The inspired apostle Paul was very clear in the Lord’s instructions for the church when he wrote: “Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression” (1 Tim. 2:11-14).

However, attempts have been made to circumvent this plain teaching. Some, drawing inferences from purported historical and cultural norms, reinterpret this passage so that Paul is commanding to not let the unlearned teach. They say Paul’s command of quietness, “…is not because they are women, it is because they are unlearned.”[1] Thus, they say the cross-cultural principle is the unlearned—men or women—should not teach. The application of the text has not only been tempered to the point that women per se are not forbidden from teaching over men, but, amazingly, to apply to those who hold that women should not teach over men; in other words, they should not teach their position since they are unlearned.[2] Thus, if you think this text means women should not teach, then the application is you should not teach because you are misinformed. How drastically the inspired teaching has been twisted in this application!

This reinterpretation based on the cultural theory of uneducated women does not hold water. The conclusion that all Ephesian women were uneducated is unwarranted from historical investigations. Many women in Ephesus were educated, though mostly privately; thus, what has survived history gives only a glimpse of the entire picture of women’s education in that society.[3] Paul had already addressed those who were attempting to teach yet were unlearned or without understanding earlier in the epistle (1 Tim. 1:3-7, 20). Why would he mention the women in contrast to the men in this section if it were the lack of learning that was the real problem? Why make a gender contrast at all?

Instead, Paul gives reasons for this command that transcend the historical and cultural situation of first-century Ephesus.  He goes all the way back to the beginning of time to explain this principle. Order of creation is the first basis upon which this command rests (1 Tim. 2:13). Male leadership was intended by God from the beginning, even before sin entered the world. Woman was created to be a helper to man (Gen. 2:18-20). The second basis is the deception of woman who was the ringleader in the first transgression (1 Tim. 2:14). Consequently, the woman’s desire to rule would be given to the man (Gen. 3:16).

Considering the historical-cultural context of Bible passages is important to arriving at the meaning of the text; however, let us be on guard that we do not dismiss clear teaching with the wave of the hand just because a theory about cultural factors has been suggested, especially if we find no hint of such theory in the biblical text.

[1] Craig S. Keener. Paul, Women & Wives: Marriage and Women’s Ministry in the Letters of Paul. (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1992), 120.

[2] Ibid.

[3] S. M. Baugh. “A Foreign World.” Women in the Church: An Interpretation and Application of 1 Timothy 2:9-15. Edited by Andreas J. Köstenberger and Thomas R. Shreiner. 3^rd ed. (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2016), 58.

The early church grew because they kept on teaching and preaching the message of Jesus Christ despite opposition (Acts 5:42). When Peter and John were told not to teach at all in the name of Jesus, they said they could not stop speaking about what they had seen and heard as witnesses of the resurrected Lord (Acts 4:18-20). Saul spearheaded a persecution effort against the church in Jerusalem by dragging people to prison (Acts 8:3), but those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word (Acts 8:4).  Multitudes were added by the Lord to His church because they heard the message of the gospel and believed (Acts 2:41, 47; 4:4; 5:14). As the word of God spread, the number of disciples multiplied greatly; moreover, even many of the priests were obedient to the faith (Acts 6:7). The gospel message must be heard before any will believe and obey it (Rom. 10:17). The opponents of the church in Jerusalem noted that the early church had filled Jerusalem with the doctrine of Christ (Acts 5:28).

As we come to our gospel meeting this week, let us have the same determination: to fill Flatwoods and the surrounding areas with the doctrine of Christ. Perhaps you can be like Cornelius who called together his relatives and close friends to hear the gospel (Acts 10:24). Perhaps you could be like Andrew who brought his brother to the Lord (Jn. 1:40-42). If someone is skeptical, maybe you could be like Philip who simply said to Nathanael “Come and see” (Jn. 1:46).

The sad reality is not everyone will obey the gospel (Mt. 7:13-14; Rom. 10:16), but we must work to give them an opportunity. The sower scatters the seed even though some lands on the wayside soil (Lk. 8:5). The seed is the word of God (Lk. 8:11). If no seed is sown, then no one will receive the word that is able to save their souls (James 1:21). Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Lk. 19:10). While Jesus accomplished essential tasks to bring salvation that are not required of us (such as dying on the cross), He also went about preaching the gospel of the kingdom (Mt. 4:23; 9:35). This is an essential part to the lost being saved in which He has called us to participate by spreading the soul-saving message (Mt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16; Lk. 24:47).

This week will be a great opportunity to do that as we explore lessons which powerfully demonstrate how Jesus is Lord. His fulfillment of scripture and His resurrection from the dead prove He is indeed the Son of God, the promised Messiah (Pss. 16:10; 110:1; Isa. 53:3-8). One can clearly see this if guided by a capable teacher (Acts 8:30-36). Only through Jesus can one enter heaven (Jn. 14:1-6). Without Him, people die in their sins (Jn. 8:24; Rom. 3:9-12, 23; 6:23). The gospel of Christ will be preached this week. Through this message, God will save those who believe (1 Cor. 1:21). However, flaming fire awaits those who do not obey the gospel (2 Thess. 1:8). Eternal souls hang in the balance. Let us spread the saving news far and wide.