The Woman’s Place

Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety. - 1 Timothy 2:11-15

    Paul clearly teaches that women are not to lead in prayer, to teach, or to assume authority over the men in the public worship and services of the church, but they are to learn in silence (I Cor. 14:34-35). It is equally clear that women are to pray, teach their children, and instruct other women in the gospel of Christ in their homes.

    The apostle gives two reasons why women are to be subject to men.

    1. "Adam was first created, then Eve."

    Man's headship is established in creation (I Cor. 11:3; I Cor. 11:8-9). The woman, by divine rule, is in subjection to her husband, and any attempt by her to assume the part of head, leader, or instructor is to overturn God's order.

    2.  "Adam was not deceived; but the woman being deceived, was in the transgression."

    Adam was not deceived, what he did in the garden was to please his wife. Eve confesses that the serpent beguiled her; thereby, suggesting her inferiority to the man in strength, spiritual knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. She was already under her husband's rule before the fall but her subjection to the man is more greatly imposed as a punishment for her part in the transgression (Gen. 3:16).

    God's blessings are upon women in their true sphere; that of motherhood, home-life, and godliness. But none can expect his mercies while living in rebellion against his revealed Word. God did not create two chiefs of equal power and authority but he gave to man a precious companion to be loved, led, and protected by her head as he follows the example of his Head, who loved his bride and gave himself for her (Eph. 5:23-25).

"Oh Jesus Christ, most holy!
Head of the church, thy bride!
Oh may in each believer,
Thy love be magnified."