Divisive Scripture About Women

A woman should learn in silence in full submission. I do not allow a woman to teach or have authority over a man; instead, she is to be silent. For Adam was created first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and transgressed. But she will be saved through childbearing, if she continues in faith, love and holiness, with good judgement. 1Tim 2:11-15

In the day when Paul wrote this we have a few cultural issues: in the Jewish faith women were subjugated, in the Christian faith women were welcome into the general assembly; Timothy is managing a church in Ephesus where the worship of Artemis is rife. Artemis was a female goddess and prostitution was a part of the temple worship, the domination of men through sexual behaviour was prevalent. When women who had been caught up in the worship of Artemis became Christian they had to unlearn a few things and learn a godly way of behaviour.

 The word used for 'teach' was a word Paul used only once and carried a meaning that involved women teaching and dominating men through sexual behaviour in Greek culture.

Paul knew many fine Christian women who were involved in running fellowships at various places, so he was not opposed to women in ministry but not the type that perhaps was happening here.

As a woman I value the input of a man. A man, generally, has a more logical approach, whereas women tend to mix things up emotionally. My biggest battle with myself has been to allow the Lord to speak to my emotions and not allow them to rule.

Eve was deceived, we must accept that and know that Satan was able to deceive her. Therefore we need to protect ourselves by being in proper relationships with men. I belong to a connect group run by a man, I have male friends and a male pastor. I know men can be deceived as well, so I do not automatically assume all men are safe. However,miso lasting myself from males and their I put would be disasterous.

The verse that talks about women being saved through childbirth highlights the difference in the orientation of sex in Ephesus. Sex needed to be brought into godly context. Having children is good. Sexual misconduct, the type that occurred with prostitution was not good.

We can continue in faith, love and holiness with good judgement. Amen!