1 Timothy 2:12, "over a man"

1 Timothy 2:12

over a man,

This verse only excludes women from having authority over a man. It does not include other women or children. This phrase seems to specifically be in conjunction with “exercise authority”. If this verse is translated in the order that the Greek has it, it would say something like “But to teach, a woman, I do not permit, nor to exercise authority over a man, but to be in silence.” I, however, don’t think this is means that there is a general prohibition for women not to teach, I think it, too, is restricted to teaching men.
This verse also says “a man” instead of “men” I think this is significant because it is not just excluding women from the pastoral role of having authority over “men” or the congregation, but is restricting women from having any position within the church where they would be having authority over “a man”.

Some would say that it is ok if a woman has authority over a man if she has a man having authority over her or as a “mother” would have authority over children, so a woman can have authority over men in the church. This is making up an exception that the scripture does not allow for. And in fact the use of the word “man” instead of “men” demonstrates that this is not an allowance given by the scripture. Paul closes out any argument that could come against this. A woman is not to have authority over any man in the church whether he is in a position of authority or not, there are no exceptions given here or elsewhere. In other words, the relationship of a woman to other men in the church should not be one of authority. This leaves no allowance for women to have authority over a man in any circumstance including if she has a man that has authority over her.

This however does not mean that there is not a relationship of respect and honor between a man and a woman. To continue with the thought of being a “mother” in the church: A mother only has authority over her child while he is a child. But once he becomes a man, he has authority, especially if his father has died. The mother still, however should be respected and her council valued by her adult son (It is clear in scripture that the son is a fool if he does not value his mother), but she no longer has authority over the son. It is the same way in the church. A woman is not to have authority over an adult man. She can be a mother in the church, even to adult men, but she is not to have authority over a man. (1 Timothy 5:1 – it is also clear here that being a “mother” in the church does not imply authority). Although women do not have authority, they, however, are to be respected and valued and if older treated as mothers and given the high respect that comes with that. It is important to have “mothers” in the church. It is necessary to have “mothers” in the church. And it is commanded by God that there be “mothers” in the church. Augustine’s mother is a good example of this (her example is given under my discussion on 1 Peter 3).

Women are to be valued and respected in the church; their opinions and insight are to be taken seriously. God has made women because we need their insight. We don’t do so well with out them. Also if we do not value and respect women, God will not hear the prayers of us men.