The book of 1 Timothy 2:12-14, authored by apostle Paul, has a bible verse that has piqued people’s interest for generations.
Paul was the apostle who wrote nearly half of the texts found in the New Testament, and his assertion has sparked a lot of debate.
Many have even gone so far as to suggest that the Bible is partial in its treatment of women. Many have gone so far as to forbid women from participating in religious activities. But what exactly did Paul mean? According to the Bible verse:
So, when Paul claimed he doesn’t allow women to talk, what did he mean? Does this imply that women are not permitted to speak in church and must instead remain silent? And, if that’s the case, are we making a mistake by allowing it to happen?
One thing to keep in mind is that Paul also addressed men in this chapter, telling them not to generate any anger or discord. Women needed to be warned in the same way that men were.
According to numerous historical sources, women in Paul’s day were very concerned with how they appeared (dress), which is why he instructs them to dress modestly when in the congregation in chapter 2 Vs 12. In a manner, Paul was encouraging women to be subordinate to men.
Historically, women were not permitted to enter the temple, and they had just recently been permitted to attend synagogues. Because most of them were new to the temples and unfamiliar with what was going on, they would frequently ask a lot of questions, especially during sermons, causing disruptions.
Paul’s command to be silence did not indicate that women were not allowed to speak in church, but it did mean that they were not to disrupt the discourse. Only men were permitted to teach in those days.
Paul was simply encouraging the women to be very obedient, particularly during the temple teachings.
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