Does the Bible Allow Women to Teach Men?

by Irene Webster

The Lord announces the word, and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng. Psalm 68:11

To many this question doesn’t warrant being answered and is ludicrous, but to others it is a very serious question which needs to be addressed. In fact, some Christian denominations, as well as other religious beliefs, have accepted women are not to teach men at all. Women are considered to be second class citizens.

How do I know? As a passionate Christian woman, I have personally experienced this type of one-sided biased understanding of 1 Timothy 2:10-11. And I am not alone, as untold women have experienced rejection of their gifting’s over and over, told to be silent, not to even speak, not to teach, not to preach.

However, despite this intimidation I would say most women, saved or not reject this notion because intuitively they know they are just as perceptive, wise and good at teaching as their male counterparts. In fact, spiritually discerning Christian women know their God created them in His own image, and gifted many to teach and minister, making them full of wisdom, knowledgeable, and understanding.

So I ask you, is God a liar?  Did He not say that in the end days He would pour out His Spirit upon ALL FLESH? Joel 2:28-32 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.

Or what about Galatians 3:28? (KJV) There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.  Surely, this is in God’s Word? So why are some women still accepting they are to be silent and not to teach men? And why are some men expecting women to be silent and not teach men?  I ask you, don’t women teach little boys at bible studies, Sunday School and also in educational facilities from pre-school to post doctorate?

Didn’t Timothy himself receive instruction from his own grandmother, and mother? Or what about the woman at the well? John 4:6-30 Hummm?? She carried the good news and TAUGHT the truth about a Man who knew everything about her to AN ENTIRE VILLAGE.

What about Debra, a Judge in Israel who led Barak, the leader of the Israelite army into battle? Judges 4:6-10. Let’s not forget about Queen Esther who spoke to her husband when it would mean certain death to talk without being called to the King in advance? Esther 5. Or what about the apostle Junia? Romans 16:7 NIV Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me.

They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. Or how about Phoebe, a deacon and trusted emissary in Romans 17”1-3?  Or Priscilla, a Roman woman who married to a Jewish believer named Aquila. Paul calls Priscilla and Aquila his “fellow workers” in Roman 17:3.

It is also noteworthy to point out Priscilla is mentioned in scripture first before her husband probably because she was the more prominent teacher. Some scholars also note Priscilla did not limit her discipleship ministry to women and contributed to the growth of the men of the church as well.

No question women throughout the ages have suffered subjugation and have been forced to accept a subservient existence because of the sin of Eve in the Garden when she invited her husband to have a bite. I get it. That was her punishment. But this was not an eternal judgement. No, Christ took the curse upon Himself on the cross and set free all that would believe!

Again, sons and daughters of the Most High God, we are free from the curse! Culture and a renegade society like Ephesus is not the problem now. The women of old could not teach or even talk in certain churches in the New Testament but this didn’t mean women for two thousand years would be condemned to sit on their gifts! No, this is Satan’s continued work, deceiving mankind, trying to eliminate 50% of the Christian believers from utilizing their anointing!

Let’s look at the Word of God together and see the truth from an original perspective and using the original language and translation.

Here is are some concerning passages:
1 Timothy 2:9-14
9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve.
14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

Whoa now, don’t you have to ask yourself why was this an issue in Ephesus? So were women only saved if they had children and were quiet?? Really? Or was this a universal problem then, women talking too much and dressing provocatively, usurping authority over men?? Obviously it was a big problem there but the problems in the church of Ephesus does not warrant locking up until Christ’s return ALL women’s gifts or even denying all women the opportunity to be on an equal footing with her husband.

Besides, this blanket statement of condemning all women to a life of silence and subservience to ALL MEN is not God by any stretch of the imagination. After all He did send His son to set us all free. Furthermore, are we are to believe bible scholars like Alexander Strauch who wrote the book Biblical Eldership teaching that no women has any right to leadership in the church.

Are we to accept the oppressive views of men throughout the ages that oppressed women. Or are we to realize God is for us. After all, didn’t He say in Mark 16:15, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. No gender mentioned there. Strange. Big revelation here: the word man in 1 Timothy 2: 12 is referring to husband but somehow in some Christian circles the singular man is now being taught to mean MEN, plural, ALL males.

So if we are to believe this then all women are to NOT TEACH ANY OF THE MALE GENDER. Tell me, does this make sense? Of course not. This is not the God I serve. Jesus loved women, used them mightily and wanted them to know God’s complete, loving acceptance. So how come so many people don’t get it?

Please, search your heart and ask yourself, did God really condemn all women to an eternal punishment to be oppressed and looked down on as second class, unworthy of teaching and preaching the gospel?

What did God really show us with His precious son’s life? Didn’t Jesus Christ accept women? Yes, of course, so I implore you to search deep within your heart for what the truth really is. Look at the full Word of God. Consider the cultural differences and sin issues of those days. Look deep, ask God to reveal the truth. He will show you.