1) 1^st Timothy 2:11-12 “Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.  2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.”  I think we need to understand the definitions of two words in this Scripture to get the meaning of the directive.  First, the word silence means “quietness.”  It does not mean not to speak at all, but to be calm and under control.  We must remember that under the law a woman was not allowed to participate in Temple Worship in any way whatsoever.  The Grace Dispensation opened a lot of doors for women to participate in the church services.  When this occurred, I understand from some Church history,  that women would interrupt the services right in the middle to ask questions of the speaker.  This is why the Apostle instructed them to ask their husbands at home.  I don’t think this was an admonition not to speak, but a caution to not interrupt.  The second word is “teach.” The word is connected to the following phrase “nor to usurp authority over the man.”  I don’t think this means that a woman cannot teach at all in the church; I think it means she should not teach with the understanding that she is unchallenged or the final authority on religious or moral matters.  The modern teacher is more of a discussion leader than what this Scripture is calling a teacher.  She does not demand a man line up to her ideas.  She is just directing the discussion and pointing out Biblical principles. 

2) 1^st Corinthians 14:33-40 “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. 14:34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. 14:35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. 14:36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. 14:38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.  14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.”  This is the Scripture I referred to as speaking on the interruption of the church service by women asking questions.  I think that is why the Apostle used the phrases “let them ask their husbands at home” and “God is not the author of confusion.”  Paul didn’t want the services interrupted with endless questions breeding confusion from these new congregants. The emphasis is on causing confusion. Remember women at this time would have had very limited, if any, education and very little religious instruction.  This would’ve all been new to them.  I want to re-iterate once again, I don’t think the Apostle is offended that women are speaking, but the manner in which they are choosing to speak.  I want to give you some other thoughts on women in ministry.

A) Most of the churches and preachers who most vociferously argue against women teaching in the church are not being honest in this matter.  They will not allow a woman to teach, but they will allow them to sing, testify, and pray.  If they choose to interpret “silence” as an admonishment not to teach, it ought to be an admonishment not to speak at all.  Also many allow women to teach children in Sunday School classes.  This Scripture does not say they can’t teach men, but they can teach children.  If they want to say no women teachers; that should mean no women teachers anywhere.  You must be honest in your line drawing.

B)  The Bible does not contradict itself; especially when the same writer is involved.  I will give you 3 examples from this same Apostle Paul which seem to allow women to be involved in the worship service or teaching.

1. Acts 18:24-26 “And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. 18:25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 18:26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.”  Apollos was an eloquent speaker, but didn’t understand the mission of Jesus Christ.  He only knew of the doctrine of John the Baptist.  The husband and wife team of Aquila and Priscilla took him under their wing and instructed him in the ways of Christ.  I had a preacher tell me once that Aquila taught and Priscilla made coffee, but the Scripture does not say that, or even hint that.  It says “they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.”  I think it is clear they both taught him.
2. 1^st Corinthians 11:5 “But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.”  If it was forbidden for a woman to speak in the church at all, then why is Paul instructing them to have their head covered when they pray or prophesy?  If they were to stay silent they shouldn’t be praying or prophesying anyhow.  The word “prophesy” means to speak with divine inspiration, to discharge the office of a prophet, or under Spiritual prompting, to teach, refute, reprove, admonish, or comfort others.  It seems to me that the Apostle understands that women are speaking in the church.  We would call this prophesying today testifying or teaching.  They were doing it and Paul does not admonish them for doing it.  We know the Evangelist Phillip had four daughters who prophesied.  Acts 21:8-9 “And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. 21:9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.”  There is no Biblical admonishment for these girls, but the Bible seems to be commending them.
3. Romans 16:1 “I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:” The word translated “servant” is the Greek word “diakonos.”  It is the word from which we get the word deacon.  It means a servant or waiter.  It denotes the office of deacon in a local church.  Was Phebe a deacon in this church at Cenchrea?  Were not sure, but there seems to be a hint that she might’ve been.

Lastly I, (this is my opinion; others, I’m sure, think contrarily as they have a right to) do think there is an office of which a woman should not participate. I believe the office of Pastor, sometimes called Bishop in the Bible should be held by men only.  Two reasons make me think this way.  First of all, Jesus chose 12 Apostles; they were all men.  When Judas Iscariot committed suicide, his replacement was a man.  The Apostle to the Gentiles, Paul, was a man.  It seem clear Jesus is intending men to occupy the office of Bishop or Pastor.  Secondly, one of the qualifications for a bishop is to be the “husband of one wife.” (1^st Timothy 3:2)  That clearly indicates a male.  The underlying reason I think this office is intended for men only is the authority issue.  I do believe men should be the head of their household. (Ephesians 5:23)That is another topic for another time of which I can’t get into now.  (by the way, that is not a license to mistreat a wife; don’t forget they are to love their wives as their own flesh) If a man is to be the leader of his household; it holds he should be the leader of the church as well.

I hope I have helped answer this question.  It is a difficult one, but one that should be asked and talked about in the church today.  I don’t claim to have Apostolic authority; some disagree with me; they have that right.  I have only attempted to answer as honestly and as Biblically correct as I can.

One more hint I will give to women who feel the call to teach, but are bothered by questions on this matter.  The Holy Spirit is to be the Christian’s guide.  If you feel led to teach and are not condemned by doing so; I say go for it. do the best you can and do it as unto the Lord.  I think God is in the arrangement!

Pastor Rick Barcus