1 Timothy 2

Paul writes to Timothy "A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.^”  (Verses 11-12)

Paul would not have lasted long in my house growing up! This is one of those chapters that I cringe at every time I read it. I wonder, if Paul knew that this letter would end up being in the bible, would he still would have written it?

Here is what I think Paul is doing/thinking.

At the time that Paul was writing this letter women were not looked as people, they were property.  Paul does not want a church that is counter-cultural to the extent that it changes the way the world is, because Paul does not want the church to have one agenda.

In his letter to Philemon, Paul does not write to abolish slavery, but openly condones it. (At that time slavery had nothing to do with race) When Paul meets the philosophers at Mars Hill, he does not pass judgment on them for their worshipping of many gods, he just tells them about Jesus.

The Christian church at this time was in its infancy. If it had become known as the church for women’s liberation, it would have turned into something that it was not meant to be. It is supposed to be a place that worships God and makes disciples. Once the church grew in numbers and influence, then it absolutely was called to speak for the oppressed, for the people who were considered property. (Again, I think is what Paul thought, this is not what I think)

I believe Paul’s view in this chapter is that of temporary regulations for a given situation, nothing more. I believe his permanent view is that of Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

From the beginning, women were vital to the growth of Christianity. Mary gave birth to Jesus, Mary Magdalene was the first to see the Risen Christ, and Priscilla was a valued teacher in the early church. Women are still vital today, the church needs women leaders and pastors!

Paul may have just been a jerk, who really knows for sure?

What I do know is this, there is no room for chauvinism in the church today, even if it is biblical.