The Apostle Paul: A male chauvinist???

What’s up Beautiful?

In 1 Timothy 2:12 Paul instructs women to not teach in worship service or have authority over men. He further expects women to be: 1. Modest in clothing 2. No garish jewelry or elaborate hair style 3. Silence.

I thought on this because this is highly criticized in this day in time. Maybe in today’s time this is for women’s focus, financial stability, and safety.

Instead of preaching or having authority at church perhaps her focus should be on her home, family, or career. Having to oversee a church flock takes a lot of time which may be better used at home or work. Furthermore, she would have to lead by example if in authority which means she would have to have strict conduct. This may lead to high stress as well as judgment if she falters. I think as women we often falter because of the situations we are put in so having to then get up and preach may be problematic. As stated in the Bible, the woman, Eve, was easier to deceive than the man, Adam. Thus, a woman’s focus may be better served on something else within the church, community, work, or home.

As far as clothing or jewelry or hair, many women face greater financial hardships. Therefore, money should be used for savings, investing, or social status instead of purchasing an abundance of clothing, jewelry, or hairstyling. In addition, perhaps her focus should be on God and helping others when she enters the church building and not on looks, impressing others, or seeking the attention of men. Again, just a thought.

Finally, perhaps Paul called for silence based on the safety of women especially within the home. Many women experience domestic violence. Sometimes, words can lead to arguments or violence even if these words are innocent or needed. Yet women are beaten for so called cursing or going off on a man, correcting him, embarrassing him, questioning him, belittling him, or anything else. And all of this may be either warranted or even innocent but it could lead to violence. Therefore Paul says a woman should be silent (I guess as much as possible). Throughout the Bible, as Christians, we are taught to be quiet (Isaiah) or slow to speak or to bridle our tongue or to not speak too much even when in the presence of the Lord.

So I know some may not like this view but this is what came to my mind when in 1837, two Women’s Liberty sisters, The Grimke’s, said Paul was wrong because there is neither Greek nor Jew or woman nor man in God but that we are all equal. Thus, the sisters reasoned that women can preach.

Let me know what you think. Be blessed.