I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. (1 Timothy 2:12)This verse has been cited by many as an excuse to limit the ministerial role of women in the church. This is a misapplication of the biblical testimony as a whole, elevating one contested statement from Paul over and against the clear teaching of Jesus. In his teaching on divorce (Mark 10:2-12), Jesus corrects the rabbinical patriarchal tradition by citing God's original plan for marriage (Genesis 2:24) as having priority over Moses' instruction in Deuteronomy 24:1. [1] A convincing argument can be made that hierarchical divisions between male and female resulted from the fall, and were not God's original intention.
Regarding the 1 Timothy passage, it is interesting to note that when Paul wrote this he was well aware and readily accepted the fact that women were exercising authority in other churches. [2] One point that may alleviate the confusion on this passage is how the Greek authentein (authority) is translated. It has been translated by some as "domineer" or "act on his/her own authority." If this is correct, Paul is speaking against women in authority only if administered in the wrong way. [3]
Gilbert Bilezikian reminds us that authentein is found nowhere else in Scripture, so we don't really know what Paul meant. [4] It is irresponsible to build a theology or polity on one disputed text.
Can you reflect on the women who have faithfully ministered the gospel to you?
[1] Christoph, James. Equal Access to Grace in Ministry. (Lake Wales, FL: Warner University, 1989), 3.
[2] Christoph, James. Notes on Women and Women in Ministry. (Lake Wales, FL: Warner University, 1988), 15.
[3] Ibid., 17.
[4] Bilezikian, Gilbert. Christianity 101. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1993), 20.
No comments:
Post a Comment