Family Part 6 Preach Notes (Women and Teaching) 

We want men and women to bring their unique reflection of God to the table. We don’t want to be a single parent family. The church is a big family. Elders/fathers servants, releasing agents. One thing is changing:- Releasing gifted/called women to teach. We want to be consistent and Biblical. 1 Timothy 2:11-14. A corner stone for previous limitation. 

The debate around this verse hinges on the meaning of The word ‘authority’ ‘authentein’ Only once in the whole NT! Normal word is eksousía used 102 times in NT), Therefore he must have a different meaning in mind than the ‘normal’ exercise of authority.  Had 12 other words for routine/normal authority. Paul Chose word carefully

What did word mean then? Many scholars argue there is no first-century justification for translating authentein as “to exercise authority” That’s not how the word was used/understood. Rather the use of the word at the time was negative meaning to ‘dominate’ or ‘gain the upper hand’ Paul is prohibiting teaching that arises to get the upper hand. 

I do not permit a woman to teach with a view to dominate a man or I do not permit a woman to teach with a view to gain mastery over a man.

It is rooted in a particular context. Specifically written as is 1 Corinthians 14:34 ( a verse not universally literally applied)  Cultural backdrop of goddess worship centred in Ephesus where women considered superior so dominated men. Women influenced, by culture embraced abusive use of authority to teach heresy claiming to be the author, source, originator of man.

I do not permit a woman to teach with a view to dominate control, restrain, a man or I do not permit a woman to teach with a view to gain mastery over a man.  Trying to gain an advantage over the men in the congregation by teaching in a dictatorial fashion. The men in response became angry and disputed what the women were doing. Verse 8. General sense of calming things down in Ephesus! Paul is calling for peace end of battle between the genders in a church setting. 2:11 Silence = Godly, peaceable, respectable.

The ‘for’ at the beginning of v13 is addressing Elevation of the feminine over the masculine. Not how God intended men and women to interact. Superior/inferior. Husbands not to be harsh, quenching, insensitive, uncaring, passive. Instead Husbands to act as releasing protective agents, doing everything possible to maximize their wives' potential and bring them into the highest possibilities.

And women respect this servant Christ-like leadership be his equal partner not his boss. Sin ruined this harmony, Christ redeemed it

Clear from other scriptures that Paul isn’t saying women never to teach. Acts 2:17 All flesh Sons and Daughters prophesy. 1 Cor 14:26 Each one has …. 1 Corinthians 11:4 Every wife who prays and prophesies. 1 Cor 12:4. Everyone. (Prophesy can be authoritative words from God. ) Acts 18:26 Priscilla taught (stood out) Apollos, Acts 21:9 Philips four daughters were prophetesses, Many scriptures are quotes from women Mary’s exhortation in Luke 1. John 4:28 People listened to and followed the Samaritan women and learned from her. Romans 16:1 Phoebe carried Paul’s letter to Rome. His ambassador.

To listen to the preach go to www.ccklondon.org/podcast