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Today's Scripture *June 17, 2008* (Jun 17, 2008)
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Today's Scripture *June 17, 2008*
1 Timothy 2: 11-12
Women should learn quietly and submissively.
I do not let women teach men or have authority over them. Let them listen quietly.
Some interpret this passage to mean that women should never teach in the assembled church; however, commentators point out that Paul did not forbid women from ever teaching.
Paul's commended co-worker, Priscilla, taught Apollos, the great preacher. (Acts 18: 24-26)
Paul frequently mentioned other women who held positions of responsibility in the church. Phoebe worked in the church (Romans 16:1), Mary, Tryphena, Tryphosa and Persis were the Lord's workers (Romans 16: 6 & 12), as were Euodia and Syntyche. (Philippians 4:2 )
Paul was very likely prohibiting the Ephesian women, not all women, from teaching.
To understand these verses, we must understand the situation in which Paul and Timothy worked. In first-century Jewish culture, women were not allowed to study. When Paul said that women should "learn quietly and submissively", he was offering them an amazing new opportunity to learn God's Word. That they were to listen and learn quietly and submissively referred to an attitude of quietness and composure (not total silence). In addition, Paul himself acknowledged that women publicly prayed and prophesied (1 Corinthians 11:5). Apparently, however, the women in the Ephesian church were abusing their newly acquired Christian freedom. Because these women were new converts, they did not yet have the necessary experience, knowledge, or Christians maturity to teach those who already had extensive Scriptural education.
Paul did not want the Ephesian women to teach because they didn't yet have enough knowledge or experience. The Ephesian church had a particular problem with false teachers. Evidently the women were especially susceptible to the false teachings (2 Timothy 3: 1-9) because they did not yet have enough Biblical knowledge to discern the truth. In addition, some of the women were apparently flaunting their newfound Christian freedom by wearing inappropriate clothing (1 Timothy 2:9). Paul was telling Timothy not to put anyone (in this case, women) into a position of leadership who was not yet mature in the faith (1 Timothy 3:6 ; 1 Timothy 5:22). The same principle applies to churches today.
New believers (male or female alike) should become secure and strong in the faith before taking leadership roles in the church. Paul was emphasizing this when he instructed the women in the Ephesian church. Too often, in a church desperate for workers, new believers are placed in positions of responsibility prematurely. New faith needs time to mature. New believers should have a place of service, but they should not be put into leadership positions until they are firmly grounded in their faith, with a solid Christian life-style and a knowledge of the Word of God. Male or female. (1 Timothy 3:6)
God, we thank You today for Your Word to us.
Help us to keep Your Word in our hearts, on our lips, and working in our lives each day.
May we take the new knowledge that You give us and use it to further Your Kingdom and to grow in our relationship with You.
Help us never to judge someone based on their sex, race, or nationality--for You do not see us as anything more than Your children!
Help us build up and encourage, teach and mentor, new believers around us so that they can grow into mature, Bible-believing, Christ-honoring, Followers of Jesus Christ.Saved and washed in the Blood of Your Precious Son! Thank You Lord Jesus! In Your Name, Amen..
God bless you!
Your Sister in Christ,
April
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Thank you & God Bless
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Bible Scripture & Some information & ideas from NLT Life Application Bible ; all other accompanying thoughts & prayers ©April Hunt 2008
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