Proverbs 28,29
28Her children rise up and bless her;
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
29"Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all."
A woman like this will be praised. Her witness will be seen in the world and people will note that she has been with Jesus.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Proverbs 31:27
Proverbs 31:27
7She looks well to the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
She is diligent and faithful. She builds her home.
7She looks well to the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
She is diligent and faithful. She builds her home.
Proverbs 31:25,26
Proverbs 31:25,26
25Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future.
26She opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
This woman is knowledgeable, wise, gives good council and instruction. I believe that in all that a woman does she should always be presenting the gospel and the character of God in both deeds and word. She may not be able to teach or have authority over a man, but that is not excuse for her not to teach through her life and in the times that are appropriate for her to speak, her words should fall sweetly and speak of the depth of God. If others are not learning from a woman, she is not walking in the fullness that God has for her.
25Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future.
26She opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
This woman is knowledgeable, wise, gives good council and instruction. I believe that in all that a woman does she should always be presenting the gospel and the character of God in both deeds and word. She may not be able to teach or have authority over a man, but that is not excuse for her not to teach through her life and in the times that are appropriate for her to speak, her words should fall sweetly and speak of the depth of God. If others are not learning from a woman, she is not walking in the fullness that God has for her.
Proverbs 31:24
Proverbs 31:24
24She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies belts to the tradesmen.
She is industrious.
24She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies belts to the tradesmen.
She is industrious.
Proverbs 31:23
Proverbs 31:23
23Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
This whole chapter is about the woman, not the man, and I believe this verse is about her as well. I believe it is saying this man has the reputation he has at the gates because of his wife. I think this is because of two things. Here godly walk and encouragement makes him a better man and her repetition brings him honor. She is the glory of her husband. Instead of speaking, I believe it is the role of a woman to build up men to speak, specifically her husband.
23Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
This whole chapter is about the woman, not the man, and I believe this verse is about her as well. I believe it is saying this man has the reputation he has at the gates because of his wife. I think this is because of two things. Here godly walk and encouragement makes him a better man and her repetition brings him honor. She is the glory of her husband. Instead of speaking, I believe it is the role of a woman to build up men to speak, specifically her husband.
Proverbs 31:22
Proverbs 31:22
22She makes coverings for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
She wears honor and is honorable. She also presents herself well.
22She makes coverings for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
She wears honor and is honorable. She also presents herself well.
Proverbs 31:21
Proverbs 31:21
21She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
She does not need to fear for her family for she has done well. She looks after her family’s welfare.
21She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
She does not need to fear for her family for she has done well. She looks after her family’s welfare.
Proverbs 31:20
Proverbs 31:20
20She extends her hand to the poor,
And she stretches out her hands to the needy.
She not only looks after her own household but serves the needy. This quality was seen in the women of the early Church.
20She extends her hand to the poor,
And she stretches out her hands to the needy.
She not only looks after her own household but serves the needy. This quality was seen in the women of the early Church.
Proverbs 31:17-19
Proverbs 31:17-19
17She girds herself with strength
And makes her arms strong.
18She senses that her gain is good;
Her lamp does not go out at night.
19She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hands grasp the spindle.
She is strong in her womanhood and senses her work as good and a delight. Womanhood is pleasant for her.
17She girds herself with strength
And makes her arms strong.
18She senses that her gain is good;
Her lamp does not go out at night.
19She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hands grasp the spindle.
She is strong in her womanhood and senses her work as good and a delight. Womanhood is pleasant for her.
Proverbs 31:16
Proverbs 31:16
16She considers a field and buys it;
From her earnings she plants a vineyard.
This woman is also industries and intelligent and is able to make financial decisions and take business opportunities that prosper her family.
16She considers a field and buys it;
From her earnings she plants a vineyard.
This woman is also industries and intelligent and is able to make financial decisions and take business opportunities that prosper her family.
Proverbs 13-15, homemaker
Proverbs 13-15
13She looks for wool and flax
And works with her hands in delight.
14She is like merchant ships;
She brings her food from afar.
15She rises also while it is still night
And gives food to her household
And portions to her maidens.
This woman attends and builds her home well.
13She looks for wool and flax
And works with her hands in delight.
14She is like merchant ships;
She brings her food from afar.
15She rises also while it is still night
And gives food to her household
And portions to her maidens.
This woman attends and builds her home well.
Proverbs 31:12
Proverbs 31:12
12She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
She is the glory of her husband and seeks his good. This is very profound. (I need to write more on this later.)
12She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
She is the glory of her husband and seeks his good. This is very profound. (I need to write more on this later.)
Proverbs 31:11, Husbands trust
Proverbs 31:11
11The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And he will have no lack of gain.
A godly woman has the trust and respect of her husband. He does not need to concern himself with anything under her care. This also shows that there is a dominion of womanly authority, which involves good works and the home.
11The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And he will have no lack of gain.
A godly woman has the trust and respect of her husband. He does not need to concern himself with anything under her care. This also shows that there is a dominion of womanly authority, which involves good works and the home.
Proverbs 31:10
Proverbs 31:10
10An excellent wife, who can find?
For her worth is far above jewels.
A Godly woman is to be valued and honored. She is more beautiful than all of man’s desires.
10An excellent wife, who can find?
For her worth is far above jewels.
A Godly woman is to be valued and honored. She is more beautiful than all of man’s desires.
Proverbs 31:10-31
Proverbs 31:10-31
10An excellent wife, who can find?
For her worth is far above jewels.
11The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And he will have no lack of gain.
12She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
13She looks for wool and flax
And works with her hands in delight.
14She is like merchant ships;
She brings her food from afar.
15She rises also while it is still night
And gives food to her household
And portions to her maidens.
16She considers a field and buys it;
From her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17She girds herself with strength
And makes her arms strong.
18She senses that her gain is good;
Her lamp does not go out at night.
19She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hands grasp the spindle.
20She extends her hand to the poor,
And she stretches out her hands to the needy.
21She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22She makes coverings for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
24She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies belts to the tradesmen.
25Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future.
26She opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27She looks well to the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28Her children rise up and bless her;
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
29"Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all."
30Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
31Give her the product of her hands,
And let her works praise her in the gates.
10An excellent wife, who can find?
For her worth is far above jewels.
11The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And he will have no lack of gain.
12She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
13She looks for wool and flax
And works with her hands in delight.
14She is like merchant ships;
She brings her food from afar.
15She rises also while it is still night
And gives food to her household
And portions to her maidens.
16She considers a field and buys it;
From her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17She girds herself with strength
And makes her arms strong.
18She senses that her gain is good;
Her lamp does not go out at night.
19She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hands grasp the spindle.
20She extends her hand to the poor,
And she stretches out her hands to the needy.
21She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22She makes coverings for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
24She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies belts to the tradesmen.
25Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future.
26She opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27She looks well to the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28Her children rise up and bless her;
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
29"Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all."
30Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
31Give her the product of her hands,
And let her works praise her in the gates.
1 Peter 3:7, honor of a woman
1 Peter 3:7
7You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.
This verse commands a husband to honor his wife. The Greek word for honor means to value. The husband is commanded to value his wife greatly, so that his prayers will not be hindered. This verse demonstrates the value associated with women. Proverbs 31 says, "An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain. " and also "Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: ‘Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all.’ Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her the product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates."
I don’t think this is just applicable to husbands, but also to men in the church. If we as men in the church do not honor and value the women in our church, then we cannot expect God to hear our prayers.
7You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.
This verse commands a husband to honor his wife. The Greek word for honor means to value. The husband is commanded to value his wife greatly, so that his prayers will not be hindered. This verse demonstrates the value associated with women. Proverbs 31 says, "An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain. " and also "Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: ‘Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all.’ Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her the product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates."
I don’t think this is just applicable to husbands, but also to men in the church. If we as men in the church do not honor and value the women in our church, then we cannot expect God to hear our prayers.
1 Peter 3:1
1 Peter 3:1
won without a word
A woman has power and strength, dignity and influence without speaking a word.
In our culture, we have forgotten where true power lies.
won without a word
A woman has power and strength, dignity and influence without speaking a word.
In our culture, we have forgotten where true power lies.
1 Peter 3:1,2
1 Peter 3:1,2
so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, 2as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior.
From a letter I wrote: Thanks for listening. God has gifted you, women, with strength, that us, men, do not possess. I think of the strength that God calls the wife to in 1 Peter 3 and how much power and influence submission, and a gentle and quiet spirit has. It changes the hearts of ungodly men, it gives you the ears of kings, and more. God’s mysteries are so amazing, he thwarts the wisdom of the world and takes what the world calls weakness and displays it into such a powerful strength. God’s calling for women to not have authority or to teach over men, is a calling for them to live in the strength and influence that he designed in women, to reflect His power and His mystery and His glory. And far from hindering them, God desires women to have a powerful influence over the church, no less then men. God displays his power in a quiet and gentle spirit strength, "which is very precious in the sight of God." Who can fathom the wisdom of God.
Sorry for going on, but I have been wrestling and struggling with this for several months and I am excited about how amazing God’s ways are. Thanks again for listening and being willing to talk to the pastor about leading. Thanks for all you have done.
----------------------------------------------------
Augustine’s Mother
Augustine’s mother followed these verses and believed them to be true. Here is Augustine’s account of it, who praised his mother often, for her godly character. She was greatly honored by the leaders in the church of her day. Her influence on the church was great and the effects of her life are still felt today. (She had an instrumental hand in the gospel being preserved through the Roman Catholic decay, for example.)
CHAPTER IX
"19. Thus modestly and soberly brought up, she was made subject to her parents by thee, rather more than by her parents to thee. She arrived at a marriageable age, and she was given to a husband whom she served as her lord. And she busied herself to gain him to thee, preaching thee to him by her behavior, in which thou madest her fair and reverently amiable, and admirable to her husband. For she endured with patience his infidelity and never had any dissension with her husband on this account. For she waited for thy mercy upon him until, by believing in thee, he might become chaste.
Moreover, even though he was earnest in friendship, he was also violent in anger; but she had learned that an angry husband should not be resisted, either in deed or in word. But as soon as he had grown calm and was tranquil, and she saw a fitting moment, she would give him a reason for her conduct, if he had been excited unreasonably. As a result, while many matrons whose husbands were more gentle than hers bore the marks of blows on their disfigured faces, and would in private talk blame the behavior of their husbands, she would blame their tongues, admonishing them seriously—though in a jesting manner—that from the hour they heard what are called the matrimonial tablets read to them, they should think of them as instruments by which they were made servants. So, always being mindful of their condition, they ought not to set themselves up in opposition to their lords. And, knowing what a furious, bad-tempered husband she endured, they marveled that it had never been rumored, nor was there any mark to show, that Patricius had ever beaten his wife, or that there had been any domestic strife between them, even for a day. And when they asked her confidentially the reason for this, she taught them the rule I have mentioned. Those who observed it confirmed the wisdom of it and rejoiced; those who did not observe it were bullied and vexed.
20. Even her mother-in-law, who was at first prejudiced against her by the whisperings of malicious servants, she conquered by submission, persevering in it with patience and meekness; with the result that the mother-in-law told her son of the tales of the meddling servants which had disturbed the domestic peace between herself and her daughter-in-law and begged him to punish them for it. In conformity with his mother’s wish, and in the interest of family discipline to insure the future harmony of its members, he had those servants beaten who were pointed out by her who had discovered them; and she promised a similar reward to anyone else who, thinking to please her, should say anything evil of her daughter-in-law. After this no one dared to do so, and they lived together with a wonderful sweetness of mutual good will.
21. This other great gift thou also didst bestow, O my God, my Mercy, upon that good handmaid of thine, in whose womb thou didst create me. It was that whenever she could she acted as a peacemaker between any differing and discordant spirits, and when she heard very bitter things on either side of a controversy—the kind of bloated and undigested discord which often belches forth bitter words, when crude malice is breathed out by sharp tongues to a present friend against an absent enemy—she would disclose nothing about the one to the other except what might serve toward their reconciliation. This might seem a small good to me if I did not know to my sorrow countless persons who, through the horrid and far-spreading infection of sin, not only repeat to enemies mutually enraged things said in passion against each other, but also add some things that were never said at all. It ought not to be enough in a truly humane man merely not to incite or increase the enmities of men by evil-speaking; he ought likewise to endeavor by kind words to extinguish them. Such a one was she—and thou, her most intimate instructor, didst teach her in the school of her heart.
22. Finally, her own husband, now toward the end of his earthly existence, she won over to thee. Henceforth, she had no cause to complain of unfaithfulness in him, which she had endured before he became one of the faithful. She was also the servant of thy servants. All those who knew her greatly praised, honored, and loved thee in her because, through the witness of the fruits of a holy life, they recognized thee present in her heart. For she had "been the wife of one man,"[292] had honored her parents, had guided her house in piety, was highly reputed for good works, and brought up her children, travailing in labor with them as often as she saw them swerving from thee. Lastly, to all of us, O Lord—since of thy favor thou allowest thy servants to speak—to all of us who lived together in that association before her death in thee she devoted such care as she might have if she had been mother of us all; she served us as if she had been the daughter of us all. "
so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, 2as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior.
From a letter I wrote: Thanks for listening. God has gifted you, women, with strength, that us, men, do not possess. I think of the strength that God calls the wife to in 1 Peter 3 and how much power and influence submission, and a gentle and quiet spirit has. It changes the hearts of ungodly men, it gives you the ears of kings, and more. God’s mysteries are so amazing, he thwarts the wisdom of the world and takes what the world calls weakness and displays it into such a powerful strength. God’s calling for women to not have authority or to teach over men, is a calling for them to live in the strength and influence that he designed in women, to reflect His power and His mystery and His glory. And far from hindering them, God desires women to have a powerful influence over the church, no less then men. God displays his power in a quiet and gentle spirit strength, "which is very precious in the sight of God." Who can fathom the wisdom of God.
Sorry for going on, but I have been wrestling and struggling with this for several months and I am excited about how amazing God’s ways are. Thanks again for listening and being willing to talk to the pastor about leading. Thanks for all you have done.
----------------------------------------------------
Augustine’s Mother
Augustine’s mother followed these verses and believed them to be true. Here is Augustine’s account of it, who praised his mother often, for her godly character. She was greatly honored by the leaders in the church of her day. Her influence on the church was great and the effects of her life are still felt today. (She had an instrumental hand in the gospel being preserved through the Roman Catholic decay, for example.)
CHAPTER IX
"19. Thus modestly and soberly brought up, she was made subject to her parents by thee, rather more than by her parents to thee. She arrived at a marriageable age, and she was given to a husband whom she served as her lord. And she busied herself to gain him to thee, preaching thee to him by her behavior, in which thou madest her fair and reverently amiable, and admirable to her husband. For she endured with patience his infidelity and never had any dissension with her husband on this account. For she waited for thy mercy upon him until, by believing in thee, he might become chaste.
Moreover, even though he was earnest in friendship, he was also violent in anger; but she had learned that an angry husband should not be resisted, either in deed or in word. But as soon as he had grown calm and was tranquil, and she saw a fitting moment, she would give him a reason for her conduct, if he had been excited unreasonably. As a result, while many matrons whose husbands were more gentle than hers bore the marks of blows on their disfigured faces, and would in private talk blame the behavior of their husbands, she would blame their tongues, admonishing them seriously—though in a jesting manner—that from the hour they heard what are called the matrimonial tablets read to them, they should think of them as instruments by which they were made servants. So, always being mindful of their condition, they ought not to set themselves up in opposition to their lords. And, knowing what a furious, bad-tempered husband she endured, they marveled that it had never been rumored, nor was there any mark to show, that Patricius had ever beaten his wife, or that there had been any domestic strife between them, even for a day. And when they asked her confidentially the reason for this, she taught them the rule I have mentioned. Those who observed it confirmed the wisdom of it and rejoiced; those who did not observe it were bullied and vexed.
20. Even her mother-in-law, who was at first prejudiced against her by the whisperings of malicious servants, she conquered by submission, persevering in it with patience and meekness; with the result that the mother-in-law told her son of the tales of the meddling servants which had disturbed the domestic peace between herself and her daughter-in-law and begged him to punish them for it. In conformity with his mother’s wish, and in the interest of family discipline to insure the future harmony of its members, he had those servants beaten who were pointed out by her who had discovered them; and she promised a similar reward to anyone else who, thinking to please her, should say anything evil of her daughter-in-law. After this no one dared to do so, and they lived together with a wonderful sweetness of mutual good will.
21. This other great gift thou also didst bestow, O my God, my Mercy, upon that good handmaid of thine, in whose womb thou didst create me. It was that whenever she could she acted as a peacemaker between any differing and discordant spirits, and when she heard very bitter things on either side of a controversy—the kind of bloated and undigested discord which often belches forth bitter words, when crude malice is breathed out by sharp tongues to a present friend against an absent enemy—she would disclose nothing about the one to the other except what might serve toward their reconciliation. This might seem a small good to me if I did not know to my sorrow countless persons who, through the horrid and far-spreading infection of sin, not only repeat to enemies mutually enraged things said in passion against each other, but also add some things that were never said at all. It ought not to be enough in a truly humane man merely not to incite or increase the enmities of men by evil-speaking; he ought likewise to endeavor by kind words to extinguish them. Such a one was she—and thou, her most intimate instructor, didst teach her in the school of her heart.
22. Finally, her own husband, now toward the end of his earthly existence, she won over to thee. Henceforth, she had no cause to complain of unfaithfulness in him, which she had endured before he became one of the faithful. She was also the servant of thy servants. All those who knew her greatly praised, honored, and loved thee in her because, through the witness of the fruits of a holy life, they recognized thee present in her heart. For she had "been the wife of one man,"[292] had honored her parents, had guided her house in piety, was highly reputed for good works, and brought up her children, travailing in labor with them as often as she saw them swerving from thee. Lastly, to all of us, O Lord—since of thy favor thou allowest thy servants to speak—to all of us who lived together in that association before her death in thee she devoted such care as she might have if she had been mother of us all; she served us as if she had been the daughter of us all. "
1 Peter 3:4, beauty
1 Peter 3:4
4but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.
This "hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit" that is commanded of women is precious in the sight of God. Women should obey because it is this that the Lord finds beautiful and captivating.
4but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.
This "hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit" that is commanded of women is precious in the sight of God. Women should obey because it is this that the Lord finds beautiful and captivating.
1 Peter 3:1
1 Peter 3:1
1In the same way, you wives,
"In the same way", is referring to Peter’s previous description of slaves who were being treated unjustly. He is commanding them to be in obedience to the Lord, regardless of whether or not they are being treated justly by those they are to be in subjection to. The commands of God are not based on others obedience to them.
1In the same way, you wives,
"In the same way", is referring to Peter’s previous description of slaves who were being treated unjustly. He is commanding them to be in obedience to the Lord, regardless of whether or not they are being treated justly by those they are to be in subjection to. The commands of God are not based on others obedience to them.
1 Peter 3:1-9
1In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, 2as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. 3Your adornment must not be merely external--braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; 4but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. 5For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; 6just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear. 7You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered. 8To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; 9not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.
1In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, 2as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. 3Your adornment must not be merely external--braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; 4but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. 5For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; 6just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear. 7You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered. 8To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; 9not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.
Acts 2:17
Acts 2:17
17 'AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,' God says, 'THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND; AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS; 18 EVEN ON MY BONDSLAVES, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN, I WILL IN THOSE DAYS POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT And they shall prophesy.
What ever view I have on the role of men and women, this verse cannot be ignored. The Holy Spirit is to be poured out on both men and women and both men and women are to prophesy although the scriptural view on prophesy is often different from the common pictures of what this is to mean, this by no means negates 1 Corinthians 14 or 1 Timothy 2.
17 'AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,' God says, 'THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND; AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS; 18 EVEN ON MY BONDSLAVES, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN, I WILL IN THOSE DAYS POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT And they shall prophesy.
What ever view I have on the role of men and women, this verse cannot be ignored. The Holy Spirit is to be poured out on both men and women and both men and women are to prophesy although the scriptural view on prophesy is often different from the common pictures of what this is to mean, this by no means negates 1 Corinthians 14 or 1 Timothy 2.
Acts 2:14
Acts 2:14
14 But Peter, taking his stand with the eleven, raised his voice and declared to them: "Men of Judea and all you who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you and give heed to my words.
In these verses, authority and teaching and individual proclamation is distinguished, however. Peter and the eleven took a stand. It is only men that took on the role of explaining this event and teaching and having authority, not the women. Only the men took up the mantel of public, non-corporate speaking.
There is clearly a place in scripture for women prophesying, although it does not cross the lines of teaching or having authority or the principles established in 1 Corinthians 14 or 1 Timothy 2.
Also in Acts 1, the replacement of Judas was only open to men.
14 But Peter, taking his stand with the eleven, raised his voice and declared to them: "Men of Judea and all you who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you and give heed to my words.
In these verses, authority and teaching and individual proclamation is distinguished, however. Peter and the eleven took a stand. It is only men that took on the role of explaining this event and teaching and having authority, not the women. Only the men took up the mantel of public, non-corporate speaking.
There is clearly a place in scripture for women prophesying, although it does not cross the lines of teaching or having authority or the principles established in 1 Corinthians 14 or 1 Timothy 2.
Also in Acts 1, the replacement of Judas was only open to men.
Acts 2:4
Acts 2:4
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.
"And they were all filled". I assume this means both men and women. The prophesy from Joel and Peter’s words confirms this. This was also done in the assembly and publicly, however it was also a corporate and not an individual expression as is done in worship, "speaking of the mighty deeds of God.". 1 Chronicles 25:1 and Exodus15:20-21 are examples of this type of corporate prophesying.
- A side thing that is interesting here is that worship and singing is associated with prophesying.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.
"And they were all filled". I assume this means both men and women. The prophesy from Joel and Peter’s words confirms this. This was also done in the assembly and publicly, however it was also a corporate and not an individual expression as is done in worship, "speaking of the mighty deeds of God.". 1 Chronicles 25:1 and Exodus15:20-21 are examples of this type of corporate prophesying.
- A side thing that is interesting here is that worship and singing is associated with prophesying.
Acts 2:1-21
Acts 2:1-21
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance. 5 Now there were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the crowd came together, and were bewildered because each one of them was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 They were amazed and astonished, saying, "Why, are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8"And how is it that we each hear {them} in our own language to which we were born? 9"Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya around Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs--we hear them in our {own} tongues speaking of the mighty deeds of God." 12 And they all continued in amazement and great perplexity, saying to one another, "What does this mean?" 13 But others were mocking and saying, "They are full of sweet wine." 14 But Peter, taking his stand with the eleven, raised his voice and declared to them: "Men of Judea and all you who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you and give heed to my words. 15 "For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is {only} the third hour of the day; 16 but this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel: 17 'AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,' God says, 'THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND; AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS; 18 EVEN ON MY BONDSLAVES, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN, I WILL IN THOSE DAYS POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT And they shall prophesy. 19 'AND I WILL GRANT WONDERS IN THE SKY ABOVE AND SIGNS ON THE EARTH BELOW, BLOOD, AND FIRE, AND VAPOR OF SMOKE. 20 'THE SUN WILL BE TURNED INTO DARKNESS AND THE MOON INTO BLOOD, BEFORE THE GREAT AND GLORIOUS DAY OF THE LORD SHALL COME. 21'AND IT SHALL BE THAT EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.'
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance. 5 Now there were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the crowd came together, and were bewildered because each one of them was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 They were amazed and astonished, saying, "Why, are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8"And how is it that we each hear {them} in our own language to which we were born? 9"Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya around Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs--we hear them in our {own} tongues speaking of the mighty deeds of God." 12 And they all continued in amazement and great perplexity, saying to one another, "What does this mean?" 13 But others were mocking and saying, "They are full of sweet wine." 14 But Peter, taking his stand with the eleven, raised his voice and declared to them: "Men of Judea and all you who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you and give heed to my words. 15 "For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is {only} the third hour of the day; 16 but this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel: 17 'AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,' God says, 'THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND; AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS; 18 EVEN ON MY BONDSLAVES, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN, I WILL IN THOSE DAYS POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT And they shall prophesy. 19 'AND I WILL GRANT WONDERS IN THE SKY ABOVE AND SIGNS ON THE EARTH BELOW, BLOOD, AND FIRE, AND VAPOR OF SMOKE. 20 'THE SUN WILL BE TURNED INTO DARKNESS AND THE MOON INTO BLOOD, BEFORE THE GREAT AND GLORIOUS DAY OF THE LORD SHALL COME. 21'AND IT SHALL BE THAT EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.'
1 Corinthians 11:16
1 Corinthians 11:16
16But if one is inclined to be contentious, we have no other practice, nor have the churches of God.
Paul is saying that this command and practice is to be obeyed in all the churches, Paul will not argue the issue, it a firm command. Must this command must obeyed even, today? How is it to be obeyed, today?
16But if one is inclined to be contentious, we have no other practice, nor have the churches of God.
Paul is saying that this command and practice is to be obeyed in all the churches, Paul will not argue the issue, it a firm command. Must this command must obeyed even, today? How is it to be obeyed, today?
1 Corinthians 13-15
1 Corinthians 13-15
13Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him, 15but if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her? For her hair is given to her for a covering.
- This verse I don’t quite understand, yet. Samson had long hair, how does this apply here? What about the Nazarite vow which was both for women and men and involved shaving the hair and then growing it out long? Why is the subject of covering not discussed elsewhere, of course it was probably mostly just understood throughout history, so there may have been no need? These questions are not enough to negate this in themselves, we should honestly look at whether or not a woman should wear a covering, and a thorough study of this needs to be done.
13Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him, 15but if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her? For her hair is given to her for a covering.
- This verse I don’t quite understand, yet. Samson had long hair, how does this apply here? What about the Nazarite vow which was both for women and men and involved shaving the hair and then growing it out long? Why is the subject of covering not discussed elsewhere, of course it was probably mostly just understood throughout history, so there may have been no need? These questions are not enough to negate this in themselves, we should honestly look at whether or not a woman should wear a covering, and a thorough study of this needs to be done.
1 Corinthians 11:11,12
1 Corinthians 11:11,12
11However, in the Lord, neither is woman independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. 12For as the woman originates from the man, so also the man has his birth through the woman; and all things originate from God.
Here Paul does not want what he has said to be used as a means to demean women, for that is not God’s design. Women are vital and just as important as men in both dignity and purpose. Yes, in creation God did create woman out man, but also women give birth to mankind and in that since man comes from women. This does not negate God’s design in creation when He made man first and then woman out man, but at the same time, God’s creating man first does not negate the honor due a woman. All things originate from God. The authority given to man is not for abuse, but instead a stewardship to uphold the beauty of a woman and the strength given to a woman is for upholding manhood in men. Any man who would use these verses or others to oppress women or reduce their dignity is in contention with God. In fact, if we do not honor women God will not hear our prayers.
10Therefore the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.
Because this being the glory of man is womanhood and because it is good; women ought to have a symbol of authority on their head.
11However, in the Lord, neither is woman independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. 12For as the woman originates from the man, so also the man has his birth through the woman; and all things originate from God.
Here Paul does not want what he has said to be used as a means to demean women, for that is not God’s design. Women are vital and just as important as men in both dignity and purpose. Yes, in creation God did create woman out man, but also women give birth to mankind and in that since man comes from women. This does not negate God’s design in creation when He made man first and then woman out man, but at the same time, God’s creating man first does not negate the honor due a woman. All things originate from God. The authority given to man is not for abuse, but instead a stewardship to uphold the beauty of a woman and the strength given to a woman is for upholding manhood in men. Any man who would use these verses or others to oppress women or reduce their dignity is in contention with God. In fact, if we do not honor women God will not hear our prayers.
10Therefore the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.
Because this being the glory of man is womanhood and because it is good; women ought to have a symbol of authority on their head.
1 Corinthians 11:8
1 Corinthians 11:8
8For man does not originate from woman, but woman from man; 9for indeed man was not created for the woman's sake, but woman for the man's sake.
This verse relates to the previous statement of man being in the image of God and woman being the glory of man. Man was made first and then woman was made from man, for man. God states that His purpose in making the woman is for her to be "a suitable helper for him". This is womanhood. This order in creation was not a random or purposeless thing nor was the fact that the woman was taken out of man, but it was God’s intention and design. God intended the woman to be the glory of man, when He made her. For one to deny this is to deny the purposes of God and His wisdom and His goodness.
After creating woman God said, "And behold it was very good." God’s design is not oppressive to women but a fulfillment of who they are. It frees women to be who they are. This is also not a statement of placing man superior to a woman, later in this passage Paul fights this kind of thinking. No, man and woman are equal and co-heirs. And both are equally important in the plans of God.
8For man does not originate from woman, but woman from man; 9for indeed man was not created for the woman's sake, but woman for the man's sake.
This verse relates to the previous statement of man being in the image of God and woman being the glory of man. Man was made first and then woman was made from man, for man. God states that His purpose in making the woman is for her to be "a suitable helper for him". This is womanhood. This order in creation was not a random or purposeless thing nor was the fact that the woman was taken out of man, but it was God’s intention and design. God intended the woman to be the glory of man, when He made her. For one to deny this is to deny the purposes of God and His wisdom and His goodness.
After creating woman God said, "And behold it was very good." God’s design is not oppressive to women but a fulfillment of who they are. It frees women to be who they are. This is also not a statement of placing man superior to a woman, later in this passage Paul fights this kind of thinking. No, man and woman are equal and co-heirs. And both are equally important in the plans of God.
1 Corinthians 11:7, "glory of man"
1 Corinthians 11:7
7For a man ought not to have his head covered, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man.
There is a sense that it is the duty of women to bring glory to men, not in the since as they do to Christ (although in Ephesians it does say to submit to your husband as to the Lord, but even this does not supersede obedience to the Lord), but in the sense of confirming and supporting manhood. In Proverbs 31, it says "Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land." This whole chapter is about the woman, not the man, and I believe this verse is about her as well. I believe it is saying this woman is the glory of this man. Her role is to bring glory to a man. Men need this from woman. Yet this verse is even deeper than this. In Proverbs 12:4 says, "A wife of noble character is her husband's crown". This is more than just supporting her husband. She is her husband’s glory. She is a man’s crown. The woman blesses other men. She calls them out to be men. She calls out their dignity and honor.
- At this point I am not ready to make a definitive statement about head coverings, although based on these verses and the context it does seem to be cultural. And I can give a good argument for that. But it is scripture and I don’t want to be quick to explain it away without really listening and hearing from the Lord. However, either way, there are some rich truths in these passages and rich insight into the dignity of the roles that God has for both women and men.
I know that saying that woman is the glory of man is a controversial statement in our culture. However, the biblical concept of what these means does not come near our cultural ideas of what that means. We have to be willing to give up our concepts and come to it as it says in Romans 12:1,2 and allow God to show us His heart and the culture of the Kingdom of God.
7For a man ought not to have his head covered, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man.
There is a sense that it is the duty of women to bring glory to men, not in the since as they do to Christ (although in Ephesians it does say to submit to your husband as to the Lord, but even this does not supersede obedience to the Lord), but in the sense of confirming and supporting manhood. In Proverbs 31, it says "Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land." This whole chapter is about the woman, not the man, and I believe this verse is about her as well. I believe it is saying this woman is the glory of this man. Her role is to bring glory to a man. Men need this from woman. Yet this verse is even deeper than this. In Proverbs 12:4 says, "A wife of noble character is her husband's crown". This is more than just supporting her husband. She is her husband’s glory. She is a man’s crown. The woman blesses other men. She calls them out to be men. She calls out their dignity and honor.
- At this point I am not ready to make a definitive statement about head coverings, although based on these verses and the context it does seem to be cultural. And I can give a good argument for that. But it is scripture and I don’t want to be quick to explain it away without really listening and hearing from the Lord. However, either way, there are some rich truths in these passages and rich insight into the dignity of the roles that God has for both women and men.
I know that saying that woman is the glory of man is a controversial statement in our culture. However, the biblical concept of what these means does not come near our cultural ideas of what that means. We have to be willing to give up our concepts and come to it as it says in Romans 12:1,2 and allow God to show us His heart and the culture of the Kingdom of God.
1 Corinthians 11:5, hair
1 Corinthians 11:5
for she is one and the same as the woman whose head is , hairshaved. 6For if a woman does not cover her head, let her also have her hair cut off; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, let her cover her head.
Paul here is equating the lack of a head covering as being the same as being shaved, and if she is to not wear a veil then the woman should then be shaved.
- What about the Nazarite vow which was for both women and men?
for she is one and the same as the woman whose head is , hairshaved. 6For if a woman does not cover her head, let her also have her hair cut off; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, let her cover her head.
Paul here is equating the lack of a head covering as being the same as being shaved, and if she is to not wear a veil then the woman should then be shaved.
- What about the Nazarite vow which was for both women and men?
1 Corinthians 11:5, covering
1 Corinthians 11:5
5But every woman who has her head uncovered while praying or prophesying disgraces her head,
A woman is called to come under the covering of manhood and to embrace it. A woman is not to take a place of authority.
- Paul is plainly saying that a man who does not wear something on her head disgraces her head. Is this the woman’s own head or is it man, who is the woman’s head, that she is disgracing? Is head covering something that must be done, today?
5But every woman who has her head uncovered while praying or prophesying disgraces her head,
A woman is called to come under the covering of manhood and to embrace it. A woman is not to take a place of authority.
- Paul is plainly saying that a man who does not wear something on her head disgraces her head. Is this the woman’s own head or is it man, who is the woman’s head, that she is disgracing? Is head covering something that must be done, today?
1 Corinthians 11:4
1 Corinthians 11:4
4Every man who has something on his head while praying or prophesying disgraces his head.
A man should take up his authority and not neglect it, for it is from the Lord. God created man first to be a place of authority. It is our stewardship and responsibility to do so. A man must take on the responsibility of leading in the church in the domain God has given him, especially in the home. We are called to act like men and to stand.
- Paul is plainly saying that a man who wears something on his head disgraces his head. Is this man’s own head or is it Christ, who is the man’s head, that he is disgracing? Also is this cultural and symbolic or should this be practiced, today.
4Every man who has something on his head while praying or prophesying disgraces his head.
A man should take up his authority and not neglect it, for it is from the Lord. God created man first to be a place of authority. It is our stewardship and responsibility to do so. A man must take on the responsibility of leading in the church in the domain God has given him, especially in the home. We are called to act like men and to stand.
- Paul is plainly saying that a man who wears something on his head disgraces his head. Is this man’s own head or is it Christ, who is the man’s head, that he is disgracing? Also is this cultural and symbolic or should this be practiced, today.
1 Corinthians 11:3, "head"
1 Corinthians 11:3
3But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ.
Paul wants the people of Corinth to come to understand that Christ is the head of man and the head of a woman is the man, this is the essence of what he is writing here. Later, he says this subjection is from the scriptures, a command of God. In, 1 Timothy, Paul shows that this was the intent of God when he made man first and then Eve. This is a principle that governs the relationship of men and women. It is key hear that Christ is said to be the head of man. Man’s headship is a stewardship under Christ and this position is not to be held in a way that demeans the women. Ephesians 5 (although it is talking about a husband and wife, I believe it fits here as well) shows that it must be as the example of Christ with the church. It must be remembered that women are Christ’s and we are only steward’s to show God’s grace, providing a covering for the women to honor them and build them up in the Lord.
Also notice that in this verse it says, "God is the head of Christ" and this is true. But Jesus is no less God and yet he subjects himself. The woman is not lesser than man in importance or purpose, but as God the Father, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus have different roles and yet are all fully God, so does a man and a woman have different roles, yet one is not superior over the other.
3But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ.
Paul wants the people of Corinth to come to understand that Christ is the head of man and the head of a woman is the man, this is the essence of what he is writing here. Later, he says this subjection is from the scriptures, a command of God. In, 1 Timothy, Paul shows that this was the intent of God when he made man first and then Eve. This is a principle that governs the relationship of men and women. It is key hear that Christ is said to be the head of man. Man’s headship is a stewardship under Christ and this position is not to be held in a way that demeans the women. Ephesians 5 (although it is talking about a husband and wife, I believe it fits here as well) shows that it must be as the example of Christ with the church. It must be remembered that women are Christ’s and we are only steward’s to show God’s grace, providing a covering for the women to honor them and build them up in the Lord.
Also notice that in this verse it says, "God is the head of Christ" and this is true. But Jesus is no less God and yet he subjects himself. The woman is not lesser than man in importance or purpose, but as God the Father, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus have different roles and yet are all fully God, so does a man and a woman have different roles, yet one is not superior over the other.
1 Corinthians 11:1-18
1 Corinthians 11:1-18
1Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ. 2Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you. 3But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ. 4Every man who has something on his head while praying or prophesying disgraces his head. 5But every woman who has her head uncovered while praying or prophesying disgraces her head, for she is one and the same as the woman whose head is shaved. 6For if a woman does not cover her head, let her also have her hair cut off; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, let her cover her head. 7For a man ought not to have his head covered, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man. 8For man does not originate from woman, but woman from man; 9for indeed man was not created for the woman’s sake, but woman for the man’s sake. 10Therefore the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. 11However, in the Lord, neither is woman independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. 12For as the woman originates from the man, so also the man has his birth through the woman; and all things originate from God. 13Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him, 15but if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her? For her hair is given to her for a covering. 16But if one is inclined to be contentious, we have no other practice, nor have the churches of God. 17But in giving this instruction, I do not praise you, because you come together not for the better but for the worse. 18For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and in part I believe it.
1Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ. 2Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you. 3But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ. 4Every man who has something on his head while praying or prophesying disgraces his head. 5But every woman who has her head uncovered while praying or prophesying disgraces her head, for she is one and the same as the woman whose head is shaved. 6For if a woman does not cover her head, let her also have her hair cut off; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, let her cover her head. 7For a man ought not to have his head covered, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man. 8For man does not originate from woman, but woman from man; 9for indeed man was not created for the woman’s sake, but woman for the man’s sake. 10Therefore the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. 11However, in the Lord, neither is woman independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. 12For as the woman originates from the man, so also the man has his birth through the woman; and all things originate from God. 13Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him, 15but if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her? For her hair is given to her for a covering. 16But if one is inclined to be contentious, we have no other practice, nor have the churches of God. 17But in giving this instruction, I do not praise you, because you come together not for the better but for the worse. 18For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and in part I believe it.
Genesis 3:16, "desire"
Genesis 3:16
Yet your desire will be for your husband,
And he will rule over you.
Where as before sin there was not conflict between man and woman in the roles designed for them, this verse sets up the conflict between the roles of a man and a woman that came about as a consequence of sin. These words are the same as those spoken to Cain, when God says that sin desired to have him, but he should rule over sin. Before this man was the head of his wife, which was the intention of God in making man first, but without conflict. Sin, however brought about conflict, women would desire to rule over man, but he will oppressively rule over woman. There was now conflict and struggle in the roles between man and woman.
Yet your desire will be for your husband,
And he will rule over you.
Where as before sin there was not conflict between man and woman in the roles designed for them, this verse sets up the conflict between the roles of a man and a woman that came about as a consequence of sin. These words are the same as those spoken to Cain, when God says that sin desired to have him, but he should rule over sin. Before this man was the head of his wife, which was the intention of God in making man first, but without conflict. Sin, however brought about conflict, women would desire to rule over man, but he will oppressively rule over woman. There was now conflict and struggle in the roles between man and woman.
Genesis 3:1-16
Genesis 3:1-16
1Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, "Indeed, has God said, 'You shall not eat from any tree of the garden'?" 2The woman said to the serpent, "From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; 3but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.'" 4The serpent said to the woman, "You surely will not die! 5"For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." 6When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. 7Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings. 8They heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9Then the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, "Where are you?" 10He said, "I heard the sound of You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself." 11And He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?" 12The man said, "The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate." 13Then the LORD God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?" And the woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate."
14The LORD God said to the serpent,
"Because you have done this,
Cursed are you more than all cattle,
And more than every beast of the field;
On your belly you will go,
And dust you will eat
All the days of your life;
15And I will put enmity
Between you and the woman,
And between your seed and her seed;
He shall bruise you on the head,
And you shall bruise him on the heel."
16To the woman He said,
"I will greatly multiply
Your pain in childbirth,
In pain you will bring forth children;
Yet your desire will be for your husband,
And he will rule over you."
1Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, "Indeed, has God said, 'You shall not eat from any tree of the garden'?" 2The woman said to the serpent, "From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; 3but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.'" 4The serpent said to the woman, "You surely will not die! 5"For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." 6When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. 7Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings. 8They heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9Then the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, "Where are you?" 10He said, "I heard the sound of You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself." 11And He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?" 12The man said, "The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate." 13Then the LORD God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?" And the woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate."
14The LORD God said to the serpent,
"Because you have done this,
Cursed are you more than all cattle,
And more than every beast of the field;
On your belly you will go,
And dust you will eat
All the days of your life;
15And I will put enmity
Between you and the woman,
And between your seed and her seed;
He shall bruise you on the head,
And you shall bruise him on the heel."
16To the woman He said,
"I will greatly multiply
Your pain in childbirth,
In pain you will bring forth children;
Yet your desire will be for your husband,
And he will rule over you."
Genesis 2:7-25
It should also be noted here, that this is a picture of the Gospel: Christ and His church. When God made man and woman and the roles in their relationship it was a shadow and a looking forward to the full consummation of Christ and His Bride. The roles of a man and woman should not be taken lightly as the gospel should not be taken lightly.
Genesis 2:23
Genesis 2:23
23The man said,
"This is now bone of my bones,
And flesh of my flesh;
She shall be called Woman,
Because she was taken out of Man."
The woman was created from the man. This is significant and this was the design of God. Also the fact that man named women signifies his headship as well as the fact that she was taken out of man.
23The man said,
"This is now bone of my bones,
And flesh of my flesh;
She shall be called Woman,
Because she was taken out of Man."
The woman was created from the man. This is significant and this was the design of God. Also the fact that man named women signifies his headship as well as the fact that she was taken out of man.
Genesis 2:18, "helper suitable for him"
Genesis 2:18
18Then the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him."
The LORD God says that His purpose in creating the woman was that she would be "a helper suitable for him." This is the purpose and design of every woman. This is what she was made to be.
18Then the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him."
The LORD God says that His purpose in creating the woman was that she would be "a helper suitable for him." This is the purpose and design of every woman. This is what she was made to be.
Genesis 2:7
Genesis 2:7
7Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.
God created man first. This was not done lightly. This was His design. His purpose for man was to be the head of woman.
7Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.
God created man first. This was not done lightly. This was His design. His purpose for man was to be the head of woman.
Genesis 2:7-25
Genesis 2
7Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. 8The LORD God planted a garden toward the east, in Eden; and there He placed the man whom He had formed. 9Out of the ground the LORD God caused to grow every tree that is pleasing to the sight and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. 10Now a river flowed out of Eden to water the garden; and from there it divided and became four rivers. 11The name of the first is Pishon; it flows around the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. 12The gold of that land is good; the bdellium and the onyx stone are there. 13The name of the second river is Gihon; it flows around the whole land of Cush. 14The name of the third river is Tigris; it flows east of Assyria And the fourth river is the Euphrates. 15Then the LORD God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it. 16The LORD God commanded the man, saying, "From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; 17but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die." 18Then the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper [a]suitable for him." 19Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the sky, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called a living creature, that was its name. 20The man gave names to all the cattle, and to the birds of the sky, and to every beast of the field, but for Adam there was not found a helper suitable for him. 21So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. 22The LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man.
23The man said,
"This is now bone of my bones,
And flesh of my flesh;
She shall be called Woman,
Because she was taken out of Man."
24For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. 25And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.
7Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. 8The LORD God planted a garden toward the east, in Eden; and there He placed the man whom He had formed. 9Out of the ground the LORD God caused to grow every tree that is pleasing to the sight and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. 10Now a river flowed out of Eden to water the garden; and from there it divided and became four rivers. 11The name of the first is Pishon; it flows around the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. 12The gold of that land is good; the bdellium and the onyx stone are there. 13The name of the second river is Gihon; it flows around the whole land of Cush. 14The name of the third river is Tigris; it flows east of Assyria And the fourth river is the Euphrates. 15Then the LORD God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it. 16The LORD God commanded the man, saying, "From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; 17but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die." 18Then the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper [a]suitable for him." 19Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the sky, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called a living creature, that was its name. 20The man gave names to all the cattle, and to the birds of the sky, and to every beast of the field, but for Adam there was not found a helper suitable for him. 21So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. 22The LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man.
23The man said,
"This is now bone of my bones,
And flesh of my flesh;
She shall be called Woman,
Because she was taken out of Man."
24For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. 25And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.
Genesis 1:28, co-heirs
Genesis 1:28
Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air , and over every living thing that moves on the earth."
The man and woman were made co-heirs in creation. Both were given the command to fill and subdue the earth. It took both a man and a woman to be able to complete this. This is the same with the gospel and the kingdom of God. The great commission to go to all the earth is given to both men and women. It will take both men and women to complete this. Both are also said to have been made in the image of God.
Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air , and over every living thing that moves on the earth."
The man and woman were made co-heirs in creation. Both were given the command to fill and subdue the earth. It took both a man and a woman to be able to complete this. This is the same with the gospel and the kingdom of God. The great commission to go to all the earth is given to both men and women. It will take both men and women to complete this. Both are also said to have been made in the image of God.
1 Corinthians 14:38, "recognized"
1 Corinthians 14:38
38But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.
I am not quite sure of the meaning of this. In the Greek the word "recognize" means, 1) to be ignorant, not to know 2) not to understand, unknown 3) to err or sin through mistake, to be wrong.
- How do the tenses affect the meaning? If it is a play on words which is something Paul does at times, then the NASB translation may be translated well. And the meaning would be that if anyone does not recognize these things to be true, let them not be recognized in the assemble and allowed to speak or let them not be recognized as a prophet, or spiritual, or as an authority on the scriptures and doctrine. This would have wide implications on the church, today, as many in authority do not recognize these scriptures.
38But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.
I am not quite sure of the meaning of this. In the Greek the word "recognize" means, 1) to be ignorant, not to know 2) not to understand, unknown 3) to err or sin through mistake, to be wrong.
- How do the tenses affect the meaning? If it is a play on words which is something Paul does at times, then the NASB translation may be translated well. And the meaning would be that if anyone does not recognize these things to be true, let them not be recognized in the assemble and allowed to speak or let them not be recognized as a prophet, or spiritual, or as an authority on the scriptures and doctrine. This would have wide implications on the church, today, as many in authority do not recognize these scriptures.
1 Corinthians 14:37, "Lord's commandment"
1 Corinthians 14:37
That the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment.
Paul further confirms what he has written by saying that it is the Lord’s command.
That the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment.
Paul further confirms what he has written by saying that it is the Lord’s command.
1 Corinthians 14:37
1 Corinthians 14:37
37If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize
If wisdom does truly abide, whether the person is a prophet or spiritual, they will confirm these words written by the apostle Paul and attest to the truth of them. This is also saying that even if some one is spiritual and thinks that this should be disobeyed because of some "revelation", it is not a revelation from God. Women may ask, what do they do if they feel God wants them to teach or have authority over man? Paul would say that if these women were truly spiritual they would obey God and not teach or have authority over man. If they are being obedient to the Holy Spirit then they would confirm the goodness of these commands.
37If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize
If wisdom does truly abide, whether the person is a prophet or spiritual, they will confirm these words written by the apostle Paul and attest to the truth of them. This is also saying that even if some one is spiritual and thinks that this should be disobeyed because of some "revelation", it is not a revelation from God. Women may ask, what do they do if they feel God wants them to teach or have authority over man? Paul would say that if these women were truly spiritual they would obey God and not teach or have authority over man. If they are being obedient to the Holy Spirit then they would confirm the goodness of these commands.
1 Corinthians 14:36
1 Corinthians 14:36
36Was it from you that the word of God first went forth? Or has it come to you only?
In this era and others, some will treat the scriptures arrogantly, thinking they are wiser than those before in their interpretations of the scripture. Paul is saying that they do not have the authority to change the word of God, that these things have been established. Paul, himself, is penning these words under the authority of being an apostle of the church and the words themselves are scripture, and earlier he says it is based on scripture and later he says it is based on the command of Lord. These words are not to be taken lightly.
36Was it from you that the word of God first went forth? Or has it come to you only?
In this era and others, some will treat the scriptures arrogantly, thinking they are wiser than those before in their interpretations of the scripture. Paul is saying that they do not have the authority to change the word of God, that these things have been established. Paul, himself, is penning these words under the authority of being an apostle of the church and the words themselves are scripture, and earlier he says it is based on scripture and later he says it is based on the command of Lord. These words are not to be taken lightly.
1 Corinthians 14:35, "improper"
1 Corinthians 14:35
For it is improper for a woman to speak in church.
They are to ask their husbands at homes for it is improper for a woman to speak in church. Paul says for a woman to disobey this it would be a "shame, base, and dishonorable" thing. I think part of the shame would be that in not asking her father or husband at home, the woman misses an opportunity for building up her home. Also for her not to look to her husband or father as an authority is to put him to shame. It is definitely a shame for a woman not to build up her home and to fulfill her design as "a helper suitable for him" (Gen 2:18). Or it may just be the fact that speaking represents dishonoring men and therefore is "shameful". Whatever the reason is for it being a "shame" it comes out of the fact that the woman is not obeying the scripture that teaches that a woman are to subject themselves.
For it is improper for a woman to speak in church.
They are to ask their husbands at homes for it is improper for a woman to speak in church. Paul says for a woman to disobey this it would be a "shame, base, and dishonorable" thing. I think part of the shame would be that in not asking her father or husband at home, the woman misses an opportunity for building up her home. Also for her not to look to her husband or father as an authority is to put him to shame. It is definitely a shame for a woman not to build up her home and to fulfill her design as "a helper suitable for him" (Gen 2:18). Or it may just be the fact that speaking represents dishonoring men and therefore is "shameful". Whatever the reason is for it being a "shame" it comes out of the fact that the woman is not obeying the scripture that teaches that a woman are to subject themselves.
1 Corinthians 14:35, "If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home"
1 Corinthians 14:35
35If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home;
I believe this verse shows at least one purpose to this command. The command establishes the home as a place for learning and becoming established in the Word of God. If a woman asks her husband questions, then he must lead in order to answer the questions. The verse challenges the husband to lead the family in learning about the scripture. This hearkens back to
Deuteronomy 6:4-9:
4"Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! 5You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. 7You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. 8You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. 9You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."
I believe that it is the promise of God, that if women obey this verse, He will use their obedience to build their homes in strength and glory. And this obedient woman will be praised and honored and valued. Based on other scriptures (specifically Numbers 30) and the fact that this would probably be something that was already done and there would be know need for Paul to mention it, I also think that this verse would apply to daughters in asking fathers at home as well.
For women in the church who have neither a father or a husband, it is the responsibility of the church to provide a means of covering for them and a place for them to come to be able to ask questions. Each church may provide this as they see fit provided they remain within the boundaries of the scripture.
If a husband or father does not know the answer, they should go to the leadership and find the answer, not the woman.
One day when I was walking and praying. I wasn’t thinking about these verses, but I felt like God spoke this to me, that these verses were for the building up of the family. I don’t want to be quick to base my interpretation of these verses on that as good as it sounds. This is something that needs to be thoroughly tested before being accepted.
Why is Paul specifically talking about asking questions here? Is it to say that women not only are not allowed to make comments, but they are also not allowed to ask questions? How does this give us insight in to what Paul is saying?
I need to study this more.
35If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home;
I believe this verse shows at least one purpose to this command. The command establishes the home as a place for learning and becoming established in the Word of God. If a woman asks her husband questions, then he must lead in order to answer the questions. The verse challenges the husband to lead the family in learning about the scripture. This hearkens back to
Deuteronomy 6:4-9:
4"Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! 5You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. 7You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. 8You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. 9You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."
I believe that it is the promise of God, that if women obey this verse, He will use their obedience to build their homes in strength and glory. And this obedient woman will be praised and honored and valued. Based on other scriptures (specifically Numbers 30) and the fact that this would probably be something that was already done and there would be know need for Paul to mention it, I also think that this verse would apply to daughters in asking fathers at home as well.
For women in the church who have neither a father or a husband, it is the responsibility of the church to provide a means of covering for them and a place for them to come to be able to ask questions. Each church may provide this as they see fit provided they remain within the boundaries of the scripture.
If a husband or father does not know the answer, they should go to the leadership and find the answer, not the woman.
One day when I was walking and praying. I wasn’t thinking about these verses, but I felt like God spoke this to me, that these verses were for the building up of the family. I don’t want to be quick to base my interpretation of these verses on that as good as it sounds. This is something that needs to be thoroughly tested before being accepted.
Why is Paul specifically talking about asking questions here? Is it to say that women not only are not allowed to make comments, but they are also not allowed to ask questions? How does this give us insight in to what Paul is saying?
I need to study this more.
1 Corinthians 14:34, "Law"
1 Corinthians 14:34
Just as the Law also says.
Every time the Greek for the word law in this text is used it is used to describe the scriptures and the commands of God. For example, in the same chapter verse 21, "‘In the Law it is written, "By men of strange tongues and by the lips of strangers I will speak to this people, and even so they will not listen to me,’ says the Lord." This means that Paul is commanding the women to "subject themselves" because it is the scripture and God that commands it. This is not an option nor is Paul commanding it based on the culture of the time, but instead on the lasting principles of the Word of God.
It is probable that Paul is here referring to Geneses 2 and 3 for these are the same passages referred to in 1 Timothy 2:13, 14.
Just as the Law also says.
Every time the Greek for the word law in this text is used it is used to describe the scriptures and the commands of God. For example, in the same chapter verse 21, "‘In the Law it is written, "By men of strange tongues and by the lips of strangers I will speak to this people, and even so they will not listen to me,’ says the Lord." This means that Paul is commanding the women to "subject themselves" because it is the scripture and God that commands it. This is not an option nor is Paul commanding it based on the culture of the time, but instead on the lasting principles of the Word of God.
It is probable that Paul is here referring to Geneses 2 and 3 for these are the same passages referred to in 1 Timothy 2:13, 14.
1 Corinthians 14:34, "subject"
1 Corinthians 14:34
but are to subject themselves,
Instead of speaking women are to subject themselves. The word subject here is the same Greek word used in many other passages and also where a wife is told to be in submissive to her husband (Eph. 5:22; Col 3:18; 1Cor 3:34; Titus 2:5; 1 Peter 3:1, 5). It means to be submissive. We see this idea also in 1 Corinthians 11 and 1 Timothy 2 and elsewhere. This is clearly a command from the Lord (from the evidence of the scripture) and God’s intent from the beginning of creation and not a cultural bias. Women are to subject themselves, because it is the heart of the Lord that they do so. Paul says, "just as the Law says".
but are to subject themselves,
Instead of speaking women are to subject themselves. The word subject here is the same Greek word used in many other passages and also where a wife is told to be in submissive to her husband (Eph. 5:22; Col 3:18; 1Cor 3:34; Titus 2:5; 1 Peter 3:1, 5). It means to be submissive. We see this idea also in 1 Corinthians 11 and 1 Timothy 2 and elsewhere. This is clearly a command from the Lord (from the evidence of the scripture) and God’s intent from the beginning of creation and not a cultural bias. Women are to subject themselves, because it is the heart of the Lord that they do so. Paul says, "just as the Law says".
1 Corinthians 14:34, "not permited to speak"
For they are not permitted to speak,
They are to be silent because they are not permitted to speak. The command for women to be silent is given a reason here – "for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves". The Greek for the word "speak" means simply to speak or talk. It is used in this text for public speaking, which is involved throughout this passage. This does not prohibit worship or corporate expressions such as cooperate praying or cooperate speaking in tongues or corporate prophesying as in Acts 2. It does allow for cooperate expressions in the church, as is seen in other places and here in scripture. The context of speech here within this chapter is public speaking in the assembly.
-- It is obvious that the women here are commanded to be silent in the churches, because they are to be in subjection, for this is what the scriptures says, but why does Paul say they are not permitted to speak? Is this an emphatic expression confirming that they are not to speak, so that there will be no misunderstanding of what Paul means. In a sense saying "Women are not to be silent, let me repeat that so you understand and there is no confusion, they are not permitted to speak." Or is Paul telling the women that because they are not permitted to speak and are to be in subjection they are to be silent. This would still mean that women are never to teach or have authority, but on top of that they are to be subject to the rules placed on them. Later Paul says that it is shameful for a woman to speak. These possible points need to be addressed fully and are significant to understanding these verses.
I do not think we should be quick to cancel out these verses. We must remember that these words are God breathed. They come from God! They are not wasted words. They are here because they are important and meaningful. It may be that women are not to speak in the church. (And something that cannot be argued is that Paul was telling the women in the all the churches of his day not to speak. This is abundantly clear. So that must be taken seriously.) I think sometimes we are so bound by our cultural perspectives and by the world that tie us down in chains and miss out on the great freedom, goodness and beauty of the Lord. We should not be afraid, if God is saying that women should not speak in the church, for He is good and we can trust that it is for our good, even if we don’t understand it. It does seem to be clear that the upfront statement here in these verses is that women are not to speak in the church. We cannot evade that. And if we try to cancel that out because it makes us feel uncomfortable, we are doing a great grievance and injustice to the scripture and telling God that we do not trust Him. It is hard for me, but we should not disregard or disobey God’s word lightly. Unless one can come up with a strong case for women to be allowed to speak, then we should obey the teaching of these verses and honor God and trust His word.
-- Personal note: I do not feel comfortable with not allowing women to speak. I am having a hard time with that and it’s a strong struggle for me. But my trust in God must come above what I feel or want. I would rather trust God and not have women speaking and err (if it is an "err") on the side of obedience, than to base my actions or interpretation on what I feel and neglect or take lightly God’s word. I don’t have the definite word on this yet, I don’t know whether women should or should not speak at all. At this point I could make a strong case for both sides from these scriptures. I still have some questions that I am taking before the Lord on this, and I don’t want to be quick to make a stand on this. But when it comes to a trust issue, do I trust God?
- -The question needs to be "How do I obey these verses?" "Am I obeying these verses?" not "How do I prove them wrong?"
In 1 Peter 3 Paul says that women are to win over there own ungodly husbands through there conduct, without a word. The Proverbs 31 women influenced the city gates by her conduct without speaking a word at the city gates. (I think there is a beauty in this as there is in a flower; a captivating and strong beauty.) If God is commanding women not to speak, it is not a great hindrance. Power of God does not come from the "wise" or the "strong" things of this world. And we should not put our hopes on those things. I do not believe it is those who teach or have authority that have the most influence, but those who are lowly and live out the Gospel and the Word with their lives. This is where real strength is. Personally for me I do not see God using me in power by my seeking to speak or to have authority. I don’t think that I would have more influence, if I were a pastor or a leader. My strength and influence comes not from speaking or having authority, but from faithfully living out God’s word. It is not my purpose to be great, but instead to make Him great. And in the church it is not for me to build my self up to greatness, but to serve and build up others to greatness. This is my treasure. This is my reward in the Lord.
They are to be silent because they are not permitted to speak. The command for women to be silent is given a reason here – "for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves". The Greek for the word "speak" means simply to speak or talk. It is used in this text for public speaking, which is involved throughout this passage. This does not prohibit worship or corporate expressions such as cooperate praying or cooperate speaking in tongues or corporate prophesying as in Acts 2. It does allow for cooperate expressions in the church, as is seen in other places and here in scripture. The context of speech here within this chapter is public speaking in the assembly.
-- It is obvious that the women here are commanded to be silent in the churches, because they are to be in subjection, for this is what the scriptures says, but why does Paul say they are not permitted to speak? Is this an emphatic expression confirming that they are not to speak, so that there will be no misunderstanding of what Paul means. In a sense saying "Women are not to be silent, let me repeat that so you understand and there is no confusion, they are not permitted to speak." Or is Paul telling the women that because they are not permitted to speak and are to be in subjection they are to be silent. This would still mean that women are never to teach or have authority, but on top of that they are to be subject to the rules placed on them. Later Paul says that it is shameful for a woman to speak. These possible points need to be addressed fully and are significant to understanding these verses.
I do not think we should be quick to cancel out these verses. We must remember that these words are God breathed. They come from God! They are not wasted words. They are here because they are important and meaningful. It may be that women are not to speak in the church. (And something that cannot be argued is that Paul was telling the women in the all the churches of his day not to speak. This is abundantly clear. So that must be taken seriously.) I think sometimes we are so bound by our cultural perspectives and by the world that tie us down in chains and miss out on the great freedom, goodness and beauty of the Lord. We should not be afraid, if God is saying that women should not speak in the church, for He is good and we can trust that it is for our good, even if we don’t understand it. It does seem to be clear that the upfront statement here in these verses is that women are not to speak in the church. We cannot evade that. And if we try to cancel that out because it makes us feel uncomfortable, we are doing a great grievance and injustice to the scripture and telling God that we do not trust Him. It is hard for me, but we should not disregard or disobey God’s word lightly. Unless one can come up with a strong case for women to be allowed to speak, then we should obey the teaching of these verses and honor God and trust His word.
-- Personal note: I do not feel comfortable with not allowing women to speak. I am having a hard time with that and it’s a strong struggle for me. But my trust in God must come above what I feel or want. I would rather trust God and not have women speaking and err (if it is an "err") on the side of obedience, than to base my actions or interpretation on what I feel and neglect or take lightly God’s word. I don’t have the definite word on this yet, I don’t know whether women should or should not speak at all. At this point I could make a strong case for both sides from these scriptures. I still have some questions that I am taking before the Lord on this, and I don’t want to be quick to make a stand on this. But when it comes to a trust issue, do I trust God?
- -The question needs to be "How do I obey these verses?" "Am I obeying these verses?" not "How do I prove them wrong?"
In 1 Peter 3 Paul says that women are to win over there own ungodly husbands through there conduct, without a word. The Proverbs 31 women influenced the city gates by her conduct without speaking a word at the city gates. (I think there is a beauty in this as there is in a flower; a captivating and strong beauty.) If God is commanding women not to speak, it is not a great hindrance. Power of God does not come from the "wise" or the "strong" things of this world. And we should not put our hopes on those things. I do not believe it is those who teach or have authority that have the most influence, but those who are lowly and live out the Gospel and the Word with their lives. This is where real strength is. Personally for me I do not see God using me in power by my seeking to speak or to have authority. I don’t think that I would have more influence, if I were a pastor or a leader. My strength and influence comes not from speaking or having authority, but from faithfully living out God’s word. It is not my purpose to be great, but instead to make Him great. And in the church it is not for me to build my self up to greatness, but to serve and build up others to greatness. This is my treasure. This is my reward in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 14:34, "churches"
1 Corinthians 14:34
In the churches;
This command, "to be silent", does not just apply only to the Corinthian church or to a specific situation or circumstance, but to all the churches within Christendom. This is also made clear in 1 Corinthian 11 and 2 Timothy 2. To assume that it is only applying to a situation within the church at Corinth and only to the Corinthian church would be a serious error to the facts of this verse and other verses. Paul is clear that this was the custom and command in all the churches, "The women are to keep silent".
Some would say that 1 Corinthians 14 and 2 Timothy 2 only apply to a formal church meeting, however, the early church met in settings that were informal and in small groups. The idea that this does not apply in other church settings such as small groups (or "life groups, "city groups", or any other term) is not a biblical or a historically accurate view of the church. These commands apply anytime the church is assembled together.
In the churches;
This command, "to be silent", does not just apply only to the Corinthian church or to a specific situation or circumstance, but to all the churches within Christendom. This is also made clear in 1 Corinthian 11 and 2 Timothy 2. To assume that it is only applying to a situation within the church at Corinth and only to the Corinthian church would be a serious error to the facts of this verse and other verses. Paul is clear that this was the custom and command in all the churches, "The women are to keep silent".
Some would say that 1 Corinthians 14 and 2 Timothy 2 only apply to a formal church meeting, however, the early church met in settings that were informal and in small groups. The idea that this does not apply in other church settings such as small groups (or "life groups, "city groups", or any other term) is not a biblical or a historically accurate view of the church. These commands apply anytime the church is assembled together.
1 Corinthians 14:34, "silent"
1 Corinthians 14:34
Are to keep silent
The Greek word for silence in this verse means "1) to keep silence, hold one’s peace, 2) to be kept in silence, be concealed". In every case except two it is used in a manner that the person is quiet in order to allow another to speak or in order to not interrupt, fitting with the first definition (Luke 20:26; Acts 12:17, 15:12,13; 1 Cr 14:28,30,34). This word is used three times in this chapter and each time in this manner. A person is told to keep silent if there is no interpreter. The second time they are told to keep silent if another has a revelation. And the third time for women. These verses are dealing with when it is and when it is not appropriate to speak in the church publicly. It says it is not appropriate for a woman to speak in the assembly, without specification to a situation. Women are told to keep silent and not to speak out.
In the other two cases the word is used in the sense of the second definition "to be kept in silence, be concealed" (Rom 16:25; Luke 9:36).
Are to keep silent
The Greek word for silence in this verse means "1) to keep silence, hold one’s peace, 2) to be kept in silence, be concealed". In every case except two it is used in a manner that the person is quiet in order to allow another to speak or in order to not interrupt, fitting with the first definition (Luke 20:26; Acts 12:17, 15:12,13; 1 Cr 14:28,30,34). This word is used three times in this chapter and each time in this manner. A person is told to keep silent if there is no interpreter. The second time they are told to keep silent if another has a revelation. And the third time for women. These verses are dealing with when it is and when it is not appropriate to speak in the church publicly. It says it is not appropriate for a woman to speak in the assembly, without specification to a situation. Women are told to keep silent and not to speak out.
In the other two cases the word is used in the sense of the second definition "to be kept in silence, be concealed" (Rom 16:25; Luke 9:36).
1 Corinthians 14:34, "women"
1 Corinthians 14:34
34The women
In the Greek the word "συ", which is in the genitive case and means "of yours" is used with the word women, so as to say "your women" which is how it is translated in the King James. The NU Greek translation omits "συ”. This “συ” if included could mean women of the church in general or wives. Although in this case it does not seem to change much of the understanding of the verses. It is unlikely that a woman in the church would be treated differently based on whether or not she was married or not, and 1 Timothy 2 and the fact that there is no differentiation elsewhere seems to confirm this.
34The women
In the Greek the word "συ", which is in the genitive case and means "of yours" is used with the word women, so as to say "your women" which is how it is translated in the King James. The NU Greek translation omits "συ”. This “συ” if included could mean women of the church in general or wives. Although in this case it does not seem to change much of the understanding of the verses. It is unlikely that a woman in the church would be treated differently based on whether or not she was married or not, and 1 Timothy 2 and the fact that there is no differentiation elsewhere seems to confirm this.
1 Corinthians 14:26-40
1 Corinthians 14:26-40
26What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation Let all things be done for edification. 27If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and one must interpret; 28but if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God. 29Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment. 30But if a revelation is made to another who is seated, the first one must keep silent. 31For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted; 32and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets; 33for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. 34The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. 35If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church. 36Was it from you that the word of God first went forth? Or has it come to you only? 37If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord's commandment. 38But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. 39Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues. 40But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.
26What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation Let all things be done for edification. 27If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and one must interpret; 28but if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God. 29Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment. 30But if a revelation is made to another who is seated, the first one must keep silent. 31For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted; 32and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets; 33for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. 34The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. 35If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church. 36Was it from you that the word of God first went forth? Or has it come to you only? 37If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord's commandment. 38But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. 39Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues. 40But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
1 Timothy 2:15
1 Timothy 2:15
15But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.
Here we see Paul defending the honor of women, lest someone would use this to demean or abuse them. He does this elsewhere and is careful to see that women are not oppressed by men.
15But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.
Here we see Paul defending the honor of women, lest someone would use this to demean or abuse them. He does this elsewhere and is careful to see that women are not oppressed by men.
1 Timothy 2:14
1 Timothy 2:14
14And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.
This forms a second point presented by Paul.
14And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.
This forms a second point presented by Paul.
1 Timothy 2:13, Adam then Eve
1 Timothy 2:13
13For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve.
Paul’s teaching about women here does not come from a cultural perspective nor is it based on circumstances in the Ephesus church. Paul is clear about why he is writhing this and gives the reason why he writes what he does about women. Paul’s writes what he writes because of the scripture. Paul is saying that this was the intent of God at the creation of mankind before sin entered the world as seen in scripture. Man was created first for a reason. And woman was created second for a reason. Their roles in the church come from God’s design.
13For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve.
Paul’s teaching about women here does not come from a cultural perspective nor is it based on circumstances in the Ephesus church. Paul is clear about why he is writhing this and gives the reason why he writes what he does about women. Paul’s writes what he writes because of the scripture. Paul is saying that this was the intent of God at the creation of mankind before sin entered the world as seen in scripture. Man was created first for a reason. And woman was created second for a reason. Their roles in the church come from God’s design.
1 Timothy 2:12, "remain quiet"
1 TImothy 2:12
but to remain quiet.
“Quiet” is the same Greek word as above. The word quietly does not necessarily mean not speaking (although it can), but an attitude of quietness and peaceful living. It is also in verse 11 and 2 Thessalonians 3:2. This is the second time Paul commands for women to be quiet in this section. Paul has given this idea emphasis and indicates that this is important and not to be ignored. It is to be obeyed.
- Even though this word does not necessarily indicate speaking (although it could), in light of its being used twice and 1Corinthians 14:34, 35, we must consider that 1 Corinthians 14:34, 35 is further explanation of what it means to be silent. And that the idea of not speaking is possible.
but to remain quiet.
“Quiet” is the same Greek word as above. The word quietly does not necessarily mean not speaking (although it can), but an attitude of quietness and peaceful living. It is also in verse 11 and 2 Thessalonians 3:2. This is the second time Paul commands for women to be quiet in this section. Paul has given this idea emphasis and indicates that this is important and not to be ignored. It is to be obeyed.
- Even though this word does not necessarily indicate speaking (although it could), in light of its being used twice and 1Corinthians 14:34, 35, we must consider that 1 Corinthians 14:34, 35 is further explanation of what it means to be silent. And that the idea of not speaking is possible.
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.
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.
1 Timothy 2:12, "excersise authority"
exercise authority
This word is only used here in the scripture so it is difficult to get its full meaning, but it is used in other transcripts. The word authority means, “2) one who acts on his own authority, autocratic 3) an absolute master 4) to govern, exercise dominion over one”. The idea of the word is “to have authority”. Simply stated a woman is not to “exercise authority over a man.”
Recently this word for authority was place through a search of greek literature and was found that it was used elsewhere in to mean “authority”, so this is a proper translation of the greek.
This word is only used here in the scripture so it is difficult to get its full meaning, but it is used in other transcripts. The word authority means, “2) one who acts on his own authority, autocratic 3) an absolute master 4) to govern, exercise dominion over one”. The idea of the word is “to have authority”. Simply stated a woman is not to “exercise authority over a man.”
Recently this word for authority was place through a search of greek literature and was found that it was used elsewhere in to mean “authority”, so this is a proper translation of the greek.
1 Timothy 2:12, "or"
1 Timothy 2:12
“or”
It may seem ridiculous to talk about the word “or” but every word of these verses have been contested and some would say that “or” is a conjunction that absolutely puts these two ideas together meaning that authority and teaching must be taken together and not separately. In other words both must be present in order for the action to be prohibited. This however is not the meaning of the conduction “or”. Here is the meaning:
If we look to see how “or” is used elsewhere in the New Testament, we find it can mean two exclusive non- connecting things, neither of which will be connected with the subject that is talked about. For example, Mattew 6:26 “Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? In this passage “sow”, “reap” and “gather” are not meant to imply one action, but instead it is to imply that all are connected to actions that fowls do not do. Here are some more verses that confirm this:
Mar 12:10 And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:
Luk 6:44 For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.
Luk 21:15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall 0 not be able to gainsay nor 3761 resist. They will not be able to do this and they will not be able to do this.
In this verses to teach and to have authority are two separate actions that Paul does not allow women to do. A more direct translation of the word order in the Greek is “But to teach, a woman, I do not permit, nor to exercise authority over a man, but to be in silence”, which gives more of the idea that these are two separate actions that Paul is talking about.
What type of authority is being addressed here? Governing?
Also if this verse was limited to an Elder or Preacher why didn’t Paul just say that instead of using functional language and not title.
“or”
It may seem ridiculous to talk about the word “or” but every word of these verses have been contested and some would say that “or” is a conjunction that absolutely puts these two ideas together meaning that authority and teaching must be taken together and not separately. In other words both must be present in order for the action to be prohibited. This however is not the meaning of the conduction “or”. Here is the meaning:
If we look to see how “or” is used elsewhere in the New Testament, we find it can mean two exclusive non- connecting things, neither of which will be connected with the subject that is talked about. For example, Mattew 6:26 “Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? In this passage “sow”, “reap” and “gather” are not meant to imply one action, but instead it is to imply that all are connected to actions that fowls do not do. Here are some more verses that confirm this:
Mar 12:10 And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:
Luk 6:44 For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.
Luk 21:15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall 0 not be able to gainsay nor 3761 resist. They will not be able to do this and they will not be able to do this.
In this verses to teach and to have authority are two separate actions that Paul does not allow women to do. A more direct translation of the word order in the Greek is “But to teach, a woman, I do not permit, nor to exercise authority over a man, but to be in silence”, which gives more of the idea that these are two separate actions that Paul is talking about.
What type of authority is being addressed here? Governing?
Also if this verse was limited to an Elder or Preacher why didn’t Paul just say that instead of using functional language and not title.
1 Timothy 2:12, "to teach"
1 Timothy 2:12
12But I do not allow a woman to teach
The word to teach means, “1) to teach a) to hold discourse with others in order to instruct them, deliver didactic discourses b) to be a teacher c) to discharge the office of a teacher, conduct one's self as a teacher 2) to teach one a) to impart instruction b) instill doctrine into one c) the thing taught or enjoined d) to explain or expound a thing f) to teach one something”.
The term here is functional and not positional. If this were to be limited to Elder or a Preacher why does it not use those terms, the terms here are functional not positional, and therefore we must not be quick to make them mean positions, rather than actions.
Why does Paul say “I”, is this his personal opinion or God’s? Earlier Paul says as an apostle “I”. So is this a statement based on his authority as an apostle.
12But I do not allow a woman to teach
The word to teach means, “1) to teach a) to hold discourse with others in order to instruct them, deliver didactic discourses b) to be a teacher c) to discharge the office of a teacher, conduct one's self as a teacher 2) to teach one a) to impart instruction b) instill doctrine into one c) the thing taught or enjoined d) to explain or expound a thing f) to teach one something”.
The term here is functional and not positional. If this were to be limited to Elder or a Preacher why does it not use those terms, the terms here are functional not positional, and therefore we must not be quick to make them mean positions, rather than actions.
Why does Paul say “I”, is this his personal opinion or God’s? Earlier Paul says as an apostle “I”. So is this a statement based on his authority as an apostle.
1 Timothy 2:11, "entire submissiveness"
1 Timothy 2:11
with entire submissiveness.
The root in the Greek is the same as elsewhere in the New Testament. The places where this word is specifically used are 2 Cor 9:13; Gal 2:5; and 1 Tim 2:11, 3:4. Paul does not want the fact that women should learn to open the door for women to grow in pride and walk outside their God given roles as a woman and disobey scripture.
with entire submissiveness.
The root in the Greek is the same as elsewhere in the New Testament. The places where this word is specifically used are 2 Cor 9:13; Gal 2:5; and 1 Tim 2:11, 3:4. Paul does not want the fact that women should learn to open the door for women to grow in pride and walk outside their God given roles as a woman and disobey scripture.
1 TImothy 2:11, "recieve instruction"
1 Timothy 2:11
receive instruction
A woman is to learn and to receive instruction. They are to be strong in the word and are to walk in soundness. They are to know the Word as well as men. The Jewish custom was to allow women to learn if they desired to, but they did not feel that it was necessary nor did they encourage it. Here Paul is saying that it is a necessity that women learn. This was also the attitude of Christ who taught both women and men, as well as children. And it was the attitude of the early church that assembled with both women and men. The involvement of women in the church was seen as vital and necessary. However this learning does not qualify them to go beyond scripture. They are to remain submissive to men and are not to take up teaching or have authority over a man. Women are to continue to guard their incorruptible beauty and strength that God has given them and honor the men.
Some would say that the reason women were not allowed to teach and have authority was because they were unlearned. Although this was the case for many women, this was not the case for all women of that time. In the Jewish custom women were allowed to learn, although it was not expected. In fact, we have examples of educated women in Timothy’s mother and grandmother and Priscilla and probably others. Women were taught and educated under the teaching of Jesus, the greatest of all teachers. And women were involved in listening to the teachings of the church. So there were women in the church at this time who were well educated. And yet everywhere in all the churches they were not to teach and have authority over a man. This was not based on whether they were educated or not, but on God’s purpose and design when he made man first, as Paul makes very clear later on in this passage. Also if this was Paul’s intention then he would not later restrict teaching and authority after claiming that women should learn, instead he would have stated that women are not to teach or have authority until they are learned. Neither Paul nor Jesus, were one to be timid and be pushed around by cultural ideas. They both went against the cultural norm many times. Instead he uses not teaching and having authority as a qualification to learning. Basically he says, “They can learn, but they cannot teach or have authority.”
Here is something I wrote in a letter: I have thought about the "lack of education" part, but it cannot be substantiated. In fact, Jewish women were allowed to learn, but often did not because they were not encouraged to, but an educated Jewish woman was not out of the question. I also don't think this is Paul's reason because it comes after a statement of him admonishing women to learn. Even though they are to learn, they are not to lead. If learning was the problem, he would not have restricted them to teach, or would have said to wait till they are learned. Also his [Paul’s] reasons are not based on anything outside of scripture. He gives his reason for not allowing women to teach or have authority within the text, and that is because man was created first (the state of submission before the fall), and the fall. We do not need to find an outside reason and if there is one that is presented it must substantiate Paul’s reason, because scripture is more authoritative.
receive instruction
A woman is to learn and to receive instruction. They are to be strong in the word and are to walk in soundness. They are to know the Word as well as men. The Jewish custom was to allow women to learn if they desired to, but they did not feel that it was necessary nor did they encourage it. Here Paul is saying that it is a necessity that women learn. This was also the attitude of Christ who taught both women and men, as well as children. And it was the attitude of the early church that assembled with both women and men. The involvement of women in the church was seen as vital and necessary. However this learning does not qualify them to go beyond scripture. They are to remain submissive to men and are not to take up teaching or have authority over a man. Women are to continue to guard their incorruptible beauty and strength that God has given them and honor the men.
Some would say that the reason women were not allowed to teach and have authority was because they were unlearned. Although this was the case for many women, this was not the case for all women of that time. In the Jewish custom women were allowed to learn, although it was not expected. In fact, we have examples of educated women in Timothy’s mother and grandmother and Priscilla and probably others. Women were taught and educated under the teaching of Jesus, the greatest of all teachers. And women were involved in listening to the teachings of the church. So there were women in the church at this time who were well educated. And yet everywhere in all the churches they were not to teach and have authority over a man. This was not based on whether they were educated or not, but on God’s purpose and design when he made man first, as Paul makes very clear later on in this passage. Also if this was Paul’s intention then he would not later restrict teaching and authority after claiming that women should learn, instead he would have stated that women are not to teach or have authority until they are learned. Neither Paul nor Jesus, were one to be timid and be pushed around by cultural ideas. They both went against the cultural norm many times. Instead he uses not teaching and having authority as a qualification to learning. Basically he says, “They can learn, but they cannot teach or have authority.”
Here is something I wrote in a letter: I have thought about the "lack of education" part, but it cannot be substantiated. In fact, Jewish women were allowed to learn, but often did not because they were not encouraged to, but an educated Jewish woman was not out of the question. I also don't think this is Paul's reason because it comes after a statement of him admonishing women to learn. Even though they are to learn, they are not to lead. If learning was the problem, he would not have restricted them to teach, or would have said to wait till they are learned. Also his [Paul’s] reasons are not based on anything outside of scripture. He gives his reason for not allowing women to teach or have authority within the text, and that is because man was created first (the state of submission before the fall), and the fall. We do not need to find an outside reason and if there is one that is presented it must substantiate Paul’s reason, because scripture is more authoritative.
1 Timothy 2:11, "quietly"
1 Timothy 2:11
must quietly
The word quietly (hesuchia) does not necessarily mean not speaking (although it can and at times does), but can be used to represent an attitude of quietness and peaceful living. 2 Thessalonians 3:2 is an example of this: “Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness 2271 they work , and eat their own bread.” This word can also mean silence as it is used in Acts 22:2 “(And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence 2271: and he saith ,) This is also the same word used in verse 12 of 1 Timothy 2. The root word is hesuchios which is used in 1 Timothy 2:2 and 1 Peter 3:4.
must quietly
The word quietly (hesuchia) does not necessarily mean not speaking (although it can and at times does), but can be used to represent an attitude of quietness and peaceful living. 2 Thessalonians 3:2 is an example of this: “Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness 2271 they work , and eat their own bread.” This word can also mean silence as it is used in Acts 22:2 “(And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence 2271: and he saith ,) This is also the same word used in verse 12 of 1 Timothy 2. The root word is hesuchios which is used in 1 Timothy 2:2 and 1 Peter 3:4.
1 TImothy 2:11, "woman"
1 Timothy 2:11
11A woman
These passages are referring to women in general and not just wives.
11A woman
These passages are referring to women in general and not just wives.
1 Timothy 2:10 "making a claim to godliness."
1 Timothy 2:10
making a claim to godliness.
The Greek word “making a claim” means to proclaim, to profess, to promise (often it is translated “promise”). If a woman proclaims or promises that she wants to honor God and revere God and that claim is true, then it is proper for this woman to demonstrate it by her good works.
making a claim to godliness.
The Greek word “making a claim” means to proclaim, to profess, to promise (often it is translated “promise”). If a woman proclaims or promises that she wants to honor God and revere God and that claim is true, then it is proper for this woman to demonstrate it by her good works.
1 Timothy 2:10
1 Timothy 2:10
10but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women
I think the focus of the woman’s role in the church is good works. You see this in Acts as the women were involved in all kinds of good works and were very productive. Without them the church would not have survived. Even in Jesus’ ministry the women were a vital support to what he was doing and it is clear that Jesus valued and honored the women around him greatly. This is also seen in Proverbs 31. I think that it is not the woman’s focus to teach or have authority, but instead to do good works, as is the proper role for woman. I think that this speaks louder than words. In 1 Peter 3, it says that a woman wins over her ungodly husband in this manner. If it has the power to win an ungodly heart, how much more will it influence godly men and the church? I believe that this is the strength of a woman. And this strength will move men and she will be praised in the places of authority. In Proverbs 31 it says, “And let her own works praise her in the gates.” This is no weak woman, but a picture of strength and dignity and beauty. And this is the type of woman that moves the heart of the King of Kings. God himself declares that this type of woman is precious in His sight.
10but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women
I think the focus of the woman’s role in the church is good works. You see this in Acts as the women were involved in all kinds of good works and were very productive. Without them the church would not have survived. Even in Jesus’ ministry the women were a vital support to what he was doing and it is clear that Jesus valued and honored the women around him greatly. This is also seen in Proverbs 31. I think that it is not the woman’s focus to teach or have authority, but instead to do good works, as is the proper role for woman. I think that this speaks louder than words. In 1 Peter 3, it says that a woman wins over her ungodly husband in this manner. If it has the power to win an ungodly heart, how much more will it influence godly men and the church? I believe that this is the strength of a woman. And this strength will move men and she will be praised in the places of authority. In Proverbs 31 it says, “And let her own works praise her in the gates.” This is no weak woman, but a picture of strength and dignity and beauty. And this is the type of woman that moves the heart of the King of Kings. God himself declares that this type of woman is precious in His sight.
1 Timothy 2:9
1 Timothy 2:9
9Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments,
This is very similar to 1 Peter 3
Culture of the day
Juvinile 60-140ad (Poet of the time)
“There is nothing a woman will not permit herself to do
Nothing she deems shameful
And when she encircles her neck
With green emeralds
And fastens huge pearls to her elongated ears
So important is the business of beautification
So numerous are the tiers and stories piled on another on her head
That she pays no attention to her own husband”
A woman’s beauty comes from the incorruptible inner beauty of having a heart after God. I have written more extensively on this subject elsewhere.
There is a strength that God has given woman that is not given to men. Men don’t do womanhood so well. God has made us different with different strengths, which is good. I have heard from women that they would like men to be men. As a man, I long to see this strength in women.
9Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments,
This is very similar to 1 Peter 3
Culture of the day
Juvinile 60-140ad (Poet of the time)
“There is nothing a woman will not permit herself to do
Nothing she deems shameful
And when she encircles her neck
With green emeralds
And fastens huge pearls to her elongated ears
So important is the business of beautification
So numerous are the tiers and stories piled on another on her head
That she pays no attention to her own husband”
A woman’s beauty comes from the incorruptible inner beauty of having a heart after God. I have written more extensively on this subject elsewhere.
There is a strength that God has given woman that is not given to men. Men don’t do womanhood so well. God has made us different with different strengths, which is good. I have heard from women that they would like men to be men. As a man, I long to see this strength in women.
1 Timothy 2:8, "in every place"
1 Timothy 2:8
in every place
These commands are not meant for the church in Ephesus alone. This was not based on a situation or circumstance. As in 1 Corinthians 14 these commands were the practice of the church in all of Christendom. This was the custom of the Church everywhere.
in every place
These commands are not meant for the church in Ephesus alone. This was not based on a situation or circumstance. As in 1 Corinthians 14 these commands were the practice of the church in all of Christendom. This was the custom of the Church everywhere.
1 Timothy 2:7-8
1 Timothy 2:7-8
For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 8Therefore I want
Paul is calling on his authority as an apostle as he rights these commands to the churches as is seen by the word “Therefore” (which refers to him saying he is an apostle). When Paul says in this passage “I want”, he is calling on his authority as an apostle. This authority when invoked is not to be taken lightly. Later he gives the reason for his command as God’s intention in creating man first and then woman. He also appeals to the fall of man. In 1 Corinthians, he makes it clear that it is the practice in all churches and he also says the command comes from scripture and from the Lord. Also Paul wrote these words under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, these words are scripture and are intended by God to be revered as scripture. Therefore these scriptures must be obeyed based on the authority of Paul as an apostle, based on the intention of God in creation, based on the Old Testament Scriptures, based on the command of the Lord, based on these words being inspired by the Holy Spirit, and based on these words being scriptures themselves. These passages are clearly the command of God. We have a choice to either trust in the wisdom of God’s authority or to trust in our own. I for one think the authority of God and His wisdom outweighs my own.
For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 8Therefore I want
Paul is calling on his authority as an apostle as he rights these commands to the churches as is seen by the word “Therefore” (which refers to him saying he is an apostle). When Paul says in this passage “I want”, he is calling on his authority as an apostle. This authority when invoked is not to be taken lightly. Later he gives the reason for his command as God’s intention in creating man first and then woman. He also appeals to the fall of man. In 1 Corinthians, he makes it clear that it is the practice in all churches and he also says the command comes from scripture and from the Lord. Also Paul wrote these words under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, these words are scripture and are intended by God to be revered as scripture. Therefore these scriptures must be obeyed based on the authority of Paul as an apostle, based on the intention of God in creation, based on the Old Testament Scriptures, based on the command of the Lord, based on these words being inspired by the Holy Spirit, and based on these words being scriptures themselves. These passages are clearly the command of God. We have a choice to either trust in the wisdom of God’s authority or to trust in our own. I for one think the authority of God and His wisdom outweighs my own.
1 Timothy 2:7-15
1 Timothy 2:7-15
7For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 8Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension. 9Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, 10but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness. 11A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. 12But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. 13For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. 14And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 15But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.
7For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 8Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension. 9Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, 10but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness. 11A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. 12But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. 13For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. 14And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 15But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.
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