September 1998

"BUT I SUFFER NOT

A WOMAN TO TEACH..."

by Mike Johnson

The above statement is found in the Scriptures; it is in I Timothy 2:11-12. The verses say, "Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence." Many may be surprised to learn that these verses are in the Bible, and those who realize that they are there are often unwilling to apply them. They argue that these verses must be understood within their "historical context." These instructions, they say, are temporary regulations which were needful due to the culture of their time. They point out that since we live in a different culture, this teaching does not apply today, and a woman today can do the opposite of what these verses say.

Actually, the kind of reasoning employed against the teaching in I Timothy 2:11- 12 could also be used to eliminate many other Bible teachings. A person, for example, might say that the Bible teaching about baptism had its roots in the Jewish ceremonial washings and, therefore, baptism has no application for us today. People might further say that they could substitute different elements for the Lord's Supper as the unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine had their origin with the Jewish Passover.

The teaching of this passage was clearly not intended to be temporary. Paul, giving a reason for the earlier instructions, said in verse 13, "For Adam was formed first then Eve." This reason goes back to creation before any kind of culture even existed. The idea is that it was God's design from the beginning. (Paul also made the "creation" argument in I Corinthians 11:9 when he said, "Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.") Additionally, nothing in this context shows that Paul's instructions were intended to be temporary.

Verse 14 is sometimes regarded as a second reason for the instructions of verses 11-12. It may, however, be more of an illustration than a reason. The verse says, "And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression." This is not saying that women are more "gullible" than men and are thus not qualified for spiritual leadership. Instead, he shows the result when the roles given by God are reversed. Both sinned, but it was Eve who sinned first, and she led her husband into error. She became the "leader" and he became the "follower." So when God's order was violated, disaster was the result!

Consider some important facts about I Timothy 2:11-12. These verses do not prohibit a woman from teaching under all circumstances. Situations, or settings, exist where she can teach. (Please note Acts 18:26; Titus 2:3-5; Col. 3:16; II Tim. 1:5, 3:14-15). These verses do, however, prohibit her from teaching in an authoritative way or in an authoritative position over the man. Although the instructions in these verses would include the assembly, they are not confined to it.

It is a sad situation when people are so bold as to try to alter a divine directive. We cannot accept certain passages that we agree with, and then dismiss the teaching that we do not agree with or that does not happen to fit current culture. God's Word must be obeyed! --- Mike Johnson

[Editor’s Note: Thanks to Mike for the article! Mike can be reached at: Mike Johnson, 2137 Penhall Drive NE, Huntsville, AL 35811, mkacjohn@aol.com]

Email the Editor at markjward@yahoo.com