WOMEN IN CHURCH (4)

0. Introduction

a) What role, if any, should women play in the church? Does the Bible allow women to teach in church, especially to men? Are there female ministers in the Bible? Is it permissible for a married woman to pray publicly? Some believe that ALL women, married or not, should not speak at all during services. Others feel that women should be able to ask questions but not allowed to make statements or comments. They view this type of active participation by women as "teaching men."

1. Is it Wrong for a Woman to Teach a Man?

a) The question still remains, what did Paul mean when he commanded the following. 

i) "And I do not permit a woman (wife) to teach (the plan of salvation to her husband) or to have authority (dominate over) over a man (husband), but to be in silence (maintain a tranquil spirit)." (1Timothy 2:12)  

b) The apostle Paul did not intend that a wife remain completely silent in relation to her mate! What kind of marriage relationship would it be if a wife could not say a single thing to her husband? A correct understanding of this verse is contained in the phrases "to teach" and "to have authority." The phrase "to teach" means "to teach [the plan of salvation] continually." The phrase "to have authority" (over the husband) literally means to act as oneself, or it can also mean to dominate. Christian wives should not, in public or private, go beyond her ordained God-given marriage position and undermine her mate's position of the primary salvation teacher with in the church or family. This, however, does not apply to women who are single.