1 Timothy 2:8-15

(8) I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

(9) In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

(10) But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

(11) Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.

(12) But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

(13) For Adam was first formed, then Eve.

(14) And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.

(15) Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

Please notice; v.8 states that Men should pray everywhere. V.9 references women “in like manner also” infers that v.8 (and preceding) was not talking about men and women, just men and their position in public worship, but now the writer is preparing to address the women’s position in public worship. V.9-10 declares the acceptable apparel that should be comparable to their godly reputation. V.11 declares the woman is to be silent and in all subjection. Subjection is translated from the Greek word υποταγή - hupotage - hoop-ot-ag-ay': subordination, or lower position. In Genesis 3:16, God declared that the woman was to be ruled by her husband. This is not a mean or cruel belief, although many over-controlling men have abused this verse, but the setting in order of the positions of authority in the home. This was in part because of the woman being deceived in the garden, but it was actually implied from the beginning (See Genesis 2:20-23). So then, God set the man as the authority of the home, as man was created first, and the woman second in command as she was made to be his help meet, and they two, one flesh. One flesh should only have one head otherwise it is a monster. V.12 Here again the writer declares the silence of the woman, but goes further to explain what that silence is referring to: he says “I suffer not”, (suffer: επιτρέπω - epitrepo - ep-ee-trep'-o: to turn over (transfer), that is, allow: - give leave [liberty, license], let, permit, suffer.) this means “It is not permissible for a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man”. It is very clear that a woman is not to teach men, nor be in a higher position then men in the Church. V.14-15 explains why, as previously stated. Finally, V.16 reinstates Genesis 3:16 and closes the subject.

1 Corinthians 14:26-40

(26) How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

(27) If any man speak in an [unknown] tongue, [let it be] by two, or at the most [by] three, and [that] by course; and let one interpret.

(28) But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

(29) Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

(30) If [any thing] be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

(31) For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

(32) And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

(33) For God is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

(34) Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but [they are commanded] to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

(35) And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

(36) What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

(37) If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

(38) But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

(39) Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

(40) Let all things be done decently and in order.

Again in this passage the writer is addressing the men of the Church (“Brethren”) dealing with the order of ministry in the local church v.26. We see in v.27-28 how we are to deal with different languages in the church, and that people who speak (preach, teach, announce) in other languages should not do so unless there is someone there who can interpret what is being said, and then only two or three in a service (two or three possibly because all things should be established by the mouths of two or more witnesses, but that is speculation). If there is nobody there to interpret, let him talk to God in silence. V.29-32 deals with prophets and others prophesying (2. In Scripture, a person illuminated, inspired or instructed by God to announce future events; as Moses, Elijah, David, Isaiah, &c.). As we saw previously, and can see here merely by the masculine pronouns being used, this position is referring to men, not women. (Keep in mind v.33; “For God is not the author of confusion…” so then why do we do the opposite of His Word? Is that not very confusing?) V.34-35 says that women are to be silent in the churches, and that they are to ask their husbands at home if they have any questions concerning the Church, it is a shame for a woman to speak in Church. This is not talking about women talking to each other, and others. This is talking about women speakers (Strong’s GR.: λαλέω - laleo - lal-eh'-o: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, that is, utter words: - preach, say, speak (after), talk, tell, utter.) In v.36 he asks the church at Corinth if they are under the impression that they are authorized to dictate God’s Word, or that they have some private interpretation of God’s Word. V.37 states that if you think that you are a prophet or you think you are spiritual (again talking to the men) then you should realize that what he is saying in these verses are the commandments of the Lord. In v.38 however, if they choose to be ignorant, then we are not to try to force the Word of God on them, just let them be ignorant (…we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ - Romans 14:10). V.39 he duly addresses “Brethren” telling them to covet prophesy, and allow people to speak in foreign languages (naturally as set forth above). Finally he closes this passage out in v.40 that all things should be done properly, and properly is described in these passages of scripture. (V.33, For God is not the author of confusion…).

I ask you: If God says that women are not permitted to speak, teach, preach, etc. and man says that they allow it, which should we listen to?

(ANSWER: Romans 3:4 & Acts 5:29)

Now what do we do? Lets see what Jesus said about knowing his Word and our responsibility:

Luke 12:47-48

(47) And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not [himself], neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many [stripes].

(48) But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few [stripes]. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

Disregarding our Lord’s will, especially when we know what He expects, carries extremely stiff consequences. God gave us His Word to guide us in all matters Spiritual, therefore we have been given much, and so much is required of us.