PART ONE

The Letter vs The Spirit

INTRODUCTION

The question of a woman’s place in the body of Christ has long been a catalyst for contention and wounded lives. It’s an issue that won't reduce to superficial sound-bites. Opinions are strong on all sides. However, one thing is obvious: In the face of centuries of pathological male chauvinism, Jesus’ treatment of women was unprecedented and revolutionary. His utter respect, tenderness and servant attitude toward all women is one of the most astounding cultural provocations in history. 

 

The essence of this debate revolves around two opposing ways that believers approach the Bible: The letter versus the spirit.

THE LETTER

Jesus exposed a paramount deception regarding Bible interpretation when he challenged the religious leaders to “Search the scriptures; for in them you think you have eternal life. . . and yet you will not come to me, that you might have life." (John 5:39-40) Because the pharisees were obsessed with the letter of the law rather than the spirit of the law, their approach to scripture was dangerously flawed. In spite of their extraordinary knowledge of the written word, they failed to recognize the Living Word as He stood in their very midst! Sadly, much of the church is blinded by this same mind-set.

 

Seeking to transform the New Testament into a discreet set of doctrines and principles is legalism. This approach appeals to the intellect, because it offers the fleshly “security” of regulations (laws). We mistakenly assume that our mind is able to devise an accurate systematic theology. But such thinking can produce nothing more than “a form of godliness.” Legalism elevates the letter of the law above all other parameters and thereby becomes an idol. This is why the Bible warns, (and history sadly confirms) that “the letter kills. . .” A legalistic approach to scripture always leads to error and bondage. To base your Christian walk on patterns and formulas is to replace faith with a form of witchcraft. See Galatians 3:1-2.

Am I implying that we can interpret scripture according to our emotional whims? Absolutely not. The Bible is the word of God and must be taken with utmost reverence.  But, unveiling biblical truth is not always obvious. It requires diligence, passion for Truth, and a pure open heart.  

THE SPIRIT

When we see all scripture as a unified revelation of The Living Word, Jesus Christ, we have the key to understanding the spirit of the Bible. Our theology must reflect His character, because in Jesus all legalism is fulfilled by supernatural Love. “Love is the fulfillment of the law.” (Romans 13:10) The New Testament is not a legal script, nor a theology text of inflexible dogma. It’s essentially an anthology of subjective testimonies of encounters with God, that only make sense when our own divine insight identifies with the writer’s experience. Such thinking may seem heretical to a biblical bureaucrat. But, without the illumination of God’s Spirit in us, we are left to the deceptive devices of our fallen mind to unravel scripture, because “The natural mind receives not the things of the Spirit of God. . . neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (I Corinthians 2:14)

Paul's epistles are “not in the words which man’s wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” (1 Corinthians 2:13) “Comparing” is the role of human reason as it submits to spiritual revelation. God is not illogical, but our logic is limited to the scope of our spiritual vision.

The language of the human spirit is image and symbolism. Written words are merely symbols. There's no life in the ink, or even in a concept; they're just inert images of reality. If a symbol was perfect it would literally be truth, not just an impotent shadow. Therefore, we don't worship the Bible. Knowing and believing the truth behind words is what gives words power.

Biblical manuscripts (translated symbols) may be imperfect, yet the truth behind them is pure and unadulterated. Human language is a marred and fragmentary expression of fallen man, but if it's inspired by the Holy Spirit, it can be understood via the Holy Spirit. Jesus said “Everyone that is of the truth hears my voice.”(5) That's the key to the Bible!

INTERPRETATION WISDOM

Thankfully we don’t have to settle for second-hand indoctrination. All believers have access to first-hand empirical knowledge of the Truth. Christianity is not a mental concept, but an intimate subjective relationship with God. Those who idolize the intellect and fear supernatural revelations, find this hard to swallow, because their hope is in the pretentious god of intellectual reasoning. Thankfully, God lovingly confounds the “wise” so our hearts will be receptive to the Spirit behind scripture.

Yes, God “has placed His word above His name,”(Psalm 138:2 KJV) but not above His presence! When the Bible, together with our re-born spirit and our brain, becomes a three-fold cord, Truth will manifest. Sound doctrine is available to all who diligently seek Him who is Truth, and doctrine is limited to the Bible. (1 Tim 1:10; 2 Tim 4:3; Titus 1:9, 2:1) “Rightly dividing the word of truth” is an attainable goal, but it must include the entire Bible. (2 Timothy2:15) “The sum of your word is truth.” (Psalm 119:160)

     

By comparing scripture with scripture, incongruities and apparent contradictions arise, frustrating unenlightened logic. The Bible is no ordinary book of mans’ creation, but is a hyper-dimensional expression of Him who is full of grace and love. Thankfully God is not a heartless bureaucrat, but He treats His children with personalized and perfect wisdom. The ambiguities and paradoxes do not violate His wisdom, but confirm it. Our petty and simplistic efforts to grasp and catalog the Bible’s contents are mocked by its profound complexity and eternal depth.

The life of Jesus continually confounded the preconceptions of the religious mind. He fulfilled the Law, because He was the Spirit of the Law. He is eternal, holy and unfathomable; and to try to reduce Him to dogmatic formulas is to  nullify the finished work of Christ.

As we grapple with the difficult verses regarding women, remember Jesus said, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life .” (John 6:63) Jesus died to set women free by the “perfect law of liberty.” (James 1:25; 2:12) 

"Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures.” (Luke 24:45)

PART TWO   Submission

A MISUNDERSTOOD CONCEPT

“Unto the woman He said, I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; in sorrow you shall bring forth children, and your desire shall be to your husband, and he shall rule over you.” (Genesis 3:16)

Please understand, this verse is not a command or a license for men to enforce. To the contrary, it is simply a prophetic statement of the tragic consequences of the Fall. Its fulfillment has been undeniable and universal. Since the beginning, men have abused their God-given position, imposing themselves upon women, intimidating them into subjection.

But Jesus died to release men and women from this tragedy. Genesis 3:16 is not the kingdom of God. In His kingdom the curse is broken, joy triumphs over sorrow, and husbands don’t rule over their wives. In His kingdom loving servanthood prevails, from the least to the greatest. Control, manipulation and coercion are impossible where love reigns. Jesus will not violate the sanctity of man’s free will, but He patiently stands at the door and knocks. Husbands must follow His example.

Like Jesus, husbands are to be “gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy.” (James 3:17) Domination of one person by another is anti-Christ. He who is Lord of all creation said, “Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly of heart.” (Mt 11:29) The fragrance of loving mutual submission must permeate the entire kingdom of God. . . “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God...” (Eph 5:21)

It is in this kingdom context of corporate submission, that we find the famous verse admonishing wives to submit to their husbands. (Eph 5:22) However, if submission is mutual and corporate, (verse 21) why are only wives told to submit? The answer can only be inferred. Certainly most women have found the notion of submission offensive, because they have suffered the effects of selfish men.

However, it should also be noted that in a similar context, husbands are told to “love your wives and be not bitter against them.” (Col 3:19) Why, on the other hand, are only husbands singled out regarding love? Again, we must infer. But you would expect coldness in a man whose wife resists his selfish dominance.

It seems apparent that these verses are not gender exclusive, but rather address vulnerabilities peculiar to each gender. Submission and love are mandates for all Christians. How can you be a Godly servant without both virtues?

Since the Bible repeatedly proclaims that “God is no respecter of persons”, you would therefore expect Him to be no respecter of gender. And that is exactly what Paul affirms by declaring: “There is neither male nor female in Christ Jesus...” (Gal 3:28) Elevation in God’s kingdom is based on faithfulness and love, not gender or title. (Mt 25:14-23; Jn 15:14) The Bible says that women are “fellow heirs of the grace of life.” (I Pet 3:7) That leaves no room for gender discrimination in the Spirit. The “Message” translation puts it this way: “But in the new life of God’s grace, you’re equals. Treat your wives, then as equals so your prayers don’t run aground.”

HEADSHIP

When we are told that “The husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church,” (Eph 5:23) it has absolutely nothing to do with a woman’s value or her access to God. Male headship is merely a function of family government. Christ is the head of the church, and the husband is the head of the family. It is a position to be respected, but it is also a position of servanthood. “And whosoever will be chief (head) among you, let him be your servant.” (Mt 20:27; 23:11) One’s position or office does not confer true spiritual authority. Without humility and love, your position is merely an empty legality. Husbands are servant-leaders accountable to God for their behavior.

Paul’s analogy of headship is obviously limited. To carry it to an extreme would be blasphemy. The husband is to typify Christ, not replace Him. The husband is neither his wife’s intermediary, nor her spiritual head. Headship is a natural earthly relationship. It cannot extend into the spiritual realm because there is no male or female in the Spirit. The wife may be the “weaker vessel” (i.e. physical body), but she is not necessarily weaker spiritually.

The husband does not have headship over his wife in matters of faith and conscience, anymore than a pastor does over a congregation. If anyone had a right to exercise such authority it was the Apostle Paul, yet he said “We (leaders) have no dominion over your faith.” (2 Cor 1:24) The secret place of faith and conscience is sacred between each believer and God, and any intrusion into that place by headship, either in church or marriage, is cultic and anti-Christ. Autocratic control is the hallmark of Satan’s domain, and it is nowhere to be found in God’s kingdom.

ABRAHAM AND SARAH

In the relentless drive to subjugate women, no scripture has been more twisted than I Peter 3:6: “Even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord...”

We know from the context that this verse is an obvious call for women to return to the profound respect (and modesty) common to earlier generations. All cultures experience this inevitable moral decline, where Godly respect and humility are replaced by cynicism, impudence and finally flagrant rebellion. Apparently respect for husbands by wives was such a problem among those early believers.

However, only part of the verse has been quoted, and unfortunately many preachers stop there. Based only on the first half of I Peter 3:6, we might conclude that wives, by emulating Sarah, should blindly submit to their husbands. After all, she called Abraham “lord.” But in this case, “lord” was simply a common title of respect. It is the very same Hebrew word Rebecca used in addressing a slave, saying “Drink my lord.” (Genesis 24:18)

The second half of this verse is vital to our understanding, because it explains what a true spiritual daughter of Abraham is:

“. . . whose daughters you are, as long as you do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.”

What was it that Sarah did “well” in the face of fear, that was forever recorded as a hallmark of a Godly wife? Very simply, she was faithful to God in spite of intimidating circumstances surrounding her husband.

In the face of an extremely volatile family drama, Sarah stood on a word from God and stridently confronted her husband. Read the account in Genesis 21:10-12. Confident of the will of God, Sarah admonished Abraham, “Get rid of that slave woman and her son.” And God backed her by commanding Abraham to “Listen to whatever Sarah tells you.” Sarah combined respect and bold confrontation, and God says both are required if you are to be considered her spiritual daughter. If you truly respect someone you will confront them with the truth when love and justice require it.

Paul’s statement that “We must obey God rather than Man,” applies to all levels of authority. A wife’s obedience to her husband is not blind and absolute, but is contingent upon the leading of the Holy Spirit. The key to submission is a loving attitude, not passive resignation or false piety.

If a husband is not walking with God, what is a Godly wife to do? She does the same as Sarah. She continually shows respect (i.e. the fruit of the Spirit), yet maintains integrity by speaking the word of God as the Holy Spirit prompts. Whether it is the husband or wife speaking the truth, it must be done in humility and love or it becomes nothing more than a destructive hammer.

When we allow ourselves to be in bondage to another person’s control we grieve God and repudiate the precious sacrifice of Jesus. Paul said, "by love serve one another." (Gal 5:13)    True love cannot flow until we are free from the emotional manipulations of others. Fear must be replaced by love.

Every husband has a responsibility to awaken his wife's love before he can expect her submission. The mystery of marriage is symbolized by the husband representing Jesus the bridegroom and the wife representing the Church (Eph 5:31-33)  Jesus' love for us is not dependent upon our love for Him. "We love him, because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19) Therefore, the obligation to love is initiated by the husband. Unloving husbands are the primary cause of our culture's disintegration.

PART THREE The Silencing of Women
 

THE CORINTHIAN PROBLEM

(1 Corinthians 14:34-37) “Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also says the law. And if they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.” . . . what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command.”

This passage naturally requires analysis. It has no legal exclusion clause. At face value it clearly, without concession, forbids all wives from any vocal expression in church. Period! It must be either taken literally or spiritual mitigation is the only alternative.

Two key questions need resolution:

1. Can a New Testament verse be limited to its cultural context? Is this passage really meant to be applied universally to all women for all times? Legalism would say “Yes!” The Spirit would say, “Ask for Wisdom.”
2. Why does the overall theme of 1^st Corinthians contradict the command for wives to be silent in church? Apparent Biblical contradictions are not error, but reveal multifaceted applications. Prophecies often have both historical and future applications, and parables are expressed in outdated cultural symbols. The Bible contains both general and specific wisdom.

Ideally, everyone is to vocally participate in church gatherings, but it's conditional.

WOMEN'S FREEDOM TO SPEAK IN CHURCH:

The premise of chapter fourteen is undeniably the vocal expression of spiritual gifts, for both male and female. The context is when “the whole church comes together.”

(1 Cor 14:5; 23-31 NIV) “I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. . .If the WHOLE CHURCH comes together. . . and everyone speaks in tongues. . . while everybody is prophesying. . . What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a doctrine (teaching), a revelation... if revelation comes to someone. . . You can all prophesy.”

In this passage, "Brothers” is clearly a generic term that includes women. (Gen 5:2) "Male and female created He them, and blessed them and called their name Adam in the day when they were created."     Brethren in Greek means, “People of same nationality, kinsman, community based.”

So, if women are definitely encouraged to speak in open public meetings, the verses contradicting such freedom must be a cultural exception. Therefore, 1 Corinthians 14:34-37 cannot be a universal command for women to always be silent in church.

 

Furthermore, even the Old Testament agrees that women have the right to vocally minister to men. A pivotal blessing in Jewish history came through the prophetess Hulda speaking the word of the Lord exclusively to a group of men, including the king. (II Chron 34:20-22) If women were to have no such vocal authority, how do you explain the prophetesses Miriam and Noadiah, and God anointing Deborah as a Judge over all Israel?

LOVE IS THE KEY!

The entire Law was fulfilled by LOVE! With love as the spiritual context, together with other verses contradicting absolute women's silence, I must conclude that a cultural interpretation is valid, as long as love is the matrix.

It's not about laws and regulations, it's about LOVE flowing from the Holy Spirit through us! The epic LOVE chapter is our standard for relating to all cultural diversities. (1 Cor 13)

It's compelling that in 1^st Corinthians God's pivotal wisdom is: “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.” (1 Cor 10:23) “All things are lawful but not everything is beneficial.  All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.” (1  Cor 6:12)  It's highly significant that the phrase "All things are lawful" is repeated four times in the very epistle in question!

Our amazing freedom in Christ is limited to LOVE! “Be humble, and honor others more than yourselves.” (Phil 2:3) Unlike America, the cultural climate surrounding the early church was harsh male dominance. Women were considered inferior and treated as slaves. Love says, “Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person.” (1 Cor 7:21-22) God wants to set women free from male enslavement, but men must loose them! In Christ, women have been liberated to speak freely, but it's limited to love.

So, what does love have to do with women not speaking in that first century church culture? I surmise that it's love for both new believers and non-believes. For the local church to impact such an evil misogynistic city, it would have to be sensitive to their sexist culture. Thus, Paul humbly admitted, “Though I was free from all men, I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more.” (1 Cor 9:19) That's the point!  

"Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them . . . so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive."  (Titus 2:9-10)

Women's freedom should be expressed with love and empathy toward the unsaved and the weak in faith. We cannot endorse sin, but we must love the sinner. Women fully expressing their vocal freedom in Christ would have been a profound insult to such a society, hindering their receptivity to the whole Gospel. If we exercise our blood bought freedom apart from love, we risk becoming culturally rebellious, and quenching the Holy Spirit.

When Paul said: “What I am writing to you is the Lord’s command,” (1 Cor 14:37) what exactly was that command? It's the entire book of 1 Corinthians, including chapter fourteen. And what is the Spirit of that context? It's love, edification, decency, order, respect, and sensitivity to others in a culture that was Isis-like and Pharisee-like. Corinth was one of the most decadent cities in the ancient world, hosting the temple of Aphrodite, that boasted of 1,000 prostitutes - a relevant fact to our interpretation.

Our freedom is not a license to offend a culture. “Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God.” (1 Cor 10:32) However, in our 21^st century Western culture, to categorically subjugate women (1 Cor 14:34-37) is to dishonor the Blood bought liberty of women.

The Message translation aptly summarizes this cultural dilemma: “Wives must not disrupt worship, talking when they should be listening, asking questions that could more appropriately be asked of their husbands at home. God’s Book of the law guides our manners and customs here. Wives have no license to use the time of worship for unwarranted speaking. Do you—both women and men—imagine that you’re a sacred oracle determining what’s right and wrong? Do you think everything revolves around you?” (1 Corinthians 34-37)

Regarding women's head coverings: (1 Cor 11:16 KJV) “But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.” Regardless of how you translate that verse, 'custom' is the key word, revealing that cultural customs can be legitimate church practices, yet not necessarily inviolable universal laws. In our modern Western culture, head coverings are generally irrelevant.

 
ADVICE TO TIMOTHY

“Let the women learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.” (1 Timothy 2:11-12)

This appears to be more subjective and less restrictive than 1^st Corinthians fourteen where absolute silencing of women is mandated. Yet, the salient question is: Does this passage forbid all women, everywhere, at all times from public ministry?

We must take seriously any doctrine which has the potential of silencing and destroying God ordained and anointed ministries. Any leader who categorically resists the Holy Spirit in another, places himself in great jeopardy. “Touch not mine anointed,” applies to ALL anointed servants, regardless of their title!  If you judge the anointing of a woman minister as demonic, you're blaspheming the Holy Spirit. (Mark 3:22-30)

Jesus said, “wisdom is justified of all her children...” (Luke 7:35) In other words, to those who have ears to hear, wisdom is simply self-evident. Eternal truth stands on its own, and needs no human verification. It should be obvious that not all of Paul’s statements represent universal moral imperatives. When we compare all of his epistles a pattern emerges confirming this point. Romans and Galatians clearly contain general church doctrine conveyed in such a way as to exclude exceptions. They are presented as coming directly from God, with human reference conspicuously absent, as if Paul had stepped aside while Absolute Truth was paraded before us. However, his letters to Timothy and Corinth are directed at specific personal and local church issues, requiring managerial wisdom from Paul, and must be interpreted from that perspective.

It's highly reasonable that Paul’s intent in writing to Timothy, was NOT to establish foundational doctrine. Therefore, it should not be construed as a mandate prohibiting women teachers for all time in all churches. When he said “I do not suffer a woman to teach,” he was merely offering Timothy some local leadership wisdom and policy. It may not be wise in some cases to let women teach. But it’s not categorically forbidden, because Pricilla taught men (Acts 18:26), and teaching was encouraged for all church members in I Corinthians 14:26. The present tense of the verb could also be translated: “I am not allowing women to teach,” suggesting it’s a temporary restraint.

GODDESS WORSHIP

Paul’s reason for silencing women at Ephesus has incited as much debate as the prohibition itself:

“For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in transgression. But she will be saved by The Childbearing, if they continue in faith and love and holiness with sound-mindedness." (1 Tim 2:13-15) She will be saved by the birth of the Child (Jesus) - not by having her own children.

Why would he link this issue to Adam and Eve? The answer is in the context. The unmistakable theme of 1^st Timothy from beginning to end, is heresy and false teachings in the Ephesian church. Paul warns them of “seducing spirits and doctrines of devils,” and he exposes those “desiring to be teachers of the law.” Finally, he exhorts Timothy not to even tolerate teachers of false doctrine. (6:3-5) This church was in critical condition doctrinally, and the banning of women teachers was apparently related.

Paul’s reference to Genesis 3 seems to say that an inherent propensity for deception disqualifies women from teaching. However, it’s not that simple. If women are so easily deceived, why are they encouraged to teach impressionable young women? (Titus 2:3-4) And why would “deception prone” women be exhorted to prophesy, (I Cor 14) yet not allowed to teach?

The original Greek offers some provocative clues. According to scholars, and newer translations, “woman” should be translated “wife” (in I Timothy 2:12), significantly restricting the relevance and scope of the passage. But it is even more enlightening when we unveil the Greek definition of “to ursurp authority.” The original word (authentein) is found no where else in the entire Bible, and has a coarse and vulgar connotation denoting sexual manipulation. This dramatically alters the traditional view of that verse. Apparently, women (wives) were using sexual license to gain advantage over husbands (usurping). Furthermore, it’s implied that such beguilement was actually part of some teaching.

Sexual extortion by women to gain spiritual power has been a recurrent Biblical theme. It's a literal demonic principality infiltrating the fabric of both Old and New Testaments. It first appears as the goddess Ashtoreth, (1 Sam 7:3; 2 Kings 23:13) a predominate pagan force, which interestingly worked its wiles through wives. “When Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods. . . for Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess.” (1 Kings 11:4-5)

In Jeremiah (44:15-19) we see this same diabolical power manifest as the “Queen of Heaven." Again it is wives who come under its spell, provoking them to openly defy the word of the Lord, and seduce the “fathers, kings and princes” to worship this goddess. This spirit, which is essentially witchcraft, gains even more infamy by possessing Jezebel. Through “witchcraft and whoredoms” Jezebel forever became a byword, and the archetype usurper of men. (1 Kings 21; 2 Kings 9:22)

In the Gospels, I believe we see this same religious spirit, as it seeks to draw worship away from Jesus unto itself, by elevating Mary above the Savior - the ultimate usurpation! This demon speaking through a woman declares: “Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which you have sucked” (Lk 11:27) But Jesus’ response curtly nullifies any mediator or goddess status regarding Mary: “. . . rather blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it.” (verse 28)

In Revelation, Jesus himself exposes this doctrine of devils when He says, “You suffers that woman Jezebel which calls herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication.” (Rev 2:20) Here the combination of women teaching and sexually violating God’s servants is clearly seen.

However, we find the greatest incarnation of this goddess spirit at Ephesus, the very city where Paul disallowed women teachers because they apparently were acting like Jezebel. Ephesus had become the demonic stronghold of Diana the goddess “whom all Asia and the whole world worships.” . . .and the masses cried out, “great is Diana of the Ephesians!” (Acts 19:27-28) Is there any doubt this evil influence was infiltrating the church at Ephesus? Is there any doubt that women were especially vulnerable to its deception? This goddess mediator theme has been one of the prime satanic strategies of the ages, culminating in the Great Whore of Revelation.

Paul takes us back to Eve because any doctrine of a female mediator would ultimately justify itself in the veneration of Eve - the mother of all humanity. But notice, the issue here is false doctrine, not women teaching per se. The error is what they are teaching, not that they are teaching. The deception of Eve has nothing to do with women's ability to teach. But it has everything to do with Eve’s fallibility. The priority of Adam, coupled with Eve’s deception negates any goddess status assumed for Eve. That is Paul's point!

You cannot deny women their right to teach based on some inherent gender defect, because no such defect exists. In fact, Eve’s gullibility is linked to the entire church, male and female, in 2 Corinthians 11:3: “I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived. . . your minds may somehow be led astray.” Deception is common to both genders, and usurping authority is sin for both genders. ”There is no temptation. . . but such as is common to man.” (1 Cor 10:13) Paul used Eve’s deception simply to disprove a false teaching, that apparently idolized and glorified Eve.

This passage is a theological problem only for those who view the Bible as a legal document. Why is it that many who forbid women teachers, often neglect similar commandments by Paul, such as?

“I will that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands..”

“Covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak in tongues.”

Paul’s advice to Timothy was certainly not reactionary, but no doubt was motivated by apostolic love for the Ephesian church. Unlike many modern leaders, Paul was not threatened by the liberation of women. Fear of the Jezebel spirit will only produce oppression and paranoia, and to ignore it will destroy ministries. The church errs in both extremes. However, we don’t defeat Satan by laws, we do it by the Holy Spirit. This edict (1 Tim 2:11-12) was not a universal moral law, it was the wisdom of the Holy Spirit for a particular time and place.

PART FOUR

Conclusion

Even though we see through a glass darkly, sound doctrine is attainable (1 Tim 1:10; Tit 2:2) if we seek Him. And sound doctrine will produce good fruit. What has been the fruit of churches oppressing women? And what has been the fruit where women have been given liberty to minister? The answer is obvious. Even the world sees how the religious bureaucracy treats women, and they are appalled. It doesn’t always take spiritual eyes to recognize such religious bondage, but it does take spiritual eyes to be delivered from false doctrine.

Jesus consistently honored the dignity and right of all women to express themselves to the glory of God. It was a woman, not the male disciples, to whom Jesus first disclosed He was the Messiah (John 4:26) “I that speak unto thee am He.” And from that divine encounter, this outcast woman at the well became, in essence, the first missionary. “The woman then left her water pot, and went her way into the city, and said to the men . . . and many believed on Him for the saying of the woman.” (Jn 4:28-29, 39)

And as a fitting rebuke of Jewish tradition, Jesus chose a women of questionable repute (Mary Magdalene) to receive the very first revelation, and give the first public testimony of His resurrection, and thereby the first evangelistic message! (John 20:17; Luke 24:10) “Go to my brethren and say unto them...”

Then, on the Day of Pentecost, this precious unprecedented liberation of women was boldly proclaimed and forever established, as Peter explained: “This is that spoken by the prophet Joel...your sons and your daughters shall prophesy...and on your handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit, and they shall prophesy...” (Acts 2:17-18)

There was to be no misunderstanding. The Old Testament predicted it, Jesus demonstrated and purchased it, and at Pentecost the Holy Spirit enacted it. Anointed public speaking from God’s heart to a dying world is the ministry of all redeemed men and women. Paul certainly wouldn’t contradict this profound blood-bought freedom. His advice to the Corinthian church and Timothy was never intended to eclipse the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Remember, all contentions over the woman question are essentially carnal. This is why Paul chided the Corinthians, “I could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.” (1 Cor 3:1) Nevertheless, we need to be cautious not to over spiritualize the woman question to the exclusion of obvious differences in the flesh. “Does not even nature itself teach you. . .”

It’s noteworthy that in spite of the liberation of women by Jesus Christ, the Bible has a glaring patriarchal theme. For example: a male priesthood, 70 male elders, virtually all male prophets, 12 male apostles, and male deacons. It would be unwise to simply ignore this precedent.

Libertarian schemes to merge and obscure genders are foolishness, because there are irrefutable generalities defining male and female roles. Males tend to be leaders, providers and warriors, while females tend to be nurtures, comforters, and domesticators.

Nevertheless, God created each of us with wonderfully unique and sublime qualities, and He does not relate to us in generalities. To stereotype an individual is to not see them at all, and reveals a blindness to His creative genius. If we are to behold the image of God in each person, we must look beyond our carnality which compels us to categorize and judge.

When Paul rebuked the Corinthians for their immaturity regarding these issues, he also provided a remedy. . . “For I am determined not to know anything among you, except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. (1 Cor 2:2) That is a lofty goal. But if we will resolve to see each other in the Spirit and not after the flesh, great liberty and blessing will result.

In Christ our concepts of self-identity, self-worth and status, are no longer perverted by sin. It was only after the Fall that isolation, sorrow and strife defined all relationships. But in the Garden, Adam and Eve dwelt in unimaginable harmony, equality, vulnerability and joy. The theological questions and gender distinctions we grapple with were irrelevant in the Garden. . . and so are they in Heaven! “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Amen!!

Copyright 2004 by Hayden Humphrey

Edited 2016 by Hayden Humphrey