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The Role of Women

in the Assembly of the Local Church

1 Timothy 2:11-15

Just as with masculinity and femininity, our culture has influenced the role of women in the local church. Today, our society wants to eliminate gender distinctions, much less the roles of men and women. Many churches have felt the pressure of society to incorporate women into leadership positions within the church. In an effort to gain favor with mainstream America and younger generations, churches have disregarded the Bible’s teaching on the subject and brought women into leadership roles.

In this passage, Paul commands women in the assembly of the church to learn in silence, and be submissive to male leaders. He clearly states women are not permitted to publically teach in the presence of other men and or be in authoritative roles over men in the local church. What does this mean?

Women are not permitted to preach in the assembly, lead in worship, serve as elders or deacons. In the absence of an eldership, women are not permitted to make decisions for the local church. But, why?

Paul’s explanation for these commands is rooted in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 1-3). Women were not created to be in a place of dominance over men. Paul explains this by stating Adam was created first, then Eve. Adam was given rule over creation by God. God created Eve to be a help for Adam. God never intended Eve to take leadership responsibilities from Adam. However, this is what Eve did when she sinned.

Eve acted insubordinately to God by eating from the tree of knowledge. Her defiance continued by persuading Adam to eat from the tree. Specific consequences resulted: “Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee” (Gen. 3:16).

While Paul considered the reasoning for the submissive role of women, he also considered her salvation: “Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety” (1 Tim. 2:15). This statement of Paul brings a sense of measure and balance to what could have been perceived as harsh instruction. Even though women suffer(ed) certain consequences for sin, they still can access salvation.

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