In 1 Timothy 2:11-12, Paul writes, “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man.”

This verse is often misunderstood. I’ve had many people ask questions like:
• “What does the Bible say about this?”
• “Why shouldn’t women speak in public?”
• “Is Paul against women?”
• “Is he crazy?”

The Cultural Context of the First Century

In the first century, Jewish society provided a relatively better position for women compared to other cultures such as the Babylonians, Romans, and Greeks. However, when compared to modern standards, the treatment of women in Jewish society was quite low. In that context, women were often seen as property, with little involvement in public life. Public roles were predominantly reserved for men.

Under Jewish law, a woman was not considered a legal person but rather a possession. She was entirely at the disposal of her father or husband and was even forbidden from learning the law. At that time, some believed that instructing a woman in the law was like casting pearls before swine. Women had no active role in synagogue services; they were separated into a designated section or placed in a different room.

Men attended the synagogue to learn, ask questions, and engage in discussions. In contrast, women typically attended only to listen. The Jewish tradition upheld the belief that the less a woman spoke, the more dignified and respectable she was. Women who frequently appeared in public or spoke openly were often associated with prostitution. For instance, in Jewish and Greek cultures, if a woman was seen outside with her head uncovered, it indicated that she was available for business.

The Influence of Greek Culture

In Greek society, the Temple of Aphrodite in Corinth housed a thousand priestesses who were, in reality, prostitutes. Similarly, the Temple of Diana in Ephesus had priestesses known as mellisa (meaning “bees”), who also engaged in prostitution. In contrast, respectable Greek women led very private lives and rarely appeared in public. Married women had their own quarters within the home, separate from men.

The Impact of Christianity

With the rise of Christianity, women began participating actively in the church, which was a radical shift from cultural norms. Suddenly, women who had once lived private lives were speaking publicly in a church setting. This led to misunderstandings among outsiders, who associated vocal women with prostitutes or loose behavior.

Paul’s instructions in 1 Timothy 2:11-12 were meant to prevent such misunderstandings and maintain order in the church. It appears that some women were taking undue advantage of their newfound Christian freedom, leading Paul to introduce guidelines to restore balance.

The Creation Order

In 1 Timothy 2:13-14, Paul references the creation order to establish a hierarchy in the household of God:
1. Christ
2. Men
3. Women
4. Children

Paul reminds readers that Adam was created first, followed by Eve, reinforcing this divine order.

A Woman’s Role in Salvation

In 1 Timothy 2:15, Paul explains that women will find salvation not in addressing public meetings but through motherhood, which he describes as their crowning glory (William Barclay’s commentary). This does not mean that women cannot contribute in other ways, but rather that their role in the family is highly esteemed in God’s design.