1 Timothy 2:11-15
“If there is one verse in the Bible more than any other which is used to disbar woman from proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ and exercising their talents for his glory, it is 1 Tim 2:12.” So wrote Richard and Catherine Kroeger in 1998.
1 Timothy 2:11-15, which I will treat tomorrow, is perhaps the most difficult text I’ve had to preach on to date. Included in this passage is a prohibition—“I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over men”—which is foreign to American culture. Whatever you believe women’s roles in church should be (progressive, conservative, or in the middle), you can find smart people to support your position. As an example, below are links to two books written by two men (with PhDs) in the church of Christ who have two different views on women’s roles. To make matters even more complicated, one of these men taught the other! Much more can be said about 1 Tim. 2:11-15, but this is perhaps enough to chew on. Well, that and the title of the sermon, which I hope is attention-grabbing: “Silent-Submissive-Child bearers.” Tune in and be sure to pray for the preacher :).
Happy New Year! (Links to books below.)
Women in the Church: Reclaiming the Ideal: Carroll Osburn: 9780891120216: Amazon.com: Books
Listen to the sermon: