A Woman’s Role in Teaching

Articles

Derek Long
11/22/20 - Teaching

A Woman’s Role in Teaching By Derek Long

God’s word places some restrictions upon women in the area of teaching. 1 Corinthians 14:33-35 says, “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church” (NKJV). 1 Timothy 2:11-15 says, “Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with selfcontrol” (NKJV). Restrictions are placed upon women in the area of teaching in these two passages. However, the Bible also makes it plain a woman has a role of teaching to fulfill. Titus 2:3-5 tells us the older women are to be, “teachers of good things - that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed” (NKJV). Women must fulfill their God-given task in the area of teaching while being careful not to violate the restrictions God has placed upon them in the realm of teaching. Women are clearly forbidden from serving in positions of authority over men (1 Timothy 2:12). A woman certainly cannot serve as an elder because the qualifications make it clear an elder must be a man (1 Timothy 3:1-2, 4-5; Titus 1:5-6). Elders certainly have a responsibility to teach (Titus 1:9) in a manner which would require them to teach over men and women. Women also cannot do the work of an evangelist (2 Timothy 4:5). The work of an evangelist calls upon a person to teach both men and women (Titus 2:1-10). A woman cannot teach over men and women. The work of an evangelist involves rebuking with all authority (Titus 2:15). A woman cannot exercise such authority over a man though. Additionally, evangelists typically address the church when it is gathered together. A woman is clearly forbidden from doing this based upon the teaching of 1 Corinthians 14:34-35. Women must be careful not to attempt to take charge or the lead in a situation where men are present. Acts 18:26 gives us an example of Aquila and Priscilla taking Apollos aside to explain to him the way of God more accurately. Women may be involved in a situation where instruction is given and men are present. However, she must be careful not to teach over or exercise authority over a man in such situations. Women must remember they are to be in a position of submission in such situations. A word to men: Men need to prepare themselves to teach so women do not feel they must step up and take the lead although a failure of men to step up does not excuse a woman taking on a position of leadership. A woman needs to be careful how they make comments in a class where men are present. A woman needs to be careful the way she phrases her comments in a setting where men are present and teaching is taking place. Women certainly have an important role to fulfill in teaching. Titus 2:3-5 makes it clear a woman can serve as a great teacher to other women especially those younger than herself. She can impart wisdom and advice about how to fulfill the role of a woman in a way a man could not. Women also would play a role in the teaching and training of their children. Ephesians 6:1-3 commands children to obey their parents. If children must obey both mother and father, the inference is both mothers and fathers are to give instruction to their children. Women may also be able to help men grow in their understanding of the word of God. However, a woman must be careful not to abandon an attitude of submission and begin teaching over a man. 1 Timothy 2:13-14 shows us these restrictions placed upon a woman when it comes to her role in teaching are rooted in facts which transcend culture. A woman’s role in teaching is rooted in: 1. The order of creation - Adam was formed first, then Eve (1 Timothy 2:13). 2. Eve’s role in the entrance of sin - Eve was deceived and fell into transgression (1 Timothy 2:14). People who want to argue the restrictions placed upon women in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 and 1 Timothy 2:11-15 are just an example of respecting first century culture are failing to account for the language in the passages which teach why such restrictions were placed on women in the area of teaching.