1 Timothy 2:12 I do not permit a woman to or have authority over a man; she must be silent.
Whoa, this is another tough one! This does not fit today's society, nor does it fit most churches. Most people chalk Paul's teaching up to cultural differences. Back then Roman's wouldn't allow women to take control. It was a male dominated society, so Paul just went along with them. But, Paul was counter cultural in nature when it conflicted with the spiritual purity believers. He set all kinds of guidelines in the church that benefitted the followers of Christ and the cause of Christ that challenged the cultural norms. To go along with or to buck the trends of the culture was not the point. Paul set rules that encouraged and developed the spiritual lives of people and ones that helped keep the doctrine true.
A and K, the scripture is very plain, women are not to take control of the local church. Just like the authority in a Christian home, the authority in the church is no different, men are to be the leaders. I have believed it to mean, that men are to have the final say. Someone easily could interpret it much tighter. The last phrase, she must be silent, is a tough one. In tomorrow's post we will see why Paul was setting this standard authority in the church.
~Dad
Paul is setting up the authority structure. Remember, this doesn't say you have nothing spiritual to offer. Very important to keep in mind.
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