Does Gender Matter in Ministry? Part Two (1 Timothy 2:8-15)

Big Idea: Men and women are equal in worth and have vital roles in the church, but the Bible prohibits women from serving as elders/pastors, while encouraging their gifts in other ministries.

Options in Understanding 1 Timothy 2:8-15

We face at least three options in understanding this passage.

Option A

The argument goes like this: The passage doesn’t say what it appears to. It is not a prohibition against any ministry by women.

Arguments include:

• The term translated as "authority" in verse 12 has been inaccurately translated. It should be translated, “I do not permit women to teach that they are the source of men.” However, there is little linguistic, historic, or scholarly support for this view.
• Some believe the passage addresses women's roles in the home and marriage, not in the church. However, the context of the chapter appears to be public worship.

Option B

This option states that Paul does place a prohibition on some ministries of women, but only a temporary one. This prohibition does not apply today.

Arguments include:

• The word “permit” in verse 12 appears to be in the Greek a temporary and limited restriction. Response: The Greek does indicate that Paul wrote for the present time; it does not necessarily indicate a temporal command.
• Since Paul permits women to learn (verse 11), the ultimate purpose for them is to teach. However, the purpose of learning is not solely to teach, and Paul does not prohibit all teaching by women.
• Paul is preventing women from teaching in Ephesus due to the goddess controversy and concerns about their spiritual maturity. However, this does not deal adequately with Paul’s appeal in verse 13 to the creation order.
• Paul’s appeal to the creation order and the order of the fall corrects some false teaching that was taking place. It does not apply the creation order to male/female roles within the church. However, Paul elsewhere uses the same arguments to refer to male/female roles (1 Corinthians 11:8-9).
• Paul uses Adam and Eve as an illustration of what was happening in the Ephesian church. However, this does not deal adequately with Paul’s appeal in verse 13 to the creation order.

Option C

This option suggests that Paul imposes a clear and enduring restriction on certain roles for women in ministry.

Arguments include:

• The appeal to the creation order seems to indicate that his conclusions are based on timeless, pre-fall principles.
• This is the plain meaning of the text (as opposed to the hidden meaning).

Equal, yet Different Roles?

• The Trinity provides an example for us of what it means to be equal, yet different in role. For instance, the Son is submissive to the Father. This is applied in Scripture to the role of men and women (1 Corinthians 11:3).
• There appears to have been a distinction in roles right from creation (Genesis 2:18; 1 Corinthians 11:9; 1 Timothy 2:13). Other elements of the creation story, such as the birthright, Adam naming Eve, God addressing Adam first, and Adam symbolizing humanity, suggest distinct roles.
• Redemption affirms the creation order (Colossians 3:18-19; Ephesians 5:22-23; Titus 2:5; 1 Peter 3:1-7). The distinction in roles was not caused by the Fall, and is not removed by redemption.

Understanding Women in Ministry Today

• Both men and women were created in the image of God. Both genders are equal in worth and importance.
• Both men and women have vital roles to be played in the church. Priscilla taught Apollos (Acts 18:24-26). Paul frequently mentioned women who were active in ministry (Romans 16:1,6,12; Philippians 4:2). Women prayed and prophesied in the public worship of the church (1 Corinthians 11:5).
• Women were regarded as co-recipients within the church of God’s riches (Galatians 3:28). They found new freedom in Christ that was revolutionary in its day (e.g. to learn in 1 Timothy 2:11).
• There appears to be a clear and timeless prohibition against women serving as elders in 1 Timothy 2:12. The function of “teaching and having authority” is that of elder or pastor (the words are interchangeable).
• Beyond this one prohibition, women are encouraged to use their gifts to the fullest in the body of Christ. Churches should welcome women to exercise all the spiritual gifts, including leadership and teaching, outside of the office of pastor/elder.
• The role of deacon in the New Testament appears to have been a serving role more than a governing role. This role appears to be open to women (Romans 16:1). Note: the term deaconess does not appear in Scripture. Deacon (even when referring to a female) is the more appropriate term.
• Richview should allow every man and woman to fully utilize their God-given gifts within biblical limits. We must evaluate biases regarding communion and teaching under a male senior pastor's authority. The invisible “glass ceiling”?
• Sensitivity is needed in this area, in the use of humor, and in our attitudes. We should humbly acknowledge that we don't have all the answers, while also having the courage to live by Scripture to the best of our understanding.
• Rather than being restrictive, obedience to God in this area will be fulfilling and freeing.

Resources

The Danvers Statement

Men and Women in the Church: A Short, Biblical, Practical Introduction by Kevin DeYoung