husband is the head, the guard, and the protector of his family. His wife should not try to take over his position by force or to disrespect him.
There is headship in the marriage and, even in this, God is our example. God is the head of Christ. Though God is the head of Christ, he treated him with honor and gave him a name that is above all names. He did not belittle Christ. Yet Christ gave all respect, honor, and praise to the Father. He never boasted of his equality to the Father, though he did state that he and the Father are one. And he never attempted to take authority away from or outside of the Father.
God loves the man and woman equally, and he made the husband and wife to be one. A woman never needs to prove her worth by treating her husband with condescension or bay attempting to take his position by force. The two are to be a reflection of God on the earth.
And neither Paul nor Timothy suffered wives to dominate their husbands, as though they were their teachers, or to try and take their position.
These verses do not say that women have no place of authority nor that they can never have any authority. It says that the woman is not to usurp her husband’s authority, or perhaps the authority that any particular male happens to have. The reason that it seems most likely to be referring to her husband’s authority, however, is that, again, Paul referred to her ‘learning.’ And when he spoke of this before, he said the woman should ask her husband at home if she had questions when it came to learning. It is her husband who she is subject to. No other man is her head.
Perhaps in the days, soon after the death and resurrection of Jesus, some women who accepted salvation through Jesus Christ, realizing they were equal to men in God’s eyes, began to rebel and not fully recognize that equal value does not mean for one to disrespect the other. And it does not mean that the role God gave to either has been taken away. While it is not stated outright that this was the exact issue, there may have been something happening that prompted these disciples to point these women back to God’s order.
To read these verses and to say that they are teaching us that only men have any authority, is taking the words, stretching them, and giving them meaning from their own minds, when this is not what is said.
God gave both the man and his wife dominion on the earth over every living thing other than human beings. He also set positions in order. And it is not for any person to attempt to override God’s order.
Furthermore, scripture shows that the man and woman each have their areas of expertise and responsibility, and, in these arenas, they need to have faith in each other and let each other do what he or she needs to do without interference.
For example, in the area of infant care, God designed the woman with abilities and instincts that are not in the man. Thus, her husband needs to trust her to know what she is doing. In the area of providing, God holds the husband primarily responsible. This is not to say that a woman cannot do things to bring about increase for the family. But she needs to let her husband do what God requires of him and trust him.
It is reasonable that the one who provides the needs of life would have some authority, especially if he is the one who is out front facing the problems of life and protecting his family. The wife, who respects her husband and gives deference to his position, is an example to her children of the beauty and value of humility.
The subject of submission, though connected to the issue at hand, is not the primary subject of this study. It is, however, connected to the subject of whether or not a woman can speak or preach in the congregation.
God has made his attitude toward the body of Christ (male and female) clear.
Matthew 20:25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servan:
28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
God is a God of unity. He desires unity, not domination. Even the particular positions he gives to each marriage partner, are meant to work together to bring peace and unity. He made the first husband and wife out of one body, reflecting the oneness of God. He made the woman to be her husband’s other half, his counterpart. He tells us in Ephesians, chapter five, that when a man loves his wife, he is loving himself. The wife is her husband’s own flesh. In the same chapter we’re told that we who belong to God are His body, His flesh and bones.
Ephesians 5: 28-30 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church;
30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
It is wrong for any member of the body of Christ to want to dominate another. The husband, who is the head of the wife, is required to love her, nourish her, and cherish her in the way that the Lord does the church. Though God is the head of Christ, he loves him, gives him authority, demands that he be glorified, and sets him at his right hand.
All this being true, men and women, husbands and wives, should be able to function together quite beautifully and have no fear, envy, or resentment of each other and their God-given positions. They are one and are meant to be a reflection of God. Consider what Jesus said of his relationship with the Father.
John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
John 10:30 I and my Father are one.
The Father and Son are so much a part of each other that to see Christ was to see the Father. Everything that the Father made in creation involved Jesus.
John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
What a wonderful thing it would be if, when seeing a wife, she were so much in unity with her husband and shared his thoughts and heart in such a way that it was as he were seeing her husband.
If they had that much unity, then, when a woman spoke, she would not overshadow her husband nor would she put on an air of superiority to him. His position and her respect for him would be obvious.
It is wrong to automatically think that if a woman preaches or teaches at some point, that she is necessarily usurping her husband’s authority and/or trying to teach ‘over’ him as though to dominate him. It may well be that he is in full agreement with what she is doing and that he is in agreement with every word she speaks.
Any speaker, male or female, should not be preaching to promote their own authority. The Word of God is just that - God’s Words. Anyone who shares God’s Words is sharing him and should be glorifying him. How can I glorified when I tell you what someone else has said? The authority of the Word of God is God’s authority alone. To share it is not to usurp any person’s authority.
If, on the other hand, a wife is correcting her husband while he is speaking, trying to dominate him and replace him and his position as head in her life, she is definitely acting contrary to the Word of God.
Now look at the meaning of the word ‘teach’ that is used in 1 Timothy 2:11. In the Greek (Strong’s) it is – didasko, did-as'-ko - a prolonged (causative) form of a primary verb dao (to learn); to teach (in the same broad application):--teach.
If the definition for the word ‘teach,’ that is given in Webster’s 1913 dictionary of “to direct, as an instructor, and ‘to guide the studies of” is applied to 1 Timothy 2:12, I think it can be understood better. God has not called the woman to be her husband’s manager, to direct his life, or to be his instructor as though she were his superior. While both may learn from each other, the woman is not to take a position of rulership over her husband.
I know of no one who thinks this verse is saying women cannot teach at all, as we know the Bible instructs women to teach women. Yet many have concluded that a woman cannot teach a man at all. Nonetheless, we have already seen that Priscilla did exactly that in Romans 16. And a prophecy given through a woman may teach others as well as herself.
This subject should be approached honestly. How many who hold the view that a woman can only teach women would have no problem sitting under a woman professor in a school setting? How many would find it totally acceptable if a man asked a woman to teach him how to do laundry, if he were living alone, or if he wanted to garden and knew a woman who could teach him how to do this, or any academic thing?
This then, is often primarily applied to spiritual things or to what is done behind a pulpit. But don’t forget that at the time this scripture was written, most of the church probably gathered in homes and may not have used any sort of pulpit. So, let’s be honest, this verse does not say this applies only to Bible teaching and preaching. That is mere assumption.
The fact that God would use a woman to bring forth his words in prophecy did not negate the fact that she was, at all times, to remain in her God-given position and respect the headship of her husband. And the same holds true of preaching. Paul has made it abundantly clear that there was no intention to keep women completely silent in the church. He said that ‘all’ could prophesy. So whether or not you believe prophecy includes preaching, it definitely means speaking out in the church and in an authoritative voice as God speaks through her.
There was a time when there were things God had been dealing with my husband about, things in the Word of God. He felt an urgency to write down his thoughts and the things God was showing him. However, he was taken to Heaven before having accomplished this. So, I decided to do the writing after he was gone. At one point in time, I took my Bible, a concordance, a lexicon, paper, and pen and went somewhere alone, usually five or more days a week. I searched the scriptures and wrote on the subject that was on my husband’s heart. In a way, I feel I was taking up his work.
I have shared messages from the pulpit on subjects God first began to reveal to my husband. God opened my eyes as I heard my husband speak, and then, after he was gone, I studied deeper and shared the good Word of God on these subjects. In no way do I feel I usurped my husband’s authority, and I hope I have represented him and my God well. Had he still been here, he could have preached himself, but that does not mean that he would not have wanted me to share the same things as I had the opportunity. Who could better share things important to a man than his other half when she knows his heart? They are one. Remember that any time a person shares the Word of God, he or she is not flaunting her own authority. They are acting as an ambassadors of Christ, sharing the authority that belongs to him. if they do otherwise, they are out of God’s order.
As we have seen, there was a time even for males to keep silent in the congregation. They were not to speak out a message in tongues if there was no one to interpret. In such a case, they were to keep silent. But we know that does not mean they were never to speak or even to speak ‘out.’
Likewise, there was a time for a woman to keep silent. This was when she had questions as concerned a time of learning. But this cannot mean she was never to speak out, for God was, indeed, going to use her to do just that in prophecy to the church. The words she speaks may be powerful and sound authoritative, as they come from God through her, but her humility and her reverence for God and her husband should be very evident. She should not to be speaking with her own authority as though she were the one instructing her husband and the other men who were present at the time, as if to dominate them. She was to be a servant of the God who called her and who placed her under the headship of her husband.
And, if she were to preach or teach, she was not to force her own authority or usurp that of her husband.
While on earth Jesus, himself, was submissive to his head, the Father. Yet he spoke with authority. And God has given him a name that is above all others that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow. Jesus using authority in no way diminished the Father’s authority. They were united. They were one. And this is what God made the man and wife to be a reflection of!
To say that a man cannot give his wife a place of honor and respect and have her to speak would be to diminish his own authority. If he wishes her to speak and is in agreement with her doing so, then she cannot be usurping him. It is not a matter of needing to ask her husband’s permission to speak the Word of God as God when he directs her to and gives her the utterance. Yet, at the same time, God will not use her to usurp her husband.
Speaking of authority, there is one more thing that is worth seeing that few may ever realize. See what he says of younger women.
1 Timothy 5:14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
Take a look at the words “guide the house.” In the Greek, (from which we get our translation ‘guide the house), the word is oikodespoteo, oy-kod-es-pot-eh’-o. It means - to be the head of (i.e. rule) a family:--guide the house. (Strong’s)
Would the scripture, or could the scripture, actually be saying – ‘I will therefore that the younger women … be the head and rule the house, or, that is, the family?’ Uh oh! Is your head swimming? How could this be? The Bible never contradicts itself, right?
This being the case, how can there be a scripture that refers to women as being ‘head’ or having ‘rule’ of a family? It most certainly cannot be saying that any woman is the head of her husband, can it? No, it does not!
If only these two verses are taken and run away with, there may well be another false doctrine arise. But it is saying something you may not have heard before, so let’s take it slowly.
Take a deep breath, please. Ahh …. Now let’s take it one step at a time and dig a bit deeper into the treasure chest of truth. We know that it is truth that sets us free. Please do not let emotion or preconceived ideas cause you to stop here and walk away. One piece of a puzzle does not show the beauty of a finished work!
Okay, now take a look at the words ‘keepers at home’ found in Titus 2:5 where it speaks of what older women were to teach younger women.
Titus 2:4-5 That they may teach the younger women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
The words ‘keepers at home’ in this case, is the Greek word oikouros, oy-koo-ros. It comes from the word oikis, meaning – a dwelling (more or less extensive, lit. or fig.); by implication, a family.… (Strong’s) and the word ouros, which means (a guard; be “ware”); a stayer at home….
This portion of scripture is not saying a young wife can never leave the house or accomplish anything outside the house. The word ‘keepers’ has to do with her guarding the home. Of course, if she is never there, how can she do this?
God requires a man to provide for his house.
1 Timothy 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
The wife will take that provision as her own as well. She is to use it wisely in the care of their home and children. To do so, she must act authoritatively. This is not overstepping her husband. It is working as a partner with him, caring for what he has worked hard to provide. He is, shall we say, the first provider and/or the one responsible for providing. He is to provide materially, spiritually, and emotionally. This is first and foremost his responsibility. His wife can then take what he provides, cherish it, guard it, and rule it in the sense of taking charge. She can use her own creativity and ingenuity to causing it to multiply, blossom, and grow. Again the man and his wife are to be one. They are to be confederate in life. Mutual love and respect are what is needed, not domination.
If a woman uses her delegated authority to keep her and her husband’s house in order (rule), a husband will be able to find peace in his house when he is there, for she has ruled it - not him - well. She has taken what he provided and cared for it well.
The husband is to live with his wife according to knowledge.
1 Peter 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
While many are quick to want to put women in their place, rather in the place they think they should have, how many men realize that to not live with their wives according to knowledge and to give them honor can result in their prayers being hindered?
Women are weaker physically in many ways, though when it comes to internal things like growing new life within them and giving birth to that life, they have tremendous strength. The man and woman need to see the value in each other’s strengths and weaknesses and to honor and respect these things.
Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
Far too many men and women try to live together without the knowledge they need, and the results are not only disastrous to the marriage but also to the Church, resulting in a lack of a true reflection of Christ. If either spouse does not have an understanding of God’s design and purpose for their partner, one may unknowingly neglect and/or abuse the other. The best place for a man to get the knowledge of his wife that he needs is from his wife herself and from the Word of God. A husband and wife learn of each other from each other. In this, they teach each other many things.
A man needs to have knowledge of the purpose God created his wife for. He needs to have some understanding of her wiring, the daily working of her body, and her area of expertise that which womanhood itself envelopes. With proper understanding comes respect, appreciation, honor, and even awe for who and what she is. Her womanly instincts, her intellect, and her abilities will then be appreciated and treasured. She will be loved and cherished as his own body.
When a woman has understanding of the God-given makeup of the man and his purpose, she will be thankful for who and what he is. She will be proud of her husband and reverence him. She will be glad to serve him and bring purpose to his life.
If the marriage is as God designed it to be, a woman will not come into the congregation and usurp her husband’s authority.
The man who allows his wife to run the house, in the way Paul referred to, is wise and will be able to see her talents put to use. If he, however, has occasion to see his wife in need, whether for physical or emotional reasons, or that things in the home are becoming out of order, he might find it necessary to step in, in love minister to the situation and bring restoration for her safety and that of the whole family.
When women see this word, hupotasso, translated as ‘obey’ rather than ‘submit self unto,’ they may automatically feel they are being told not to be united with their husband as one, his partner in life, but to only be dominated by him. However, the truth is that the moment a man and woman marry, they are submitting to each other. And unless each allows the other to be who and what they are and to fulfill God’s design and call for their life, there will be no fulfillment in their relationship. Any spouse who tries to dominate the other and to take on their position will lose beautiful blessings that God intended them to have.
Now let’s summarize. God created the man and wife to be a reflection of Himself – Elohiym. To do so, they must show mutual love and respect and be unified as one, as is our God. He has made the marriage to be a reflection of Christ and his church. He requires the man to love his wife in the way Christ loved the church. He requires wives to reverence and be subject to their husbands.
God has set up the order of headship out of his love, for his glory, and for our benefit. God determined that after Christ brought salvation and ascended back into Heaven, he was going to pour out his Spirit on all flesh, both male and female. He determined that he would be glorified in the body of, and the lives of his children, both male and female. He determined that he would use women as well as men in the exercising of gifts of the Spirit, including prophecy. He made it known that this prophecy was for the Church, where he would speak to his people through the mouths of his servants. He made it known that all of his children could prophesy but that all things should be done decently and in order.
For a woman to claim to be doing anything for God while she is dishonoring God by dishonoring his order is not acceptable. A woman is never to usurp her husband’s authority. She is not to try to position herself as his manager as though he were incapable of leading in the way God has created him to do and requires him to do. To usurp her husband’s authority is to usurp God’s authority.
To know how the husband and wife should live out their positions, with the man being the head of his wife, it is wise to look at our example – God Himself. It is valuable to study the relationship of God the Father and God the Son.
Now may men and women yield to the God of their salvation. May we all go forward spreading the good news of the salvation of Jesus Christ. And may we reflect the heart of God that is seen in the Godhead in all we do and say. May husbands and wives love each other as Christ loves us.
Let us - Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Let us show the world how God has made us to be one and the Father and the Son are one. And let us say as John said –
John 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
Matthew 9:37-38 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
NOW GO and GLORIFY GOD!
Mark 16:15-16 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
