1Timothy 2:11-12 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.
‘Subjection’ [Greek: hupotage] (3:4; 2Cor. 9:13; Gal. 2:5). This does not contradict the fact that women were free to pray and prophesy (teach from the Word) in Christian congregations (1Cor. 11:5, 13; Acts 2:16-21; 21:9; Joel 2:28-32). Women were commanded to learn from their own husbands, who were must older than they and had years of hearing the Law of Moses. Because there were no Bibles in those days, the men were supposed to tell their much younger wives what they heard from God’s Word (back then the Law and prophets only, the Old Testament) as it was known to them then. To state that women can’t study or read God’s Word today or teach it to others is a willful lie and not Scriptural for each individual are to ask, seek and find God on his/her own. To serve God because of another’s belief or tradition is not part of Christianity but is just another form of idolatry.
‘Usurp authority’ [Greek: authenteo] to have power over. Women should not dictate to men, but exercise their rights to teach, pray, and do other things under the authority of men (their own husbands and only if they are saved – unsaved men can be honoured without obeying their sinful commands).
‘In silence’ – It was the custom then for men to speak up in public assemblies to ask questions and even interrupt the speaker when they did not understand, but this liberty was not granted to women. Even today it is unbecoming of a woman to interrupt or question others on their beliefs; we have God’s Word and Christ – who is the Truth and Life – and the only teacher we will ever need (Matt. 23:8,10).
Living the Word 