Today, read 1 Corinthians 14: 26-40. This is a passage of Scripture that discusses order in public worship. What are the restrictions Paul places on the worship service? What does Paul say concerning the use of the tongue in the worship service, prophecy in the worship service, and women speaking in church? Remember, we are focusing on the role of women in the church.
Now reread 1 Timothy 2:8-15. Is Paul saying that women cannot teach in the church building? Is He saying that women can’t teach at all? What about Sunday School? Is a woman never allowed to teach her husband? What about other men? The answers to these questions come from scripture, not from our opinions or traditions of men. We cannot depend on what man says but what God says.
Let’s do a little cross-referencing. Read Acts 18: 24-28. What are the two names that instructed Apollos? Now read Titus 2:1-5. What were the duties of the older women?
Paul is not against women teaching. Priscilla taught Apollos and older women are to teach younger women. So then, what was the purpose of Paul’s writing in 1 Timothy 2: 8-15? It is about the way we conduct ourselves in worship. There were false teachers in the service. The women were a part of the problem.
God has called many women to lead in His purpose. We can go all the way back to the Old Testament. When reading scripture from the Jewish people, we have to put their time periods and culture into context. The first two chapters of First Timothy have talked about some somber, controversial topics. Peter even stated in 2 Peter 3:14-16 how Paul wrote hard-to-understand points. We also must remember how we are being taught about these scriptures. Are the leaders only using certain passages about women in teaching roles, or are they using the whole Bible context? Do you listen to the Holy Spirit?
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray that you will guide us to the truth of who you are and your desire for us. I pray that we don’t make this harder than it needs to be but know we need to obey you.
In Jesus Name
Amen
