1 Timothy 2:12

1 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1 Timothy 2:12 I do not permit. Paul writes with the authority of an apostle. He does not simply offer an opinion. This statement is about how the church should operate when assembled together. In that context, two things are prohibited: (1) Women are not permitted to publicly teach Scripture and/or Christian doctrine to men in church (the context implies these topics), and (2) women are not permitted to exercise authority over men in church. Women teaching other women, and women teaching children, are not mentioned here, and both are encouraged elsewhere (2 Timothy 1:5; Titus 2:4). This passage also does not address the role of women in leadership situations outside the church (e.g., business or government). The word or between “to teach” and “to exercise authority” indicates two different activities, not a single activity of “authoritative teaching.” The phrase “exercise authority” occurs only here in the NT. Examples of this word used outside the NT clearly establish that the meaning is “exercise authority,” not “usurp authority” or “abuse authority.” The role of pastor/elder/overseer is rooted in the task of teaching and exercising authority over the church. Thus, this verse excludes women from serving in this office (compare 1 Timothy 3:2). quiet. Paul means “quiet” with respect to the teaching responsibility in the assembled church. Paul elsewhere indicates that women do speak in other ways in the church assembly (see 1 Corinthians 11:5). See also note on 1 Cor. 14:34–35.